Arpil 14, 2011

Page 1

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Youth hits right notes at singing competition PAGE 24 Vol. 38 #8

Sandy Lake, Mish kids excited about beds PAGE 23

Federal election coverage 2011 PAGES 11-17 9,300 copies distributed $1.50

April 14, 2011

Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice since 1974

www.wawataynews.ca

Celebrating the life of a spiritual leader

William Winter June 4, 1921 to March 31, 2011 Rick Garrick Wawatay News

The late William Winter was remembered as a very spiritual man who lived out his teachings. “The principles that he instilled in other people he led by life example,” said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “He was a very compassionate, considerate caring individual and that’s how he molded his life.” Beardy recalled an incident after he was first elected as his community’s chief that speaks to Winter’s compassionate nature. “I became a chief when I was fairly young, before I was 30 years old,” Beardy said. “He came to see me as a young chief to offer his support if I needed it. And I have many times throughout my political life gone to him for advice so I am very grateful for that.” Winter, the first Native archdeacon to be appointed in northern Ontario, passed away

March 31 at the age of 89 with his family at his side in Sioux Lookout. “I was in the room when he took his last breath,” said Anglican Church Bishop Lydia Mamakwa of the northern Ontario region of the Diocese of Keewatin and one of Winter’s nieces. “Some of (the people) shed tears and we were singing songs that talk about leaving this world and going on to the kingdom of God.” Winter’s funeral was held April 4 in his home community of Kingfisher at the Mary Ann Aganash Memorial School gymnasium with many people from across the region in attendance, including Beardy, NAN Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin and Anglican Church Primate Fred Hiltz. “It was a celebration of his life, a celebration of his achievements,” Beardy said. “He lived a full life and he contributed a lot to the well being of society. People flew in from many communities to pay their respects and I think that just shows how much he was

respected.” Mamakwa, who led the funeral service, described it as “a very moving blessed time.” “William provided a lot of wisdom in example in his life as a minister and as a community member,” Mamakwa said. “As long as he lived until the time that he could no longer do anything, he upheld his beliefs and values. And most of all his faith in God.” Mamakwa recalled Winter’s love for the people, his kindness and his humility. “No matter what happened, if he was facing a difficult situation as an archdeacon, he always looked for the good in it and to make things right again,” Mamakwa said. “That is what he always strived for. He said whenever someone falls or makes a mistake, you help them get up again.” Mamakwa said Winter inspired her when she was young, motivating her to follow the path he had forged in the Anglican Church. “He was one of the Elders in the early 1970s who had the vision that the Native people will

Spring Seat Sale

have a Native bishop with their own diocese in the future,” Mamakwa said. Winter was born in 1921 at Kaneesosink Traditional Territory, located between Kingfisher Lake and Big Trout Lake, where he grew up with the traditional practices, spiritual values and principles. He joined the four-year Native Ministry Theology program in 1971 and was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1974, one of the first seven Native priests to be ordained into priesthood in the Diocese of Keewatin. After being inducted as the first Native archdeacon in the Diocese of Keewatin in 1983, Winter established the Northern Ontario Region Ministry Structure and installed Native priests-in-charge in northern Ontario’s First Nations communities. During the late 1970s, Winter and his colleagues began discussions about a regional Native diocese with its own Native bishop, which eventually led to Mamakwa’s consecration as bishop in 2010.

Purchase your reservations until April 29, 2011 for travel before May 31, 2011.

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 flights, guests may choose another date and time or flight to travel. Changes and cancellations are subject to fees and upgrades as applicable. Reservation is non-refundable in case of no-show. Cash or Credit Card purchase 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 fares require return reservations and must be purchased at least 7 days in advance. Seat prices are subject to change.

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Wawatay News

APRIL 14, 2011

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Collins re-elected in Fort William

Still searching

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

James Thom/Wawatay News

The Ontario Provincial Police Underwater Search and Recovery Unit combed the Kaministiqua River below the James Street bridge in Thunder Bay, searching the river for Jordan Wabasse. The Webequie teen has been missing since Feb. 7. It’s the second search of the river. Officers used sonar technology to try and find Wabasse’s body. After searching March 31 and April 1, officers turned up no signs of the missing teen. When all the snow is gone from the riverbank, officers have a ground search planned.

Fort William Chief Peter Collins is looking to develop more economic opportunities, regional partnerships and energy projects after being reelected April 7. “We’re hoping to build a day care and an Elders centre,” Collins said after being elected to his seventh term as chief with about 200 of the 676 votes cast for chief. “All these things have to go to our council first.” Collins is also looking forward to a debt-free status for his community. Two recently negotiated land claim agreements with the provincial and federal governments, the $154 million Fort William First Nation Boundary Claim and the $22 million Neebing Surrender Specific Claim, will help the community. “Once the Boundary Claim has been paid out in this community, our community will be debt free totally,” Collins said. Collins said the eight candidates for chief were the largest number he has faced during his election campaigns. “For me, it’s a great honour to serve this community,” Col-

lins said. “I love the job I am doing, I love the people I work for. Albeit, at certain times during any year or at any give time, you face some criticism and some backlash from the people, but at the end of the day you make a decision and you stick to that decision and keep moving forward.”

“For me, it’s a great honour to serve this community. I love the job I am doing.” – Peter Collins

Collins also noted the four women elected as councillors. “There were two just short by a few votes so it looks like a women’s movement in the future for this community,” Collins said. Councillors Ian Bannon, Tony Collins, Walter Bannon, Guy Collins, Phil Pelletier, Cathy Rogers, Leo Bannon Jr., Sherry Pelletier and Leo Bannon Sr. were re-elected. Newly elected to council are Mike Pelletier Sr., Georjann Morriseau and Valerie Chapman.

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Mushegowuk Council proposes legal trust fund James Thom Wawatay News

Mushkegowuk Council is looking to create a non-profit trust fund for donations to offset the cost of possible litigation against the provincial and federal governments regarding the contents of Treaty 9. Fundraising is necessary, said Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Stan Louttit, because “this will cost an exorbitant amount of money and that it will take a long time.” He said the trust fund is necessary because the First Nations can’t fund this fight on their own. The possible creation of the fund was one of several ideas presented in the action plan at the conclusion of the council’s treaty discussions conference Feb. 1-3 in Fort Albany. Louttit and Kashechewan Chief Jonathon Solomon spoke about the proposed trust fund during the Nishnawbe Aski

Nation chiefs assembly in Timmins last month. Louttit said they are starting to develop an entity separate from Mushkegowuk Council to serve as a charitable organization in order to provide tax receipts to donors: private citizens, groups, organizations and businesses. “We’re trying to set this up to have a pot of money to use for legal work in regard to the treaty,” Louttit said. He said the Mushkegowuk communities take issue with certain parts of the treaty. Issues include the taken up clause, which could allow the province to take over land for development, and ensuring the right to hunt, trap and fish. Also at issue is the new information coming to light about differences between the oral information provided about the treaty, what was written on the treaty document and the diaries of the treaty commissioners, Louttit said.

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Wawatay News APRIL 14, 2011

3

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Winter remembered for his compassion

Winter with his grandson Desmond in Kingfisher Lake in the early 1980s.

At a bible camp outside Kingfisher Lake.

Winter blesses Bishop Lydia Mamakwa during her consecration ceremony in Kingfisher Lake last year.

Dr. William Winter School for Ministry Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Kingfisher’s Sheba McKay said the Dr. William Winter School for Ministry turned her life around for the better eight years ago. “I was young — I don’t even think I was 20 at that time and that is where I found my hope and joy,” said the finance clerk at the band office. “You know how young people today have their struggles, somehow I found that there is a brighter life out there compared to what the world offered.” After volunteering to sing gospel songs over the radio to comfort others every evening since the late William Winter passed away March 31, McKay is seeing a trend in the community. “I see the young people starting to sing gospel songs,” McKay said. “I’ve just been trying my best to encourage my cousins for the last week ... to not stop singing.” The Dr. William Winter School for Ministry was named after the late William Winter because he was so instrumental in obtaining ministry training for First Nations people.

“He was very instrumental in the development of the curriculum too,” said Anglican Church Bishop Lydia Mamakwa of the northern Ontario region of the Diocese of Keewatin. “He was one of the many teachers up to 2007, but when he could no longer get around he couldn’t come.” The school has been offering the diploma in Indigenous Anglican Theology four-year accredited program to students from across the Diocese of Keewatin since 2003, with oneweek sessions held every February and July. “Prior to having these programs, our people were being serviced by non-Native missionaries who came and resided in our communities and would travel to the communities,” Mamakwa said. The students meet at the Mission House in Kingfisher for the February session and at the Big Beaver Bible Camp across the lake from Kingfisher for the July session. “It is a gathering, for some it is like a retreat because in July the school is by the Big Beaver House,” Mamakwa said about the sessions. “The atmosphere at the school is so peaceful – it’s away from everything else like the phone, everything that distracts us.”

Winter was predeceased by Rhoda Winter in September 2007.

Winter with Archbishop Michael Peers, former Anglican Primate of Canada.

ᑭᓇᓇᑯᒧᓇᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐃᐧᓂᔭᑦ ᐁᐧᐣᑕᕑ ᐊᓂᑭᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᑭᑐᑕᑭᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑲᑭ ᐱᒪᑎᓯᐨ ᕑᐃᐠ ᑫᕑᐃᐠ ᐊᐧᐊᐧᑌ ᑎᐸᒋᒧᐃᐧᐣ

ᐃᐧᓂᔭᑦ ᐁᐧᐣᑕᕑ ᑲᑭ ᐃᓇᑲᓄᐨ ᒥᑐᓂ ᑲᐧᔭᐠ ᐅᑭᐱᒥᐃᐧᑐᐣ ᐅᑕᒐᐦᑯᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᐁᑭ ᐱᒥᓂᔕᐦᐊᐣᑭᐣ ᑲᑭ ᐃᔑ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐨ. ᐃᐁᐧ ᑲᑭᐱᔑ ᐅᓇᑕᒪᑯᔭᐠ ᐅᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑫᒋᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᐦᐃᐁᐧ ᑲᑭᐱᑐᐣᑕᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᐱᒪᑎᓯᐨ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᐢᑭ ᑭᒋ ᐅᓇᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᐢᑕᐣ ᐯᔭᑎ. ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᑭᔐᐊᐧᑎᓯ, ᐁᑭ ᑭᒋᓀᓂᒫ ᒋᐣ ᑲᑭᓇ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐣ ᒥᐦᐃᐁᐧ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᓇᑯᑐᐨ ᐅᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᐣ. ᐯᔭᑎ ᑭᐁᐧᒥᐦᑲᐃᐧ ᐊᐱ ᓂᐢᑕᑦ ᑲᑭ ᐅᓇᑭᒪᑲᓄᐸᐣ ᒋᐅᑭᒪᑲᓂᐃᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐅᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᐃᐧᓂᔭᑦ ᐁᐧᐣᑕᕑ ᐅᑭᔐᐊᐧᑎᓯᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᑭᑭᓄᔥᑲᒪᑯᐨ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑫᐃᔑᐱᒧᑐᐨ ᐅᑕᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ. ᓂᑭ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᓂᐦᐃᑯᓇᐸᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐁᐅᐢᑲᑎᓯᔭᐣ, ᐁᑲ ᒪᔑ 30 ᐁᐣᑕᓱᐱᐳᓀᔭᐣ, ᐯᔭᑎ ᐃᑭᑐ. ᐣᑭ ᐱᓇᓯᑲᑯᐸᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ

ᐁᐅᐢᑲᑎᓯᔭᐣ ᑲᐅᑭᒪᑲᓂᐃᐧᔭᐣ ᐁᑭ ᐱᐃᐧᐣᑕᒪᐃᐧᔑᐨ ᒋᐅᐣᒋ ᐊᓴᐧᐸᒥᔑᐨ ᑭᐢᐱᐣ ᓇᐣᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᒪᐣ ᐃᐁᐧ ᒋᐃᔑ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᔑᐨ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᔥ ᒥᔑᓇᐧ ᐣᑭ ᓇᒋᐸᐦᐃᐊᐧᓇ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑲᐱᒥ ᐊᓄᑭᑕᒪᑫᔭᐣ ᐅᒪ ᐊᐦᑭᐃᐧ ᐱᒧᒋᑫᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑕᔥ ᓂᓇᓇᑯᑦ ᐃᐁᐧ ᑲᑭᐃᓯᓭᐠ. ᐁᐧᐣᑕᕑ, ᐃᐧᐣ ᓂᐢᑕᑦ ᑲᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐁᑭ ᑭᒋᔭᒥᐦᐃᐁᐧᑭᒪᔑᔑᐃᐧᐦᐊᑲᓄᐨ ᐅᒪ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ, ᑭᐳᓂᐱᒪᑎᓯ ᒥᑭᓯᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 31 ᑲᐃᓇᐣᑭᓯᐨ ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᔥ 89 ᑭᑕᓱᐱᐳᓀ ᐅᑎᐯᐣᒋᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐁᑭ ᓄᓴᐊᐧᐸᒥᑯᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐊᐧᓂᓇᐊᐧᑲᐠ. ᐊᒥᐦᐃᒪ ᐣᑫᓂᐣ ᑲᐦᐊᔭᔭᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᐸᐣ ᑲᐃᔥᑲᐧᓇᒧᐨ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᐊᐧᐱᐢᑭᔭᒥᐦᐊᐃᐧ ᑭᒋ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑭᒪ ᓫᐁᑎᔭ ᒣᒣᑫᐧ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐃᒪ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᐣ ᑕᔭᓯᐢ ᑲᐅᐢᒋ ᑎᐯᐣᑕᑯᓯᐨ ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᐁᑭ ᐅᑐᔑᒥᑫᐧᒥᑯᐨ ᐃᐧᓂᔭᒧᐣ. ᐊᑎᐟ (ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ) ᑭᐅᐣᒋᑲᐊᐧᐳᐊᐧᐠ ᒥᓇ ᑭᓂᑲᒧᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑭ ᐃᓇᐦᐊᒪᓱᐊᐧᐨ ᑐᑲᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭ ᑲᓇᑲᑕᐦᑭᐨ ᒥᓇ ᑭᒋᑭᔑᑯᐃᐧ

ᐅᑌᓇᐣᐠ ᑲᐃᔕᐨ. ᐁᐧᐣᑕᕑ ᑭᓇᐦᐃᑲᓇᑲᓄ ᓂᑭᐱᓯᑦ 4 ᑲᐃᓇᐣᑭᓯᐨ ᐅᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑭᐢᑭᒪᓂᓯᐊᐧᐳ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐢᑯᓄᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐃᐧ ᑭᒋᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐣᐠ ᒣᕑᐃᔭᐣ ᐊᑲᓇᔥ ᐃᐢᑯᓄᐃᐧᑲᒥᐠ ᒥᔑᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᒥᓯᐁᐧᑲᒥᐠ ᐁᑭ ᐊᐧᐅᐣᑎᓭᐊᐧᐨ, ᑕᑯ ᑲᔦ ᐯᔭᑎ, ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᑭᒋ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᓀᐢ ᒪᐃᐠ ᒥᑕᑎᐊᐧᐱᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑭᒋᐊᐧᐱᐢᑭᐊᔭᒥᐦᐃᐁᐧᑭᒪᔑᔥ ᑲᓂᑲᓂᐢᑲᐠ ᐱᕑᐁᐟ ᐦᐃᓫᐟᐢ. ᑭᓇᓇᑯᒧᐊᐧᑌᓂ ᑲᑭ ᐃᔑ ᒪᑎᓯᐃᐨ, ᒥᓇ ᐁᑭ ᓇᓇᑯᒧᓇᓂᐊᐧᐣᐠ ᑲᑭ ᐱᐊᓄᑲᑕᑭᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐱᑯ ᑲᑭ ᐱᑲᐢᑭᑕᒪᑯᔭᐣᐠ, ᒥᑐᓂ ᑲᐧᔭᐠ ᐯᔭᑎ ᐃᑭᑐ. ᐅᑭᑭᔑᑐᐣ ᐅᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᑲᑭᓇ ᐯᒪᑎᓯᓂᐨ ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃ ᐅᑭ ᐱᒥ ᐊᐧᐃᐧᒋᐦᐊᐣ. ᒥᔑᐣ ᐃᐢᑯᓂᑲᓂᐣᐠ ᑭᐱ ᐊᐧᐅᐣᑎᓭᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑭ ᐱᓄᓴᐊᐧᐸᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᔥ ᒥᐦᐃᒪ ᐁᐅᐣᒋ ᑭᑫᐣᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᓇ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐣ ᐁᑭ ᑭᒋᓀᓂᒥᑯᐨ. ᒣᒣᑫᐧ, ᐁᑭ ᓂᑲᓂᐱᒥᐃᐧᑐᐨ ᐱᐣᑎᑫᐃᐧᐣ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐃᐁᐧ ᑲᑭ ᐱᐣᑎᑲᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑭ

ᑐᑭᓂᐁᐧᒪᑲᐠ ᒥᓇ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑭ ᑭᒋᔕᐧᐁᐧᐣᑕᑲᐧᐠ. ᐃᐧᓂᔭᑦ ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃ ᐅᑭᐸᑭᑎᓇᐣ ᐅᑲᑭᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᐁᐧ ᑲᑭ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑭᒪᐃᐧᐨ ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑭ ᑕᔑᐱᒪᑎᓯᐨ ᐅᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ, ᒣᒣᑫᐧ ᐃᑭᑐ. ᐊᒥᐱᑯ ᑲᐯᐦᐃ ᑲᑭᐱᒪᑎᓯᐨ ᒥᓂᑯᐠ ᐊᐸᐣ ᐁᑲ ᓇᐣᑕ ᑲᑭᐃᓇᓄᑭᑕᒪᑫᐨ, ᐊᒥᐱᑯ ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᑲᑭ ᓂᑲᓀᐣᑕᐠ ᐅᑌᐯᐧᑕᒧᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑲᑭᒌ ᓇᐣᑭᑕᑭᐣ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ. ᐃᐁᐧ ᑕᔥ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭ ᑭᒌ ᓀᐣᑕᐣᐠ ᑲᑭ ᑌᐯᐧᔦᓂᒪᐨ ᒪᓂᑐᐣ. ᒣᒣᑫᐧ ᐊᒥᐦᐃ ᐁᐃᔑ ᒥᑲᐃᐧᐣᑕᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐧᓂᔭᒧᐣ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᓇ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐣ ᐁᑭᓴᑭᐦᐊᐨ, ᐅᑭᔐᐊᐧᑎᓯᐧᐃᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᐅᑕᐸᓭᓂᒥᑎᓱᐃᐧᐣ. ᐊᓂᓂᑯ ᒥᓴᐊᐧᐨ ᑫᑯᐣ ᑲᐊᔦᓯᓭᐠ, ᑭᐢᐱᐣ ᐁᓇᑭᔥᑲᐣᐠ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᔭᓂᒣᐣᑕᑲᐧᓂᐠ ᑫᑯᓂ ᐃᐁᐧ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑲᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑭᒪᔑᔑᐃᐧᐨ, ᐊᒥᐱᑯ ᑲᑭᑐᑕᐣᐠ ᐁᑭ ᓇᓇᐣᑐᓇᐣᐠ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑫᑭ ᐃᔑ ᒥᓄᓭᓂᑭᐸᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᔥ ᑭᑕᐧᑦ ᒥᓇ ᒋᑭ ᒥᓇᑐᐸᐣ ᑫᐃᔑ ᒥᓄᓭᓂᐠ,

ᒣᒣᑫᐧ ᐃᑭᑐ. ᒥᐦᐅᐁᐧ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭ ᓇᐣᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᐣᐠ ᒋᑐᑕᐣᐠ. ᒧᔕᐠ ᑭᐲ ᑭᑐ ᑭᐢᐱᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭ ᐁᐸᐣᑭᔑᐠ ᓇᐣᑕ ᑲᔦ ᐁᐊᐧᓂᑐᑕᐣᐠ, ᒥᔕᐱᑯ ᒋᐃᐧᒋᐦᐊᑲᓄᐨ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᒋᑭᐁᐧ ᐅᑦᐱᑲᐸᐃᐧᐨ. ᒣᒣᑫᐧ ᐃᑭᑐ ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᑭᒋᔭᐦᐊᐣ ᐁᐧᐣᑕᕑ ᐅᑭ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒪᐣ ᑲᑭ ᐱᐃᓇᓄᑭᓂᐨ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐁᐅᐢᑲᑎᓯᐨ ᒥᓇ ᐁᑭ ᐱᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑯᐨ ᒋᐱᒥᓂᔕᐦᐊᐧ̇ ᐨ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑭ ᐃᔑ ᐱᒧᓭᓂᐨ ᐊᐧᐱᐢᑭᐊᔭᒥᐦᐊᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ. ᐃᐧᐣ ᐯᔑᐠ ᑭᒋᔭᐦᐊ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 1970 ᑲᐊᐦᑭᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭ ᐃᔑᓇᒧᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᐊᓂᐊᔭᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᑭᒋ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑭᒪᐣ ᐁᐧᑎ ᓂᑲᐣ ᐃᒪ ᑲᐃᔑ ᑎᐯᐣᒋᑫᐊᐧᐨ, ᒣᒣᑫᐧ ᐃᑭᑐ. ᐁᐧᐣᑕᕑ ᑭᓂᑕᐃᐧᑭᑯᐸᐣ 1921 ᐃᒪ ᑲᓂᔓᓯᐣᐠ, ᐃᒪ ᐊᐱᑕ ᑭᐢᑭᒪᓂᓯᐊᐧᐳ ᒥᓇ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐠ, ᐅᑦᐱᑭᐨ ᑲᑭ ᐱᐃᔑ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ, ᒥᓇ ᐊᒐᑯᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ. ᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᐃᐢᑯᓄᐃᐧᑯᐸᐣ ᓂᐃᐧᐊᐦᑭ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ

ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑭᒪᐃᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 1971 ᑲᐊᐦᑭᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᔥ ᑭᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑭᒪᐃᐧᐦᐊᑲᓄ ᐃᒪ ᐊᐧᐱᐢᑭᐊᔭᒥᐦᐊᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 1974 ᑲᐊᐦᑭᐊᐧᐠ, ᓂᓴᐧᓯ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑭ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑭᒪᐃᐧᐦᐊᑲᓄᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐃᒪ ᑕᔭᓯᐢ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᐣ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᑎᐯᐣᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨᐊᐱ ᑲᑭ ᐃᐢᑲᐧ ᐅᓇᑭᒪᑲᓄᐸᐣ ᒋᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯᐃᐧ ᑭᒋᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑭᒪᔑᔑᐃᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᑕᔭᓯᐢ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᐣ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᑎᐯᐣᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 1983 ᑲᐊᐦᑭᐊᐧᐠ, ᐁᐧᐣᑕᕑ ᐅᑭ ᐅᓇᑐᓇᐸᐣ ᐃᐁᐧ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐊᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᔥ ᐅᑭ ᐊᐧᐅᓇᓴᐣ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑭᒪᐣ ᑫᓇᓂᑲᓂᐢᑲᒧᓂᐨ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᐃᐁᐧ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐣᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐃᐢᑯᓂᑲᓇᐣ ᑲᐃᔑᔭᑭᐣ. ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᐱ 1970 ᑲᐱᓭᐠ ᐊᐦᑭᐃᐧᐣ, ᐁᐧᐣᑕᕑ ᒥᓇ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᑲᑭ ᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒪᐨ ᐅᑭ ᒪᒌ ᐊᓂᒧᑕᓇᐊᐧ ᒋᑭ ᐅᓇᓴᑲᓄᐸᐣ ᐅᒪ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᒋᑭ ᐊᔭᐸᐣ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯᐃᐧ ᑭᒋ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑭᒪ, ᒥᑕᔥ ᐃᐁᐧ ᑲᑭ ᐊᓂᓯᓭᐠ ᒣᒣᑫᐧ ᒋᐅᓇᑭᒪᑲᓄᐨ ᒋᑭᒋ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐁᐃᐧᑭᒪᐃᐧᐦᐊᑲᓄᐨ 2010 ᑲᐊᐦᑭᐊᐧᐠ.

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Wawatay News

APRIL 14, 2011

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Historical photo 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. NEWS DIRECTOR Brent Wesley EDITOR James Thom

Commentary

Memories of Easter Xavier Kataquapit UNDER THE NORTHERN SKY

O

ver the past 100 years, spring has developed into a religious experience for we Cree. It all started in the late winter in March when the local Catholic church reminded us of the days of Lent that begins the 40 days of fasting. My parents were brought up surrounded and deeply influenced by the Catholic church from the time they were born. They had been baptized at birth and the first few years of their lives were spent in Catholic residential schools where they were indoctrinated into the religion. Mom and dad made sure to pass this on with reminders of the holy days and they took us to church regularly.

The geese were on their way and we would not go hungry thanks to their return. My generation saw things differently. We had not been brought up with the Catholic religion as closely as our parents had been. During the start of Lent, mom and dad suggested we abstain from eating sweets, chocolates and candy to honour this period of the Catholic calendar. We usually lasted for a few days before we began to break our sweet tooth fast and with some healthy remorse stole away to fall into the curse of candies, bags of potato chips and soft drinks. Towards the end of Lent and in preparation for Easter, the local stores began stocking Easter chocolates in the shapes of bunnies, chickens and eggs. Mom and dad purchased bags and boxes of these chocolates and reminded us sternly that we could not eat them until Easter Sunday. We children started out trying to be good but in a few days time we were munching on chocolate sweets. The one critical time we were absolutely forced to give up our indulgences was on Good Friday. Mom and dad hid away the chocolates. On Saturday we were back to our sneaking ways and by Sunday we celebrated by gobbling down what remained of the chocolate bunnies, eggs and coloured soft and hard candies. None of us ever really understood the symbolism of rabbits

and eggs at Easter. We also considered the religious ceremonies bizarre but somehow necessary if we all wanted to go to heaven. We lived in the remote mushkeg wilderness of the James Bay coast so it was difficult to imagine a world of desert landscapes, ancient villages and apostles and prophets wandering from town to town when we could not even easily travel in our world. Our parents did their expected duty to try to bring us up as good Catholics and taught us all the necessary prayers and the took us to church regularly. By the time I was eight, I had become an alter boy and joined in the services assisting the priest. I took part in all major religious holidays throughout the year. Easter was different in that it was a solemn period of prayer and worship that commemorated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The church was stripped of decorative drapes and images and left bare. During Good Friday and Holy Saturday, mass took place in the late afternoon and it was a solemn and dramatic scene to behold extended prayer services as the golden day light streamed from the tall windows and into the church. As an alter boy I worked long and hard and I can remember feeling very guilty after kneeling in prayer and dozing off during some longer masses. In my role as an alter boy I was more or less part of the theatre of this religion. Sometimes the customs and imagery shocked me. Much of the graphic illustrations I saw showed so much tragedy, violence and sadness. Spring and Easter brings back a lot of memories for me. For a hundred years, our people's lives revolved around the church. Missionaries, nuns, brothers and priests gave us our education, our medical care, worked closely with the European fur trading companies and on top of all that they managed our spiritual beliefs. We were smothered in this religious way of thinking and yet it was not all bad as we also gained a lot of knowledge of the outside world and in fact ended up preserving our language in a written form called syllabics. I recall the relief that we all felt as our duties to the church wrapped up on Easter Sunday and it was now time to live our lives and move out onto the land. The geese were on their way and we would not go hungry thanks to their return. The church was left behind in town. www.underthenorthernsky.com

Wawatay News archive

School opening in Cat Lake. Date unknown.

Urban life, Aboriginal dreams Richard Wagamese ONE NATIVE LIFE

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met a man some years ago who was a vaunted Ojibway teacher. He’d published books, taught at universities and been a high profile ethnological speaker. That means he was able to talk about the entire gamut of Anishinabeg reality, both the historical and the contemporary. For the most part, he was regarded as a learned, wise and pre-eminent expert on our culture. From a podium one day I heard him say “if you don’t speak the language, you are not Indian.” There were a whole lot of us in the crowd that day who could not speak Ojibway. The gasp that went through that room was unforgettable. Some of us had been part of the Sixties Scoop; that process where Native kids were literally scooped out of their homes and communities and sent thousands of miles away to be raised in non-Native homes. Another large segment had become displaced because of residential schools. Another

group had lost contact with their people because of parental alcoholism or addiction. Some were from broken homes or inter-racial marriages. None of us had any responsibility for the hand of history. Speaking to him later, I identified myself and where I lived at the time. He told me that I was an urban Indian and that I needed to find the language before I could find myself. That hurt. Lots. Circumstance had dictated where I had to live. Circumstance had deprived me of the ability to grow up with my people. Learning to feel Aboriginal had been a painstaking and difficult journey. What he essentially told me was that I did not qualify as Ojibway until I could speak the language. What he essentially said was that no matter what I did, how much I learned, how much ceremony and ritual I put into practice in my life, I would never really make the grade because of the significant lack of language. All the work of finding a Native consciousness, heart and spirituality was nothing. For a time I was ashamed of living where I lived. I was ashamed of my clothes, my haircut, the way I spoke and the way I walked. I was ashamed of my lack of talk. But a lady I met in

Vancouver years ago made me proud of being an urban Indian. She lived in the notorious Downtown East Side. She didn’t drink, she wasn’t a street person. She was just old and poor and the room she lived in was all she could afford. But she would sit at the window that overlooked Pigeon Park. It’s not really a park, it’s just a brick courtyard of sorts with benches where the drunks and junkies, hookers and the lost stop to smoke or beg or both. It’s a dim place. There are no beginnings there, only endings, dwindling, inescapable and sad. I would visit her and I’d watch her ease the silken fringes of a shawl between her arthritic fingers. It was a fancy dancer’s shawl. It was a deep blue with the pattern of an eight pointed star embroidered into it. The fringes were yellow and orange and red and it still looked silky and shimmery in the frail light. Her grandmother had given it to her at the Standing Buffalo powwow the year before she died. It was her most prized possession. She would talk of when she was fancy dancing in that shawl and she would smile shyly at the memory of a young native girl spinning, kicking, pretending that the

drum could push her floating across the air, her feet light and nimble and quick, the powwow and all it represented like breath to her. I could feel all that. But life was never predictable. After a range of experiences she touched down on the streets of Vancouver many moons before I met her. She was in her eighties then. When I looked at her it was though I could see the faded outline of low Saskatchewan hills sketched in the wrinkles of her brow. She didn’t dance anymore. She could barely walk. But as I watched her staring down at the derelicts and other pavement gypsies, she would sing an honor song, in the phonetics of her Cree language all soft and low and soothing. She no longer remembered the words but she still felt the song in her heart. It was so their ancestors might watch over and protect them she said. It was the same song her grandmother taught her to sing the same year she got the shawl. The powwow, that song and the prayer it represented still the breath of her. Still the only gift she had to give away. I never forgot that woman, never forgot her story or her song. If that’s being an urban Indian, sign me up today.

CONTACT US Sioux Lookout Office Hours: 8:30-4:30 CST Phone: ....................737-2951 Toll Free: .....1-800-243-9059 Fax: ...............(807) 737-3224 .............. (807) 737-2263

Thunder Bay Office Hours: 8:30-4:30 EST Phone: ...................344-3022 Toll Free: ..... 1-888-575-2349 Fax: ...............(807) 344-3182

NEWS DIRECTOR Brent Wesley brentw@wawatay.on.ca EDITOR James Thom jamest@wawatay.on.ca WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Rick Garrick rickg@wawatay.on.ca ART DIRECTOR Roxann Shapwaykeesic roxys@wawatay.on.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER Matthew Bradley matthewb@wawatay.on.ca

ACTING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Meghan Kendall meghank@wawatay.on.ca CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Mark Kakekagumick markk@wawatay.on.ca TRANSLATORS Vicky Angees vickya@wawatay.on.ca Agnes Shakakeesic agness@wawatay.on.ca

CONTRIBUTORS Travis Boissoneau Xavier Kataquapit Terry-Lynn Johnson Bryan Phelan Richard Wagamese Guest editorials, columnists and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of Wawatay News.

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Preparing for broadband opportunities Travis Boissoneau GUEST COLUMNIST

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roadband service (highspeed internet) is coming to 26 First Nations within northwestern Ontario in the next three years. The Northwestern Ontario Broadband Expansion Initiative involves the installation of 2,300 kilometers of fibre-optic cable, through the northwest portion of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) territory and will carry information between two points using light-based technology. Fibre-optics is considered to be the best option to bring highspeed Internet service to our First Nations. More importantly, the cable can withstand the elements of nature. The backbone network will be brought to the

current Bell Stations within each community. Each First Nation, or group of First Nations, can then make choices about how they will provide Internet to their members and what kind of services will be made available. The fibre-optic backbone network is the infrastructure that provides the high-speed Internet service. This initiative began with the vision of the NAN Chiefs who mandated the NAN Executive Council through resolution, to seek and secure funding to bring state-of-the-art telecommunications to their communities. NAN First Nations leaders worked tirelessly to bring this Initiative and its partners together to ensure its feasibility and success. The partners are: NAN, Bell Aliant, and both the federal and provincial governments. NAN’s partnership role is to ensure that First Nations are informed and play a key role

in the Initiative, and that they receive the maximum economic benefits from the construction and ongoing maintenance of the network. The 26 chiefs involved in the initiative have collectively formed a corporation to implement the initiative. There are many benefits to First Nations from this Initiative. The new infrastructure will help create network service jobs, improve access to highspeed Internet for all users, offer new economic opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for our region’s First Nations. It will provide the technology required for future economic growth and development within NAN territory. Broadband internet service can provide improved access to distance education, telehealthcare, government and business services, provide the potential for cell phone service, and will create opportunity for web-based businesses.

Our First Nations will be involved in building the network and also in providing services, equipment, labour, and other expertise during the construction phases and when the network is completed. This Initiative provides an opportunity to collaboratively work with successful contractors willing to train and certify those who wish to participate. My name is Travis Boissoneau and I was recently hired by NAN to ensure the partnership agreement for the Northwestern Ontario Broadband Expansion Initiative is followed and to ensure the overall administrative functions are met. For more information on the Northwestern Ontario Broadband Expansion Initiative, please visit our website at www. nanbroadband.ca. Travis Boissoneau is the special projects director (broadband) for Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Your views from wawataynews.ca Up to everyone to prevent accidents Re: NAPS investigates fatal incident in Attawapiskat It’s everyone’s job to stop a child from hanging on to vehicles! Kids, teenagers, parents, aunts and uncles and grandparents! The police have tried and tried but it’s up to everyone to their part! It’s not fair to leave that task to the police! Why would anyone not intervene when they see a child hanging on? It’s ludicrous! Tragedies like the one that happened could have been prevented. Nishanabe dude Kelowna Accord important to revisit Re: Canadian Federal Election 2011 If the Liberals or NDP get in, will they bring back: • The Kelowna Accord? • The relocation issue of Kashchewan First Nation? It all comes down to votes. These are the two issues that I’d base my decision on and none other. The Conservatives managed to get these issues off the table. Who’s going to bring them back? Will the Liberals? Will it be the NDP? We’ll find out who’s in it for the notoriety and who’s in it to do something about it. Anonymous Working together will allow results Re: Marten Falls ends Ring of Fire blockade

30 hour famine

Yet another story of the government pushing aside First Nations, and how First Nations are remaining passive about it. You want governance in this country? You have to work together. The Cree in Quebec were able to do it by giving up vast amounts of land and their Aboriginal title, in exchange for money compensation and a deal to not pursue any legal harrassing of Quebec and its corporations. Blah. But I suppose, in the name of economic development. What can be done? Anonymous

submitted photo

Eighteen students from Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School participated in a 30-hour famine, raising $700 for World Vision. The students surpassed their goal of $600 by fasting from 1 p.m. April 8 to 7 p.m. April 9. The students spent the night at the school watching movies. They celebrated their accomplishment with pizza after taking a photo to commemorate their feat.

Happy ending for family Re: Charlie is coming home

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Wow, this is what I call perseverance to the end for family. I love it and am happy for your mom and dad. Everybody will be very overwhelmed with emotion. My prayers are with you and your family. Donna Mullen

4/8/11 4:05 PM

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Wawatay News

APRIL 14, 2011

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OPINION Proposed Berens River Bridge Crossing Notice of Completion, Opportunity to Inspect the Final Environmental Study Report Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) invites public inspection of the Final Environmental Study Report (ESR) for the proposal developed by KGS Group on behalf of Sandy Lake First Nation to construct a new bridge crossing on Berens River, east of Pikangikum First Nation in the MNR District of Red Lake. The applicant is inviting comments on a Final ESR for its proposal to construct a bridge over Berens River, a 24 kilometer winter road re-alignment and installation of culverts on two stream crossings and a short-span bridge on one stream crossing. The project also includes the installation of 12 small land drainage culverts. Two alternative bridge locations were considered for the Proposed Berens River Bridge Crossing, they included Alternate Crossing #1 and Alternate Crossing #2. The preferred location for the project is Alternate Crossing #2 located west of Berens Lake at Dog Rib Falls. A quorum of five First Nations, agreed to go ahead with the project based on Alternate Crossing #2 and its ability to achieve the project purpose with greater economic potential than Alternate Crossing #1.

Awareness walk of hope held for missing Webequie teen To the Editor: On March 8, at about 6:30 a.m., Danny Sakakeep and I (Peggy Beardy) left our home community of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation along with Wapekeka First Nation’s Vince Mckay and Nelson Beardy to start on our journey to Webequie First Nation to raise awareness about Jordan Wabasse, who has been missing in Thunder Bay since Feb. 7. We arrived in Webequie First Nation at 12 a.m. March 17. Thank you to all that had joined us on our walk and who had continued on with us. Without you we could not have completed our awareness walk to spread the word and most importantly the hope of finding Jordan. Thanks to James and Henry Rae in Kitchenuhmaykoosib, Vince Mckay and Nelson Beardy in Wapekeka, Kristy Sainnawap and Bryan Sainnawap in Kingfisher Lake, Raymond D. Mckay, Christopher T. Anderson and Evangeline Anderson in Kasabonika Lake, Shirley Oshkineegish, Melanie Neshinapaise, Matthias Wabasse, Kesley Jacob and Marie Yellowhead in Nibinamik and Lorna Troutlake, Evan Troutlake, Gideon Troutlake, Kevin Shewaybick and James Bluecoat in Webequie. We also would like to thank the following person(s): • Bernice and Derek Jacob and their sons for meeting up

with us in their home community of Webequie First Nation; • drivers Debra Beardy, James Rae, Geraldine Mckoop, Brent Beardy, Jodi Albany, Roy Sainnawap, Bellamie Bighead and two vehicles and drivers from Summer Beaver (we never got the names); • Webequie Coun. Randy Jacob; • Webequie band members Norman Shewaybick and Romeo Jacob; • Chief and council and also the community of Webequie First Nation for their hospitality; • Ashweig Winter Road Corporation and crew for the use of their trailers; • Kingfisher Lake First Nation chief and council; • The people of Kingfisher for their support and assistance; • Nibinamik (Summer Beaver) First Nation chief and council for their hospitality and assistance; • KI chief and council for everything; • Wunnumin Lake First Nation chief and First Lady for stopping and sharing your support; and • Nelson Beardy: We really appreciated you for going out of your way to walk with us. Even though you didn’t finish the walk with us, we acknowledge you for the time you gave and the length of time you walked. Peggy Beardy Kitchenuhmaykoosib

The Final Environmental Study Report for the bridge crossing project has now been completed, in accordance with the requirements for Category C projects under the Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects. The Final ESR describes the process for the selection of a preferred location, the development of a site plan and an evaluation of environmental effects. To obtain the Final ESR, to discuss the project, to provide comments or to inspect the project file during normal office hours, please contact: Harry Meekis Sandy Lake First Nation P.O. Box 12 Sandy Lake, Ontario P0V 1V0 Tel: (807) 774-3421

Bob Long, P.Eng, KGS Group 3rd Floor – 865 Waverley Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5C4 Tel: (204) 896-1209

Lee Gerrish Ministry of Natural Resources P.O. Box 340 Red Lake, Ontario P0V 2M0 Tel: (807) 727-1334

Fax: (807) 774-1040 harrymeekis@yahoo.ca

Fax: (204) 896-0754 Blong@kgsgroup.com

Fax: (807) 727-1334 Lee.gerrish@mnr.gov.on.ca

submitted photo

A group of people walked from Kitchenuhmaykosib to Webequie to raise awareness about missing Webequie teen Jordan Wabasse.

Have something to say? Send your letter to editor@wawatay.on.ca

If at the end of this notice period MNR considers that there are no significant outstanding concerns the MNR may permit the implementation of the undertaking without further public notice. Where there are outstanding concerns about this project that cannot be resolved in discussion with the MNR, concerned parties have an opportunity to formally request the Minister of the Environment issue a Part II Order requiring the project be subject to an individual environmental assessment under the Environmental Assessment Act. As this decision rests with the Minister of the Environment please direct your inquiries in this regard to the Minister, 135 St. Clair Ave. W. 12th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 1P5. Requests must be received by the Minister within the 30-day comment period, which expires on May 15, 2011 and copied at the same time to the MNR at the address above. Comments and information regarding the above noted study are being collected under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act in order to assist in making decisions, and determining further public consultation needs, on this study. Unless consented to, personal information such as names and addresses will be kept confidential, but MNR may use this data, unless requested otherwise, to seek public input on other MNR studies. Comments and opinions obtained will be kept on file for use during this study and may be included in study documentation, which is made available for public review. Please contact Trevor Park, Information Management Supervisor of the MNR Red Lake District office at (807) 727- 1344 for further information on the collection and use of personal information.

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Wawatay News APRIL 14, 2011

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Welcome donation Brent Wesley/Wawatay News

The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Foundation received $100,000 from the Canadian Cancer Society for the purchase of a mammography unit. The unit will be used to aid in the detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women. With a unit in Sioux Lookout, hospital staff expect to screen about 1,800 women per year, with about 1,000 coming from northern First Nations. “Mammography services at Meno Ya Win means bringing a service, accessible year-round and closer to home – an improvement to health services that wil provide women, their families and their communities a healthier future,” said Helen Cromarty, special advisor to First Nations health for Meno Ya Win.

Sachigo youth reaches fundraising goal Riley Barkman has surpassed $100,000 raised for the CT Scanner Meno Ya Win Health Centre campaign. As the namesake for the Making a Vision a Reality: Riley ‘n’ Friends Walk-a-thon, Barkman, 20, of Sachigo Lake was quite emotional when the goal was passed April 3. Barkman, Andrew Kaminawaish and Stanley Barkman, along with the support team of Tim Barkman, Fred Barkman, Danny Sanderson, Robert Barkman, Bonnie Sanderson and Mary Tait, began the journey from Sachigo Lake to Sioux

Lookout March 28. The group arrived in Sioux Lookout April 13 (see next issue for complete story). Barkman began the walk to fundraise the remaining $100,000-150,000 necessary to have a CT Scanner installed in the new Sioux Lookout hospital. Barkman had hoped to complete the campaign initially launched by Wasaya Group in late 2006. Wasaya has raised more than $1.4 million. In every community the team passes through, support is provided, according to the organizers. - JT

Inspection

PUBLIC NOTICE APPROVED 2011 – 2012 ANNUAL WORK SCHEDULE LAC SEUL FOREST Public Inspection of Annual Work Schedule The Sioux Lookout District of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has reviewed and approved McKenzie Forest Products April 29, 2011 – March 31, 2012 annual work schedule (AWS) for the Lac Seul Forest. Availability The AWS will be available for public inspection at the McKenzie Forest Products Office (see address below), the MNR Sioux Lookout District Office and the Ministry of Natural Resources public website at ontario.ca/forestplans beginning April 13, 2011 and throughout the one year duration. The Ontario Government Information Center at 62 Queen Street, Sioux Lookout provides access to the internet. Scheduled Forest Management Operations The AWS describes forest management activities such as road construction, maintenance and decommissioning, forestry aggregate pits, harvest, site preparation, tree planting and tending that are scheduled to occur during the year.

Terry-Lynn Johnson/Special to Wawatay News

Sachigo youth Riley Barkman, right, with his brother Ricky, and Stanley Barkman, left, make their way to Sioux Lookout from Sachigo.

Tree Planting and Fuelwood McKenzie Forest Products is responsible for tree planting on the Lac Seul Forest. Please contact MFP staff at 737-2522 Ext. 228 for information regarding tree planting job opportunities. For information on the locations of and license requirements for obtaining fuelwood for personal use, please contact the Sioux Lookout District office at (807) 737-5038. For commercial fuelwood opportunities, please contact McKenzie Forest Products at 737-2522 Ext. 222. More Information For more information on the AWS or to arrange an appointment with MNR staff to discuss the AWS or to request an AWS operations summary map, please contact: Arne Saari Ministry of Natural Resources Sioux Lookout District MNR Office 49 Prince Street, PO Box 309, P8T1A6 Phone: 807-737-5053 Fax: 807-737-1813 Please Call for an Appointment

Alan Brailsford, RPF Greenforest Management Inc. Sioux Lookout McKenzie Forest Products Office PO Box 428 HWY 516, P8T 1A5 Phone: 807-737-2522 ext 226 Fax: 807-737-2395 Please Call for an Appointment

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APRIL 14, 2011

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1JDL VQ

BU UIFTF MPDBUJPOT 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

Wawatay News Sub Office 2nd floor Royal Bank Building, Suite 202 Victoriaville Centre, 620 Victoria Ave. East 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 Dawson 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

5IVOEFS #BZ 0VUMFUT 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 401 N. Cumberland St.

4JPVY -PPLPVU 0VUMFUT 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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Marten Fall’s Sam Achneepineskum was one of the Talking Together Elders honoured April 7 by Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre.

Talking Together to guide families Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation recently honoured its Talking Together program Elders for the help they provide during child welfare dispute resolution circles. “They are the important and essential part of the circle – they are there to guide us and help us and we appreciate their teachings within the circle,” said Talking Together program manager Arlene Dodge during the April 7 gathering at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre. “We have our facilitators who lead the circle and our Elders are there to guide and to help the families.” The Talking Together Program currently has facilitators in Pikangikum, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay and Timmins and another will soon be hired for the James Bay coast. “Anybody can access the program,” Dodge said. “If the child is in care in any one of the agencies within NAN territory, we can become involved.” The Talking Together Program was implemented in 2002 to provide a dispute resolution method based on traditional circles and used since time immemorial to restore harmony between family members. “We’ve had this Talking Together process since 2002 and we are ready, willing and able to take any referrals we

can get,” said Celina Reitberger, NAN Legal’s acting executive director. While some families have taken advantage of the Talking Together program, NAN Legal is encouraging more families to consider the dispute resolution process when dealing with child welfare agencies.

“For the first time ever the child welfare people are hearing how the families feel.” – Celina Reitberger

“We need to get the word out there that we exist and that every family has the right to ask for an alternative dispute resolution,” Reitberger said. “Treatment councils need to know about this possibility because children are being lost at an alarming rate.” Reitberger said the Child and Family Services Act states that child welfare agencies have to consider alternative dispute resolution processes. She estimated there are about 550 children in care in Thunder Bay, with about 40 per cent of those in care being from Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory. Reitberger said the strength of the Talking Together program is it brings all the stakeholders in the child welfare process together in one room.

“For the first time ever the child welfare people are hearing how the families feel,” Reitberger said. “The families are hearing about the real concerns of the child welfare agencies but all the other stakeholders are there as well.” The Talking Together process begins with a referral from the family, the child welfare agency, or the court. “Then the (Talking Together) worker will contact all the parties who should be in that circle and an Elder – we always use an Elder to convene the circle,” Reitberger said. “Hopefully some kind of a resolution will come. It’s not always about sending the children right home, but we’re also looking at extended family.” The Talking Together process frequently involves more than one circle, each of which can last from two to three hours. “It can be a lengthy process, but if it’s successful it really works well,” Reitberger said. “Everybody in the circle is on the same level and it is probably the first time they (the family) have had the chance to say what they really feel.” While some people may express anger at the child welfare agency, Reitberger said the Talking Together facilitator does not allow that to derail the process. “It’s not about personal feelings; it’s about what is best for this child,” Reitberger said. “It’s very powerful.”

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9

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ COUNSELLING THE SEXUALLY ABUSED

Are you an individual, church worker, or a community worker concerned about those who have been wounded by sexual abuse? Here is a workshop designed especially for you. You will learn a counselling model that will be of help to you. May 26-28, 2011 Sunset Inn Sioux Lookout, ON Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to Saturday, 4:30 p.m. The workshop will be taught by Rick and Linda Martin and Amos Esh. $150.00 per person or $175.00 per husband-wife couple Pay by May 12 and receive a $25.00 discount. $75.00 for previous attenders. Group rates available. Call (807) 937-5188 for registration details. Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Walter Slipperjack speaks about his successes April 1 during the celebration of the Wasaya Airways-Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board Taking Flight: Northern Aboriginal Aviation Careers program. Slipperjack took over as Wasaya’s acting station manager in Thunder Bay during the 18-month program, which finished March 31.

Partnership takes flight Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Marten Falls is home to two of Wasaya Airway’s three successful Taking Flight pilot trainees. Glen Achneepineskum has always dreamed of being a pilot while Rowena Moonias decided she wanted to be a pilot when she was 17 years old. “It’s always been a lifetime career dream and finally it has become a success after so many years of sitting back doing nothing about it,” Achneepineskum said. He was speaking during the April 1 celebration of the Wasaya-Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board (SLAAMB) Taking Flight: Northern Aboriginal Aviation Careers program at the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay. “It feels wonderful and awesome to be able to fly,” he said. Achneepineskum still needs to complete about 200 hours of training and flying time, about 80 hours of commercial ground school and a commercial flight test to obtain his commercial pilots licence. He said it would take about 12-15 months to complete his training at Harv’s Air Pilot Training in Steinbach, Man. Moonias has already com-

pleted her commercial and multi-engine ratings and is currently working with Wasaya Airways in Pickle Lake while awaiting her opportunity to be a pilot. Wasaya partnered with SLAAMB in 2008 to provide training positions for 31 people as pilots, management trainees, sheet metal apprentices and aircraft maintenance engineers. “Not only did the Taking Flight program turn out to be an extremely successful endeavor for Wasaya and our partners, but it was also a fabulous learning experience,” said Wasaya CEO and president Tom Morris. “It is our hope that we can continue with similar initiatives to employ more First Nation individuals and provide them with the training and support they need to be successful members of the workforce, whether their future lies with careers within the Wasaya Group of companies or elsewhere in our region.” The Taking Flight program concluded March 31 with about 70 per cent of the trainees being retained as full-time Wasaya employees. Among those retained were Sonny Mamakwa, Kerry Wabange and Lloyd Meekis. Mamakwa’s highlight during his training experience was

helping Elders who don’t speak English. “I was able to talk to them in their language and help them all the way through with their shipments,” Mamakwa said, adding the Elders appreciated having an Anishinabemowinspeaking cargo agent to deal with at Wasaya. Wabange’s goal is to recruit First Nations people for employment at Wasaya. “I want to get out there in the First Nations and help people who were in my position and don’t have employment,” Wabange said. “I’m a single parent of two boys and I’ve always wanted to work for Wasaya Airways. I saw the Wasaya logo one day and I knew this is the company that I wanted to work for.” Meekis didn’t believe he would make it through the Taking Flight program at the beginning because he thought 18 months was too long a program. “Today I am not a guinea pig, that’s for sure,” Meekis, who is now an assistance station manager with Wasaya, said. Meekis believes in giving his all to his work, noting customer service is very important to Wasaya. “I would like to serve as best as I can,” Meekis said.

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was so foggy and the sun was coming out. You’re way up high and you’re looking down and it’s so tiny.” But once she was up and flying, Moonias found the solo flight to be relaxing. “You didn’t have this instructor in your ear telling you what to do,” Moonias said. “You could do whatever you want; you were just flying around by yourself.” Moonias Flight training usually begins with the instructor taking the trainee up for straight and level flying, then take-offs and finally landings. “The landings are the hardest,” Moonias said. “Once you know how to do it, then you solo. You just take off and go around and land. After your first solo, they let you fly other planes.” Moonias is working with Wasaya in Pickle Lake with the goal of starting her pilot career by flying one of Wasaya’s Cessna Caravans at some time in the future. “I’d like to stay with Wasaya for a long time.” But she does have bigger dreams. “Eventually I’d like to fly for WestJet or Air Canada.” - RG

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Marten Falls woman loves flying Rowena Moonias is aiming to take flight with Wasaya Airways. “I’ve always wanted to be a pilot since I was 17,” said the Marten Falls band member. Moonias just completed the Taking Flight: Northern Aboriginal Aviation Careers program offered by Wasaya and the Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board. “My dad had a plane and he used to always take me flying. I loved it.” Moonias began flight training four years ago through the Aviation Diploma program at First Nations Technical Institute in southern Ontario before joining the Taking Flight program last summer in Steinbach, Man. “I did all my commercial (ratings) down there (at FNTI),” Moonias said. “This past July when I moved to Steinbach for Wasaya, I got my multi-engine rating and my instrument rating.” Although Moonias is now at home flying an airplane, she was nervous about her first solo flight. “I thought there was no way I would be able to fly that tiny little plane,” Moonias said. “It

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10

Wawatay News

Northwestern Ontario Broadband Expansion Initiative benefits 26 First Nation communities Project Overview A new $81.4 million fibre optic network, spanning 2,572 kilometres of Ontario’s Far North will benefit some 26 First Nation communities. The fibre optic solution will provide more reliable voice and data service and broadband Internet with higher speeds and greater bandwidth. The iniative will also provide economic benefits for the communities during construction and beyond. Five Projects - Five Year Construction Plan Construction for Project One is slated to begin in April 2011, with Projects Two and Three set to start in May. The first three projects are expected to be completed in March 2012, with completion of Projects Four and Five anticipated by 2015.

Broadband Expansion Iniative Map

Greater Bandwidth – Higher Speeds – More Reliable Network Fibre optic networks provide bandwidth greater than 1.5 Megabits per second (Mbps), making High Speed Internet available and the ability to download movies and music in record time, in fact, less than ten seconds to download a standard length song! The fibre optic solution will also provide more reliable service. With 90% of the fibre optic network being buried, and fibre being less sensitive to the elements, weather and forest fires no longer impose the threat that they did on pole lines or satellite and microwave installations. Employment Opportunities Bell will require local First Nation territory experts who are thoroughly familiar with the land and water to work with Bell Aliant engineers to determine and plot the best path for the new network. Skills assessments and supplier inventories will be conducted so that First Nation members will provide labour and supply materials for such things as guiding and engineering, surveying, line clearance, road building, construction and other logistics. There will also be postinstallation opportunities for technical support and maintenance workers. Certification All government regulations must be met on this project. Workers and businesses will need proper certification wherever it is required. Guiding and Engineering Local resources with a solid knowledge and understanding of the territory will be required to: - ensure routes are planned and placed, following paths that have the least impact on the environment, traditional First Nation trap lines and any other sensitive areas; - help guide construction crews through difficult geographic challenges, work with and ahead of Bell Aliant Engineers to avoid obstacles and ensure the most efficient path is taken; and - interface with communities to ensure local concerns are addressed prior to crossing reserve land. Line Clearance Crews will remove trees and associated brush from the planned route. Chainsaws, brush cutters, and in some cases heavy equipment such as Hydro-Ax, D8 or backhoe may be required. Road Building Winter roads may need to be widened to accommodate equipment and placement of the fibre optic network. In addition to the equipment used in line clearance, plows, graders and water trucks might also be required. Rental Equipment, Supplies and Service Delivery In addition to the preparation and delivery of food and fuel to remote areas, boats, heavy equipment and quad rentals might also be required. It is anticipated that First Nation members might also play a role in the delivery of tools, material and equipment. Construction While the complexity of fibre splicing requires Bell Aliant staff and specialized contractors, there might be opportunities for hands on training for First Nation labourers to assist with this function. Resources and heavy equipment such as backhoes and trenchers will be required throughout the North to place poles and bury fibre. Gravel will be purchased locally and local dump truck operators will be required to transport the gravel. Local labourers will be hired to hand dig trenches where cables enter and exit any water crossings and to assist with placing of poles and burying cable. More information For more information regarding Employment Opportunities please contact your local Band Office. If you would like more detailed information about the project generally please contact: Chris Bell, Northern Ontario General Manager, Bell Aliant at (807) 475-6041 or visit www.nanbroadband.ca Travis Boissoneau, Director of Special Projects (Broadband), Nishnawbe Aski Nation at (807) 625-4938 or tboissoneau@nan.on.ca

APRIL 14, 2011

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www.nanbroadband.ca

Wawatay News APRIL 14, 2011

11

á?§á?Šá?§á?Šá‘Œ á?Šá’‹á’§á?§á?ƒá“‡á?Ł

Wawatay News

Federal Election Coverage

2011

Canada votes 2011 Canadians head to the polls May 2 to elect a new federal government. In an effort to prepare our readers – and help you make an educated choice about who your candidates are and what they stand for – three questions were put to each candidate in the ridings of Kenora, Thunder Bay-Rainy River, Thunder BaySuperior North and Timmins-James Bay. The questions posed to the 17 candidates are: 1. First Nations population levels are growing at significantly higher rates than the rest of Canada. But funding for education, including at the postsecondary level, has been capped for nearly two decades. How do we ensure First Nations success in education? 2. As an MP, how would you work with First Nations to move away from a reliance on diesel generation to produce electricity? 3. The Indian Act is one of Canada’s oldest pieces of legislation, yet it continues to govern the lives of Aboriginal people in Canada. How can we move beyond the Indian Act? Individual responses, along with short bios provided by the candidates, can be found on pages 12-17. Because of space limitations, only two of the three answers are provided. For full responses, visit www.wawataynews.ca. Remember, cast your ballot May 2. Every vote counts and will help shape the next government. Decisions which will impact spending, taxation, funding and environmental policy are in your hands. Your vote has the potential to impact Canadian policy moving forward. On May 2, exercise your rights and vote.

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I CAN CHOOSE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, I CAN

V TE!

DID YOU RECEIVE THIS CARD? FEDERAL GENERAL ELECTION

ÉLECTION GÉNÉRALE FÉDÉRALE

Monday, May 2, 2011

Le lundi 2 mai 2011

VOTER INFORMATION CARD

CARTE D’INFORMATION DE L’ÉLECTEUR

If your name and address appear on this card, you are registered to vote.

Si vos nom et adresse Âżgurent sur cette carte, vous ĂŞtes inscrit pour voter.

Please take this card when you go to vote.

IMPORTANT

When you vote, you MUST prove your identity and address. Au moment de voter, vous DEVEZ prouver votre identitĂŠ et votre adresse.

Veuillez apporter cette carte lorsque vous irez voter.

If this card is not addressed to you or contains errors, please call the toll-free number on the back.

Si cette carte ne vous est pas destinĂŠe ou si elle contient des erreurs, tĂŠlĂŠphonez au numĂŠro sans frais indiquĂŠ au verso.

To vote you must: ‡ be a Canadian citizen ‡ be at least 18 years old on election day

Pour voter, vous devez ĂŞtre : ‡ citoyen canadien ‡ âgĂŠ d’au moins 18 ans le jour de l’Êlection

Vote. Shape your world.

www.elections.ca

YOUR NAME YOUR ADDRESS VOTRE NOM VOTRE ADRESSE

Voter, c’est choisir son monde.

JE PEUX FAIRE UN GESTE QUI COMPTE, JE PEUX

V TER!

AVEZ-VOUS REÇU CETTE CARTE ?

YES – then you’re registered. The card tells you where and when to vote. Take it with you when you go to vote. NO, or you found an error – contact Elections Canada now.

ÉLECTION GÉNÉRALE FÉDÉRALE

FEDERAL GENERAL ELECTION

Le lundi 2 mai 2011

Monday, May 2, 2011

CARTE D’INFORMATION DE L’ÉLECTEUR

VOTER INFORMATION CARD

Si vos nom et adresse Âżgurent sur cette carte, vous ĂŞtes inscrit pour voter.

If your name and address appear on this card, you are registered to vote.

Veuillez apporter cette carte lorsque vous irez voter.

IMPORTANT

Au moment de voter, vous DEVEZ prouver votre identitĂŠ et votre adresse. When you vote, you MUST prove your identity and address.

Please take this card when you go to vote.

Si cette carte ne vous est pas destinĂŠe ou si elle contient des erreurs, tĂŠlĂŠphonez au numĂŠro sans frais indiquĂŠ au verso.

If this card is not addressed to you or contains errors, please call the toll-free number on the back.

Pour voter, vous devez ĂŞtre : ‡ citoyen canadien ‡ âgĂŠ d’au moins 18 ans le jour de l’Êlection

To vote you must: ‡ be a Canadian citizen ‡ be at least 18 years old on election day

Voter, c’est choisir son monde.

www.elections.ca

VOTRE NOM VOTRE ADRESSE YOUR NAME YOUR ADDRESS

Vote. Shape your world.

OUI – Vous ĂŞtes donc inscrit. Cette carte vous indique oĂš et quand voter. Ayez-la en main lorsque vous irez voter. NON, ou bien vous avez trouvĂŠ une erreur – Communiquez dès maintenant avec Élections Canada.

YOU CAN VOTE BEFORE ELECTION DAY.

VOUS POUVEZ VOTER AVANT LE JOUR DE L’ÉLECTION.

s At the advance polls on Friday, April 22; Saturday, April 23; or Monday, April 25, from noon to 8 p.m.

s Au bureau de vote par anticipation le vendredi 22 avril, le samedi 23 avril ou le lundi 25 avril, de midi Ă 20 h.

s By mail or at your local Elections Canada ofďŹ ce, if you apply by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26.

s Par la poste ou à votre bureau local d’Élections Canada, si vous en faites LA DEMANDE AU PLUS TARD LE MARDI AVRIL ¹ H

TO VOTE, YOU MUST:

POUR VOTER, VOUS DEVEZ :

s BE A #ANADIAN CITIZEN s BE AT LEAST YEARS OLD ON ELECTION DAY s PROVE YOUR IDENTITY AND ADDRESS

s šTRE CITOYEN CANADIEN s šTRE ²G¡ D AU MOINS ANS LE JOUR DE L ¡LECTION s PROUVER VOTRE IDENTIT¡ ET VOTRE ADRESSE

For more information on voting, including the list of authorized pieces of identiďŹ cation, check the brochure you received by mail or visit www.aboriginalvoter.ca/information

Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements concernant le vote, y compris la liste des pièces d’identitĂŠ autorisĂŠes, consultez le dĂŠpliant que vous avez reçu par la poste ou visitez www.electeurautochtone.ca/information

VOTE. SHAPE YOUR WORLD.

VOTER, C’EST CHOISIR SON MONDE.

www.aboriginalvoter.ca/information

www.electeurautochtone.ca/information

1-866-525-0309 TTY 1-800-361-8935 For people who are deaf or hard of hearing

1-866-525-0309 ATS 1-800-361-8935 Pour les personnes sourdes ou malentendantes

12

Wawatay News

APRIL 14, 2011

KENORA

Mike Schwindt – Green

Greg Rickford (I) – Conservative Greg Rickford is your Conservative candidate for the great Kenora riding. First elected in 2008, Greg got right to work and the resulting federal investments in the Kenora region are unprecedented. These key investments were part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, and they created immediate and long-term jobs right across northwestern Ontario. If re-elected Greg will continue to work hard as your representative in Ottawa and will see the implementation of the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Greg has degrees in nursing and law, as well as an MBA. This diversity of education allows Greg to be the well-rounded, strong voice that we need in Ottawa. A vote for Greg is a vote for true leadership. 1. Our government came to office five years ago, committed to making real, tangible improvements in the lives of all Aboriginal Canadians. After 13 years of neglect under the Liberals, this Conservative government is helping do just that with strategic investments in key areas, including education. The best way to ensure First Nation success in education is to re-elect a Conservative government so together we can continue to implement our plan to improve the lives of all Aboriginal Canadians.

2. The Conservative government will continue to work with First Nation communities through investment in new technology as well as partnerships with the provinces and private sector, in concert with First Nations groups, to move towards a future that will eventually eliminate the necessity of diesel generators. A Conservative government would make promoting the deployment of clean energy technologies in Aboriginal and northern communities a priority.

Kelvin Chicago-Boucher – Independent I am an Ojibway Anishinaba that resides within the Treaty 3 territory, specifically the Lac des Milles Lacs First Nation.

1. Firstly, our responsibility is to ensure that we, that is the students, take the responsibility of school seriously. As First Nations, and First Nation people, we need to promote the importance of education. With that being said, to ensure adequate funding for those students who wish to pursue post-scondary education, I suggest cutting the bureaucratic red tape and positions that needlessly teat up funds that should reach the needy.

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

2. I am not running to represent the Kenora riding as its member of Parliament, but to reach out to people who feel abandoned and disenfranchised by the political process. However, I do question what MP Greg Rickford or former MP Roger Valley before him have done to aid First Nations to move away from a reliance on diesel generations to produce electricity.

Mike Schwindt is a teacher in Poplar Hill, Ont., a remote, fly-in only Native reserve. He has lived in the Kenora riding for the past five years and has come to love all of what the region has to offer. Some of the achievements Mike is most proud of include co-founding the charitable arts group Project:Humanity in Toronto, coaching hockey in both of the communities in which he has lived in northwestern Ontario, and leading high school students to reach for their dreams as a teacher volunteer with the Outside Looking In program in Pikangikum. Mike is married and shares his home as well with a dog named Moe and a cat named Wretched. In his free time he enjoys playing and coaching hockey, fishing, hiking and snowshoeing. 1. I have lived this issue for the past five years. The current system creates a vicious cycle in many schools where poor attendance leads to decreased funding, which leads to increased class sizes with less resources, causing even more difficulty retaining students. While teaching a class of 38 students, I quickly realized my effort was much better spent teaching the students in my classroom than chasing the rest. Unfortunately, that means the class will only be funded for 23 or 24 students. Should all of the students show up to start next year, the class will be packed, and the teacher will only have enough textbooks for half the kids. The funding formula must be fixed. We can keep it the way it is, intended to save money and fail our students. Or, we can adjust it so it recognizes the number of kids that should be coming to school and be ready when they do.

2. First Nations are in a prime position to be the first to adopt alternative energy. This is a key plank of my campaign platform; I want to see a competition for reserves to design or contract the design of a remote-reserve suitable alternative energy solution. The winner of the competition will receive a grant to build the pilot project. Other reserves will be offered guaranteed loans to make the switch to renewables. Reserves are paying twice for their fuel, to ship it and to burn it. The price of oil is going nowhere but up. Let’s invest now so that we don’t have to pay ridiculously later.

Roger Valley – Liberal Roger Valley along with his wife Carole live, and raised their three children, in Dryden, Ont. Having lived most of his life in a small northwestern community, Roger understands life in a small town and has a love and passion for protecting rural Canada. For the last 35 years, Roger has worked and now owns a family business based in the tourism industry. After serving six years as councillor for the Town of Dryden, Roger was elected as mayor in 1998. While mayor, Roger spearheaded many infrastructure and development opportunities. After nine years in municipal politics, and after many years of involvement in provincial and federal politics, Roger ran for the federal Liberal Party. First elected in the House of Commons, in June 2004, Roger was a member of the Aboriginal Affairs Committee, chaired the Northern Ontario Liberal Caucus, and established and chaired the newly formed Liberal Forestry Caucus. He was re-elected in January 2006. 1. The federal government has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that First Nations people have the same opportunity to learn and succeed as any other Canadian. The Liberal Party is committed to work in partnership with First Nations communities to raise the level of education of their students. We will lift the two per cent cap on financial support for First Nations education and will immediately increase funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program by $200 million over the next two years. A Liberal government will also increase funding for First Nations K-12 education by $300 million in the second year of a Liberal mandate. We will also work with the Métis community to establish a new national Métis scholarship program to help Métis learners across the country to access postsecondary education. The First Nations University plays an invaluable role in Canadian higher education. We will ensure this university receives full and predictable federal funding.

2. A Liberal government will help Aboriginal people achieve improvements in their communities. We are committed to government-to-government partnerships that raise the standards of living and empower communities at the local level. Through this, we hope to help communities tackle issues such as reducing reliance on diesel generators to produce electricity. We are also committed to ensure that communities have access to safe, affordable housing. We will work with provincial, territorial, and First Nations partners to put in place a renewed Affordable Housing Framework, and will invest $600 million in new funding over two years. This framework will include a focus on reducing homelessness, maintaining and renewing existing affordable housing and building new homes.

Tania Cameron – NDP Tania Cameron is currently the Long Term Care coordinator at the Kenora Chiefs Advisory. As well, she is on her third elected term on band council in her home community of Dalles First Nation. Recently, Tania and her husband Tom started Cameron Total Home, a small business that does home renovation and new construction. Tania is currently co-chairwoman of the Lakewood School Parent Council and a member of the Kenora Women’s Action Network (KWAN). Noteably, Tania has received recognition from Shooniyah Wabiitong - New Entrepreneur category. She was also the Bread and Roses Award recipient at the International Women’s Day event in 2010. Her work in the local community was also featured in the book “Where the Pavement Ends” by Marie Wadden (2008). Tania is married to Tom Cameron and they have three young children: Daniel is 10, Rachael is nine and Josh is eight. 1. Removing the funding cap and raising the amount of money that goes to educating an Aboriginal child is an investment that can impact the local and regional economy and improve socio-economic conditions of families. The NDP have consistently called for removing the two per cent cap on federal funding for First Nation education, and in 2008 secured a formal recommendation by a Parliamentary committee to that effect. In communities like Grassy Narrows and Eabametoong, our schools constantly battle underfunding at the cost of the children’s education. The NDP believe in the investment of lifelong learning and training, ensuring meaningful participation in the Canadian workforce. The NDP’s fight for better school conditions in First Nations communities was led by Charlie Angus who personally led the NDP’s fight through his nationwide “Shannen’s Dream” campaign, which has gained support from teachers, labour and student leaders, and grade-school children across the country.

2. The energy costs in northern Ontario are way too high and stunts the economic growth and community development. Our remote communities need a more extensive transmission network and innovative means to generate clean, affordable electricity. As your NDP Member of Parliament I will work to invest in community-owned clean energy projects through subsidies and financial incentive. This would mean stable, quality, local jobs, and reliable, accessible, reliable and sustainable alternatives to diesel generation. I am committed to work with First Nations and other stakeholders to use existing federal funding through FedNor and other sources, and fight for more resources to help concretely alleviate our communities’ reliance on diesel.

Wawatay News APRIL 14, 2011

13

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

THUNDER BAY - RAINY RIVER

Editors Note: Wawatay News did not receive bio and responses for the Conservative candidate

Ed Shields – Green

John Rafferty (I) – NDP

I was a professor at McGill University for almost 30 years. I grew up mainly on a farm, and I still enjoy the hard physical labour on both the family farm and on my own 80 acres in the rural Thunder Bay region. I have considerable world experience from working in Papua, New Guinea, Africa, Europe, Russia and the USA. The greatest benefit I could offer as a legislator would be to fill an exceedingly important, and totally empty, niche as a legislator-scientist/biologist. Only 10 of the 308 MPs have Ph.Ds (three per cent); none with a degree in science. I have written numerous scientific peer-reviewed articles and two science books. Such expertise allows me to uniquely leverage the ever-expanding opportunities through science to bring new jobs in biotech, high-tech and green businesses and manufacturing to the scenic Thunder Bay-Rainy River region and to upgrade infrastructure.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1978, spent a season at Magnus Theatre in Thunder Bay. Returned to university to earn a Bachelor of Education degree. Volunteered to teach high school in Nigeria for two years under the auspices of World University Service of Canada (WUSC). Upon returning to Canada, taught in Yellowknife and later became the first high school principal in Rankin Inlet. Returned to Africa as a field director for WUSC, living in Lesotho and Botswana for three and a half years. Back in Canada, Rafferty earned a diploma in broadcasting at Confederation College and worked as the afternoon talk show host at CKPR until his first federal election campaign in 2000. Earned a certificate in dispute resolution from Lakehead University in 2000. Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River since 2008.

1. As a science educator, I committed my life to the advancement of science education in health. I’ve learned that one good teacher/mentor is worth more than many platitudes about the power of education to transform and broaden a person. The question is: How do we get more good teachers and educated role models in First Nations? I believe that a strong and sustainable economy, where the majority have meaningful jobs is the initial basis for a better life for all. From this follows that excellent First Nation students will become teachers and happy to return to their home communities. Parents who no longer struggle economically will then function as role models by having an interest in education such as, literature and discussing the arts and science together with their children. The governmental challenge isn’t merely for more funding for education, which is important for equality; it’s also to creatively find tools to meaningfully employ people.

2. The Green Party would increase funding to $800 million/year for First Nations education, safe drinking water and improved housing. The Green Party is committed to green energy and conservation. It’s not always a matter of more energy but also efficiency and conservation. Energy audits are important to identify and correct wasted heat in housing and buildings. Through several mechanisms, the government can help to decrease the cost for building efficiency, and conservation. Additionally, they can give incentives to make renewable, sustainable and safe local energy like solar and wind for the main energy source. I would work to have government leadership to direct sustainable energy to local people and projects and not spend huge amounts of money on faraway projects like nuclear reactors that have no local economic impact. The Fort William First Nation/Skypower solar project is a world-class example of a proactive green energy plan. I applaud the Fort William First Nation’s foresight and creativity.

1. New Democrats have consistently advocated removing the two per cent cap on federal funding for Aboriginal education, and in 2008 secured a formal recommendation by a Parliamentary committee to that effect. The Conservative government responds true to form by blaming the former Liberal government instead of fixing the injustice. New Democrats believe a holistic approach would ensure meaningful First Nations participation in the Canadian workforce, focusing on lifelong learning and training. We are committed to a coordinated effort, involving all stakeholders from early childhood through postsecondary, and including a strategic analysis of the labour needs and opportunities of communities, that will efficiently and sustainably meet the educational needs of First Nations and their communities. Charlie Angus has personally led the NDP’s fight for better school conditions in First Nations communities through his nationwide “Shannen’s Dream” campaign, which has gained support from teachers, labour and student leaders, and grade-school children across the country.

2. New Democrats recognize that the lack of reliable, low-cost energy in northern Ontario is an ongoing barrier to economic and community development. Our remote communities need a more extensive transmission network and innovative means to generate clean, affordable electricity As MP I will join the New Democrat caucus’ campaign to re-direct multi-billion-dollar fossilfuel subsidies toward renewable energy development and financial incentives for small-scale, community-owned clean power projects. The NDP’s green economy plan means stable, quality, local jobs, and reliable, accessible and sustainable alternatives to diesel generation. Locally, I will work with First Nations and other stakeholders to tap existing federal funding through FedNor and other sources, and advocate for more resources to help concretely alleviate our communities’ reliance on diesel.

1. There is no doubt that the Kelowna Accord set a new standard for education achievement. I would be part of the restoration team to reunite the signatories to that agreement and move the agenda forward in a positive way.

2. As someone who been involved in energy planning, I am convinced that independent hydro projects owned and operated by the First Nation sourcing the power are in the best interests of everyone. I have seen enough success stories to know the model works. There is a major federal role in the extension of power lines and as someone who is well-known for bringing people together, I would offer myself as part of the solution to organize and follow-up.

Ken Boschoff – Liberal Ken Boshcoff’s first job after completing his Master’s Degree in Planning was as district planner for the federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. He visited every community in districts of Lakehead and of Nakina on a wide variety of planning and environmental issues. After four years of service, Ken moved to the private sector in his family’s insurance business. During his years on city council in Thunder Bay, Ken initiated many projects to welcome Aboriginal peoples especially to coordinate and communicate between Aboriginal and city social services. He had resolutions passed to establish working groups with Aboriginal organizations. He participated regularly with First Nations groups for health care (such as the medical school), tourism and economic development.

National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation

Native Language Teacher Certification (NLTC) July 4th – July 29th, 2011 The Native Language Teacher Certification is designed to prepare candidates to Teach Native Languages. It is the only Algonquian program in Ontario, which is Ministry of Education and Training approved for Certification. Certification qualifies candidates to teach Native Languages in Ontario Schools. To enter the program you must be fluent in a Native Language and meet Lakehead University’s Mature Student Admission requirements.

2011 Summer Credit Courses in Native Languages Ojibwe 1013 Introduction to Ojibwe I (Severn Dialect) Introduction to basic Severn Ojibwe phonetics, grammar and conversation. 5 – 7:30 pm Monday thru Thursday July 4 – July 21, 2011 Ojibwe 1015 Introduction to Ojibwe II (Severn Dialect) Development of conversational skills and practice in writing. 5 – 7:30 pm Monday thru Thursday July 25 - August 11, 2011 Cree 1010 Introduction to Cree I Introduction to basic Cree phonetics, grammar and conversation. 5 – 7:30 pm Monday thru Thursday July 4 – July 21, 2011 Cree 1012 Introduction to Cree II Development of conversational skills and practice in writing. 5 – 7:30 pm Monday thru Thursday July 25 - August 11, 2011 For further information and an application package, contact:

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Wawatay News

APRIL 14, 2011

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THUNDER BAY - SUPERIOR NORTH Richard Harvey – Conservative Scot Kyle – Green The Harvey family has lived in Thunder Bay for four generations. Richard, born in Port Arthur, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Harvey spent his childhood between Thunder Bay and Nipigon. As the son of a country doctor, Richard learned at an early age the importance of caring for the needs of others. Richard is a graduate of Lakehead University and is married with two children. His wife Judy is a nurse with the Thunder Bay Homes for the Aged as well as Nipigon District Memorial Hospital. Their daughter Moriah attends Sir Winston Churchill High School in Thunder Bay and son Aidan, St. Edwards Catholic School in Nipigon. Richard Harvey is the Mayor of Nipigon. As a father he deals with the issues of raising a family every day. As a mayor he deals with the issues of raising a community. 1. Education is extremely important. For years under the Liberal government many promises have been made but very little was done to deal with the real issues affecting First Nations people. In a minority government situation much of the advancement for First Nations people has been slowed or stopped by the opposition parties. However the Conservative government has shown its respect of Treaties and agreements by respecting and settling land claims like the ones for Fort William First Nation and investing in First Nations education. It is a clear indication of the respect for First Nations determining their own future and the desire and ability of the Conservative govern-

There’s a lot to talk about in this year’s Budget. Simply go online or call to find out where your tax dollars are going.

Ontario Budget ontario.ca/budget t t 55:

ment to work with and advance the lives of First Nations people. Rather than making promises to First Nations I am committed to taking the time to sit down with and listen to the issues and then, working together as partners, address these issue in a way that is meaningful to everyone involved. 2. The Conservative government has worked and will work to continue investing in partnerships with First Nations communities, provincial and private sector business to develop alternative sources of energy to reduce and ultimately eliminate the dependence on diesel generated electricity as the prime source of energy for northern communities.

2011

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Scot Kyle was raised and educated in Thunder Bay, Ont. He resides in the country with his wife of 30 years. Together they’ve raised three children to adulthood. All have attained a university education. He spends his time restoring cedar canvas canoes. He has lived and taught in various First Nations communities from Big Trout Lake to Gull Bay. He believes in serving the community and presently sits as president to the boards of directors for both CILU campus radio and The Arrow River Forest Hermitage. Kyle believes it’s time for a new generation of politicians to step up. This will involve a significant sift from the status quo; hence his endorsement of Elizabeth May of the Green Party. He has always been passionate about ecological matters and believes deeply that there is not only much to be learned from Aboriginal wisdom, but with present policies being what they are, we need swift action. 1. A formula more matched with that channeled to mainstream society should be fairly hammered out, especially given the increased population occurring in First Nations communities. This formula should also take into account the special needs; those social, cultural and geographical in nature. Communities should also be granted extra incentives and fiscal rewards for coming up with solutions which incorporate traditional cultural teachings to properly empower and engage the youth. Having taught and lived in various First Nations communities I’ve often observed how the standard curriculum often fails to grasp the interest of the student population. I would also submit that the model of education needs to shift more toward life skills, vocational training and cultural awareness. We should be learning by now, that although I

understand the reality of access to funds, money simply doesn’t solve everything. 2. Our leader has stated clearly that there is a healthy corporate culture here in Canada. She is interested in rewarding cutting-edge technologies, many of which are installed or are being successfully installed presently throughout much of Europe and other countries. Solar and wind generation is clearly a sustainable mode of generating energy and once installed properly, needs very little maintenance. Small, localized hydro-electric dams are also something that is often realistic, since many First Nations communities are located near large rivers. Key to such projects is to ensure that maintenance and technical staff are properly trained and employed by local chiefs and councils.

KO Telemedicine will improve health for all First Nations KO Telemedicine (KOTM) delivers clinical, educational and administrative services via videoconferencing and advanced information communication technologies to First Nation communities in Ontario.

Here’s more about KO Telemedicine Since 2001, the development of First Nations Telehealth/ Telemedicine in Ontario has demonstrated a collaborative approach to meeting health needs without unnecessary duplication or creation of parallel health care systems. Its growth has been facilitated by strong relationships with member First Nations and among KO Telemedicine, the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) and First Nations and Inuit Health (FNIH). The net result has been the establishment and maintenance of a high quality and cost effective Telehealth/ Telemedicine service for Ontario’s most isolated communities. The service model is rooted in First Nations requirements, directed by community leadership and focused on First Nations health and wellness priorities. The use of information and communications technology supports a wide range of health, social and

economic development needs and anticipates First Nations development of complementary health initiatives such as clinical information systems and their use in population health and pandemic planning. KOTM contributes to improved health outcomes for on-reserve population. It provides a contemporary counterpoint to the historic failure of previous health policy and programs to close chronic health services access gaps for remote First Nations communities. First Nations Telehealth/Telemedicine in Ontario has substantively improved community-based choice of health service providers and frequency and proximity of health service access. It has also demonstrated how culturally safe and competent health services can be delivered across large geographic and culturally diverse territories by First Nations. In this manner communities’ capacities are being built and strengthened while providing health workers with the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.

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Wawatay News APRIL 14, 2011

Yves Fricot – Liberal

Bruce Hyer (I) – NDP

Yves Fricot was born in Quebec and moved with his family to Thunder Bay at the age of six. Yves and his wife Mandy have established deep roots in northwestern Ontario. After graduating from the University of British Columbia, Yves studied law at the University of Ottawa. He returned to Thunder Bay to practice in the areas of criminal, labour, employment and environmental law. For many years Yves was a member of the Advocates Society as well as a Small Claims Court Deputy Judge. He is fluent in both French and German. Yves Fricot is no ordinary politician: he is a father, a friend and a strong believer in the opportunities our region offers. Yves believes that a real future, based on a strong and diversified economy is possible for our families and our children. He has seen firsthand how hard work and dedication can enable us all to realize the opportunities that exist in the northwest.

Bruce Hyer was elected as MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North in 2008 (NDP). He has introduced more legislation to Parliament than all previous MPs of the riding in more than 40 years combined. Biologist, forester, land use planner, and small businessperson (retail, tourism, and biology/forestry consulting), he has also been a trapper, wilderness guide, whitewater instructor and bush pilot. He lived (mostly on fish, moose, blueberries and wild rice) in a tipi and log cabin for two years near Namaygoosisagagun (Collins). Bruce successfully steered his Private Members Bill, The Climate Change Accountability Act through the House of Commons gaining the support of several parties to get it passed. It would limit greenhouse gas emissions, which are damaging our climate and affecting plants, animals and people who live off the land. Married to Margaret Wanlin, First Nations’ consultant and strategic planner, they have one son, Michael, 15.

1. The federal government has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that First Nations people have the same opportunity to learn and succeed as any other Canadian. The Liberal Party is committed to work in partnership with First Nations communities to raise the level of education of their students. We will lift the two per cent cap on financial support for First Nations education and will immediately increase funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program by $200 million over the next two years. A Liberal government will also increase funding for First Nations K-12 education by $300 million in the second year of a Liberal mandate. We will also work with the Métis community to establish a new national Métis scholarship program to help Métis learners across the country to access post-secondary education. The First Nations University plays an invaluable role in Canadian higher education. We will ensure this university receives full and predictable federal funding.

1. Capacity development is of vital importance to Aboriginal people and communities. Postsecondary education is a critical component of preparing people for leadership and employment in organizations and communities and for raising the standard of living for Aboriginal people. Steps (including more money) are needed to reduce the grade gap so that Aboriginal students from INAC-funded schools are well prepared for post-secondary education. INAC should fund First Nation schools to a per-pupil level that is at least equal to Ontario funding for non-aboriginal schools. We need more First Nation high schools so that more students have the choice to go to high school closer to where they live. Distance delivery methods need to be further developed so that more people can do post secondary education from their home community. And the cap on funds for post-secondary education must come off and rise consistently with population growth.

2. A Liberal government will help Aboriginal people achieve improvements in their communities. We are committed to government-to-government partnerships that raise the standards of living and empower communities at the local level. Through this, we hope to help communities tackle issues such as reducing reliance on diesel generators to produce electricity. We are also committed to ensure that communities have access to safe, affordable housing. We will work with provincial, territorial, and First Nations partners to put in place a renewed Affordable Housing Framework, and will invest $600 million in new funding over two years. This framework will include a focus on reducing homelessness, maintaining and renewing existing affordable housing and building new homes.

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2. Communities have different options and challenges based on their size and location. We must begin to reduce the reliance and consumption of expensive and environmentally detrimental diesel-generated power by increasing the energy efficiency of homes and community buildings and installing green power options like solar and wind on rooftops or in larger installations. Many communities also have the opportunity to develop small-scale hydro projects. Waterpower is the best source of clean power. Where possible, connections to the grid should be made. Small hydro projects work best when excess power can be sold back to the grid. Canada needs to work with Ontario to make available funds for First Nations to do energy system planning. A system of grants and loans can help with the installation of alternative sources of generation. The limitations that diesel power places on community development need to be removed, or at least reduced.

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Wawatay News

APRIL 14, 2011

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Wawatay News APRIL 14, 2011

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TIMMINS - JAMES BAY Marilyn Wood – Liberal

Bill Greenberg – Conservative

Marilyn Wood is a successful businesswoman, community leader and advocate for northern Ontario. Marilyn is qualified to lead the north. Born and raised on a dairy farm, she eventually earned a master’s degree in economic development and industrialization. A proud Timmins resident for the past 18 years, Marilyn is a well-known and active member of the community. She served as a director of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce for seven years and was the fourth woman to serve as its president. In 2005, she was appointed to the Small Business Agency of Ontario, advising the province on issues impacting business and economic development in the north. Before starting her own biotech business, Marilyn worked with local organizations including the Cochrane District Health Council and Mushkegowuk Tribal Council. Marilyn is a well-rounded and experienced community leader who has worked with government, nonprofit agencies and the private sector. Marilyn is committed to working for progress and prosperity for northern Ontario. 1. The Liberal party recognizes the need for better support to Aboriginal education to close this education gap. This is why a Liberal government negotiated the landmark 2005 Kelowna Accord with Aboriginal governments, the provinces and the territories. That historic $5 Billion agreement was promptly killed by the Conservatives in 2006. A Liberal government will lift the two per cent cap on financial support for Aboriginal education and will immediately increase funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program by $200 million over the next two years. A Liberal government will also increase funding for First Nations K-12 education by $300 million in the second year of a Liberal mandate. As your MP, I will also work towards specialized training for northern Ontario to ensure that the needs of industry are met, while advancing our First Nations’ economic development opportunities.

2. In the early 1990s I travelled extensively between the communities on the west coast of James Bay when working for the Cochrane District Health Council. Most visits were in the winter months and I witnessed first-hand the importance of diesel fuel deliveries both for heating and for electricity generation. Near the end of particularly cold winters there sometimes was a shortage of diesel fuel and the community members had to make difficult decisions – would they use the remaining fuel for electricity or for heating? How would they ration the supply between the hospital, school and elderly? As your MP I would empower existing First Nation organizations, such as Five Nations Energy, to continue to develop new energy options for Aboriginals; I would work to remove obstacles and red tape; and also to create funding opportunities, so that energy efficient and clean energy options can be developed.

Lisa Bennett – Green Lisa Bennett is a 20-year-old student at the University of Ottawa on an academic scholarship studying toward a Joint Honours Bachelors Degree in History and Political Science. Lisa is currently the VP of the uOttawa Greens, a member of the Young Greens and an active member of the Green Party. When asked if she would consider running as a candidate, she wholeheartedly agreed. The issue of voter apathy has long been a concern for Lisa and she is constantly frustrated with the lack of participation in our democratic system. She hopes her example will encourage young and apathetic Canadians to vote on May 2. One could only imagine the impact it would have on the government and history of Canada, if the geographically massive Timmins-James Bay riding elected a young fresh face to represent them on The Hill. Surely that would make the rest of Canada’s political machine stop and take notice of the Timmins-James Bay riding. 1. Paulo Freire wrote, “…only by working with people can I achieve anything authentic on their behalf.” In order to measure success in education, we first need to define success and education. While it is appropriate to state that in order to compete in Canadian society there is a certain level of formal education that is required. The Green Party intends to push for $5.1 billion dollars needed to implement the agreements of the Kelowna Accord, as well as support the development of curricula that are language and culture specific to the First Nations, including incorporation of traditional practices and recognition of the role of the extended families and Elders. This support needs to available to all First Nations on and off the reserve.

2. The Green Party of Canada is fully committed to working towards a much more sustainable pursuit of energy. This includes the establishment and management of a nationally integrated electrical power grid capable of supporting many sources of electric energy including wind, solar and other forms of Green energy production. The funding for development of these alternative energies would be quite useful to those First Nations with access to a great deal of land. Through this funding, land could be used to harvest energy in a much more sustainable way which would embrace Canada’s First Nations’ tradition of respect for the land and future generations.

Canadian Federal Election 2011 Canada goes to the polls Monday May 2. Wawatay News brings you the information you need to make an informed descision. Go to www.wawataynews.ca/canvote2011 to voice your thoughts, find out who is running in your district, and see how they’ve responded to the issues that affect you the most.

Bill Greenberg has a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Carleton University and a Diploma of Business Administration in finance from Algonquin College. He is currently the branch manager of Union Securities Ltd. in Timmins, Ont. He has owned and operated his own business for the past 11 years selling Canadian and American political memorabilia. Greenberg has helped with a number of number of not-for-profit organizations.

1.The budget Charlie Angus opposed included $75 million for First Nations skills and educational development. We could be implementing it right now, but Charlie Angus, Jack Layton and the Bloc Quebecois wanted a $400 milllion election instead. If you help elect a national conservative majority government I can assure you the funding will be restored.

2. The Conservative platform introduced today (April 8) follows through on our budget commitment to provide funding for alternative energy sources in First Nations communities. While transitioning to alternative energy we must ensure that diesel generation infrastructure is safe. Our Conservative government had set aside funds to improve the environmental and safety standards of fuel tanks on First Nations communities. The NDP and Liberals opposed this when they voted to have an election instead of making your community safer.

Charlie Angus (I) – NDP • Born and raised in Timmins • Elected as Member of Parliament for Timmins-James Bay in 2004, reelected in 2006 and 2008 • Named ‘Top Constituency MP in Canada’ by Maclean’s Magazine • Has a well-earned reputation as one of the hardest-working MPs in Ottawa • Writer, broadcaster and musician; was a member of the Juno-nominated band Grievous Angels, as well as 1980s punk band L’Étranger • Honoured for “Outstanding Contribution to Northern Culture” at the 1999 Festival Boreal in Sudbury • The Late Peter Gzozski once referred to Charlie as ‘The Bard of the North’ • Has been a regular contributor to CBC, TVO and national newspapers • Has published five books on northern Ontario life and culture • In the 1980s, with his wife, Charlie ran a house for the homeless in downtown Toronto • Worked for three years with northern First Nations in Quebec on issues of community development and economic opportunities 1. I have been the lead voice in Parliament demanding fairness for First Nation students. I work closely with the Assembly of First Nations, provincial education leaders and youth from the James Bay region on addressing the needs of First Nation students. This past year, l launched the Shannen’s Dream campaign which lays out the steps needed to close the funding gaps to guarantee all First Nation students access to quality education. This fight for school rights was inspired by youth leader Shannen Koostachin. I was privileged to have Shannen live with my family for a year so that she could attend a real school for the first time. After years of broken promises, the people of Attawapiskat have finally secured a commitment to have their contaminated elementary school rebuilt. I fought every step of the way to ensure this school gets built and will make sure that the plan stays on track as long as it takes while I’m your MP.

2. I have worked with northern First Nation communities on the need to improve infrastructure such as water and hydro. In 2005, I helped lead the fight over terrible water standards in Kashechewan which forced the federal government to make clean water a national priority for First Nations. We still have a long way to go. Diesel generators have polluted our communities and have resulted in outrageously high energy prices. New Democrats will improve infrastructure and services available for First Nations communities and end this double-standard. We need to give our northern communities sustainable energy infrastructure. New Democrats will work in partnership with Aboriginal communities, as well as the provinces and territories to develop these clean energy alternatives.

To Advertise in WAWATAY call us at 1-800-243-9059

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Wawatay News

APRIL 14, 2011

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PARTICIPATE Information Centre Review of Phase II Proposed Operations 2012–2017 2007–2017 Crossroute Forest Management Plan (FMP) Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Constance Lake’s Joseph John George has been living in Thunder Bay for about 12 years while undergoing dialysis treatment three days a week at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Twelve years on dialysis treatment Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Constance Lake’s Joseph John George misses his family in Hearst since moving to Thunder Bay 12 years ago for dialysis treatment. “Some of them have moved away to different towns,” George said. “I’ve got a cousin here.” Although George misses his family, he enjoys visiting with friends in the city as well as dropping in at the Dew Drop Inn on Red River Road for the occasional meal. “It’s OK,” George said. “I’m getting used to it.” George receives his dialysis treatment three times a week at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, but when he first arrived in Thunder Bay he used to receive treatment at the McKellar General Hospital. “I’ve known Thunder Bay and this area since I was a kid,” George said. “I used to go to school here (at St. Joseph’s Indian Residential School) in Fort William.” George was born in 1939

and still remembers growing up in Pagwa River, a community located along a Canadian National Railway line where many Constance Lake band members once lived before being relocated to Constance Lake. “That time it was a very busy place,” George said, recalling three grocery stores. “Everybody was trapping, busy.” George’s father worked for the CNR section gang at Pagwa River and a Pinetree Radar Line station had been built near the community in the early 1950s as part of an early-warning system to provide advance notice of a Soviet Union air attack over the Arctic Ocean. “We moved to Longlac way back then,” George said. “He (his father) was a busy man. He used to buy fur at the same time from Native people.” George still misses the trapline he used to have back home. “I used to be a trapper before,” George said. “We had a trapline there in one spot named Lynx (an old CNR stop station) – we were there for 35 years.”

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), AbiBow Canada Inc. and the Local Citizens Committee (LCC) invite you to an information centre to help us develop the second five-year term (2012–2017) of the 2007–2017 Forest Management Plan (FMP) for the Crossroute Forest. You will have the opportunity to review, comment on and contribute to the background information to be used in planning for: t UIF QSPQPTFE BSFBT JEFOUJGJFE for harvest, renewal and tending operations t the proposed road locations and conditions for the second five-year term How to Get Involved To facilitate your review, an information centre will be held at the following locations: May 17, 2011 May 18, 2011 May 19, 2011

Atikokan Royal Canadian Legion Adventure Inn, Fort Frances Nestor Falls Community Center

A summary map showing proposed areas for harvest, renewal and tending operations as well as the proposed road corridors will be available at the information centre or upon request. The information and maps available at the information centre will also be available for review and comment at the AbiBow Canada Inc. office and at the Ministry of Natural Resources Fort Frances District office and Atikokan Area office, by appointment during normal office hours for a period of 30-days from May 17 to June 17, 2011. Comments must be received by Ralph Horn at the MNR Fort Frances office or Dave Legg at the AbiBow Canada Inc. office by June 17, 2011. Meetings with representatives of the planning team and the LCC can be requested at any time during the planning process. Reasonable opportunities to meet planning team members during non-business hours will be provided upon request. If you require more information or wish to discuss your interests and concerns with a planning team member, please contact one of the individuals listed below: Ralph Horn Ministry of Natural Resources 922 Scott Street Fort Frances, ON P9A 1J4 Tel: 807-274-8614 e-mail: ralph.horn@ontario.ca

Dave Legg AbiBow Canada Inc. 427 Mowat Avenue Fort Frances, ON P9A 1Y8 tel: 807-274-5311 ext. 1215 e-mail: dave.legg@abitibibowater.com

CALL:

HOME PHONE RECONNECT

John LePine Natural Resources Advisory Committee 922 Scott Street Fort Frances, ON P9A 1J4 tel: 807-274-8614 (c/o of Ralph Horn)

During the planning process there is an opportunity to make a written request to seek resolution of issues with the plan author, the MNR District Manager or the Regional Director using a process described in the Forest Management Planning Manual (2009). The operations for the first five-year term (Phase I) of the 10-year FMP (2007–2012) are nearing completion and detailed planning for the second five-year term (Phase II) operations is commencing. This first (Stage 1) notice is to invite you to review and comment on proposed operations and to contribute to the background information to be used in planning. Stay Involved There will be two more formal opportunities for you to be involved. These stages are tentatively scheduled as follows: Stage 2 – Review of Draft Planned Operations Stage 3 – Inspection of MNR-Approved Planned Operations

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2 p.m. to 8 p.m. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

August 24, 25, 26, 2011 November 23, 24, 25, 2011

The tentative scheduled date for submission of the draft-planned operations is July 27, 2011. If you would like to be added to a mailing list to be notified of public involvement opportunities, please contact Ralph Horn, MNR Fort Frances District Office at 807-274-8614. 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 use of your personal information, please contact Rachel Hill at 807-274-8605.

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Visit Wawatay News online at www.wawataynews.ca ~ for the latest photo galleries, video & photo blogs

Matawa launches new resource centre

John Ferris, of Constance Lake, describes the logo he created for the new resource centre at Matawa First Nations during its official launch March 31. Ferris designed the logo for Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services last fall. James Thom/Wawatay News

The Closing the Gap 2011 campaign is calling for First Nations poverty to be addressed during the federal election. “It’s unacceptable that First Nations poverty continues to exist in this day and age,” said Bob Goulais, a campaign organizer from Nipissing First Nation. “We are not speaking about poverty as a metaphor. We’re talking about real child poverty, homelessness and Third World conditions right here in Canada. This should be a significant election issue. Resolving First Nations poverty should (be) a priority for each and every party and politician in this country.” The Closing the Gap 2011 campaign reports Campaign 2000 found one in four First Nations children live in poverty as compared to one in six for non-Aboriginal children; Status of Women Canada found rates of poverty for Aboriginal women are double that of nonAboriginal women; and the federal government found Aboriginal people in Canada were four times more likely to experience hunger as a direct result of poverty. “There is a significant socioeconomic gap between First Nation and all other Canadians,” Goulais said. “Just take a look at health determinants, incarceration rates, unemployment rates, income levels and education levels. First Nations are at a significant disadvantage.” The Closing the Gap 2011 campaign, supported by the Assembly of First Nations, Native Women’s Association of Canada and the Union of Ontario Indians, is calling for a First Minister’s Meeting on Aboriginal People to develop a comprehensive strategy to eliminate child and family poverty and to close the gap between First Nations people and all Canadians. It also seeks budget provisions to increase support to First Nations families and to resolve long-standing issues with the First Nations labour force. “Closing the gap is an urgent priority that will benefit First Nations and all Canadians,” said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. “During the federal election campaign, we invite all Canadians to learn more about First Nations and the potential we have to support one another.”

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Wawatay News APRIL 14, 2011

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Wawatay News

SIOUX LOOKOUT FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY RESIDENTIAL COUNSELLOR Internal/External Posting Full Time Location: Sioux Lookout, Ontario Residential Counsellors are required for full time position. Team members will be responsible for carrying out daily programming, facilitating groups, case conferencing and supervision of clients. QUALIFICATIONS • Child and Youth Worker diploma and/or related discipline; • Experience working with youth in a residential treatment setting; • Must have experience and understanding of Native culture, and of the geographic realities and social conditions within remote First Nation Communities; • Work experience in Residential Services with children, adolescents, and families. KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY • A thorough understanding of the Child & Family Services Act and Mental Health Act a definite asset; • Ability to communicate in one or more of the First Nations dialects of the Sioux Lookout District will be an asset; • Ability to take direction and facilitate individualized treatment plans; • Knowledge of child development and therapeutic modalities in working with youth. Please send cover letter, resume, three most recent employment references and an up-to-date Criminal Reference Check with a Search of the Pardoned Sexual Offender Registry to: Charlene Samuel, Human Resources Manager Human Resources Department Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority 61 Queen Street, P.O. Box 1300 SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON P8T 1B8 Phone: (807) 737-1802 Fax: (807) 737-2969 Email: Human.Resources@slfnha.com Closing Date: April 21, 2011 The Health Authority wishes to thank all applicants in advance. However, only those granted an interview will be contacted. For additional information regarding the Health Authority, please visit our Web-site at www.slfnha.com

SIOUX LOOKOUT FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY Nodin Child & Family Intervention Services (NCFI)

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLOR Internal/External Posting Permanent Full Time MISHKEEGOGAMANG FIRST NATION This full time position reports to the Clinical Supervisor. The Mental Health Counsellor will be responsible for providing direct Clinical Intervention and Prevention Services to referred clients in the Child and Family Intervention catchment area of Mishkeegogamang. The Mental Health Counsellor worker will be based out of the Sioux Lookout office, with considerate travel. QUALIFICATIONS • Degree in Social Work/Psychology with relevant clinical/ counselling experience is preferred; • Minimum two years experience in the health services environment; • Specialized courses in specific areas of mental health; • Experience with video counselling technology an asset; • Travel is a requirement of the position. KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY • Ability to communicate in one of the First Nations dialects of the Sioux Lookout Zone is an asset; • Ability to manage a case load independently; • Familiarity with working in acute care situations; • Knowledge of community resources; • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007. Experience with a Client Database (e.g. CIMS), Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) & Brief Child and Family Phone Interview (BCFPI) an asset; • Excellent time management and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work independently; • Experience working with youth, a definite asset; • Education assistance and training available dependent upon applicant’s qualifications and in accordance with SLFNHA Policies and Procedures. Please send cover letter, resume, three most recent employment references and an up-to-date Criminal Reference Check with a Search of the Pardoned Sexual Offender Registry to: Charlene Samuel, Human Resources Manager Human Resource Department Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority P.O. Box 1300, 61 Queen Street Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B8 Phone: (807) 737-1802 Fax: (807) 737-2969 Email: Human.Resources@slfnha.com Closing Date: April 29, 2011 The Health Authority wishes to thank all applicants in advance. However, only those granted an interview will be contacted. For additional information regarding the Health Authority, please visit our Web-site at www.slfnha.com

APRIL 14, 2011

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Grassy Narrows, province working on forest management deal James Thom Wawatay News

Grassy Narrows and the Ontario government are working toward an agreement to help both sides see the forest through the trees. The First Nation and the province signed a Memorandum of Understanding – alongside mediator Frank Iacobucci, a former Supreme Court justice – April 7 in Thunder Bay to work together on the sustainable management of forest resources in the Whiskey Jack Forest. “This process seems like it has taken forever,” said Grassy Narrows Chief Simon Fobister. “But it has been more like two or three years.” Despite a nearly decade long blockade of Oak Lake Road outside of Kenora over logging practices on First Nation traditional lands, the community and province have been working on an agreement. In May 2008, Grassy Narrows and Ontario signed a Framework Memorandum of Understanding to work together on forestry issues. This was followed in August 2008 by the two parties signing a process agreement which would guide forest management discussions. Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey said the agreement will help close the gap between the province and First Nation on the logging issue. “There were times that work didn’t go on because we couldn’t get a path moving for-

James Thom/Wawatay News

Members of council from Grassy Narrows sign an agreement April 7 with the province to work towards sustainable management of the Whiskey Jack Forest in their traditional territory. ward,” Jeffrey said. The justice helped changed that. “Justice Iacobucci is somebody we both trust,” she said. Iacobucci has been working to mediate and provide recommendations to both sides. The agreement includes: • the reaffirmation of commitment by both parties; • a process for moving forward with respect to interim harvesting; • a means for the pilot project areas outlined in the Process Agreement of 2008 to move forward. The pilot project areas will develop ways to integrate Grassy Narrows’ traditional uses and areas of cultural significance with forest management activities;

• a process for future governance, accountability and funding; and • other forest management processes. Fobister said the key for the First Nation is to ensure the province knows the community isn’t against logging. “We are against bad logging,” he said. “We are looking at a few areas for harvesting (logs) in a responsible way.” In 2009, Abitibi Consolidated surrendered its Sustainable Forest Licence for the Whiskey Jack Forest back to the Crown. Ontario prepared a contingency plan covering the period from 2009 to 2012. The plan allows forest management to continue until a new forest management plan

can be developed for both the Whiskey Jack Forest and the adjacent Kenora Forest with the involvement of Grassy Narrows, according to the province. Immediately after the agreement was signed, representatives continued their discussions about allowing logging to proceed in a way the community can support. Fobister said there is a long way to go but with the framework in place, he has been able to make progress in the discussions. Fobister and the community are looking for ways to harvest trees without resorting to clearcutting which can disrupt the environment and community members’ traditional lands.

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The Health Promotion Assistant – Diabetes Prevention Aboriginal Program will collaborate with the Health Promoter, the Program Coordinator, other Health Unit staff and peer leaders for a new initiative aimed at planning, implementing and evaluating health promotion programs and policies that reduce the risk of diabetes, particularly in the Aboriginal population. This position will be based in Moosonee to focus on programs that include social marketing, environmental support, policy development and peer programs. Responsibilities will include: • Establish linkages and liaison with local agencies and programs. • Provide input into the development and implementation of a social marketing campaign to raise awareness of relevant diabetes risk factors. • Implement healthy eating skill building and physical activity programs. • Provide support to Peer Leaders. • Assist in the evaluation of program activities. Qualifications: • Graduate of a post-secondary program (college or university) in health, education or social sciences. • Experience in working with Aboriginal people, northern communities and agencies that focus on diabetes prevention and serve the Aboriginal population. • Knowledge of diabetes prevention strategies. • Understanding and awareness of traditional teaching and Aboriginal culture. • Knowledge and/or experience in social marketing, peer training and health promotion activities. • Ability to communicate in the Cree language will be considered an asset. • Willingness to work flexible hours and travel to meet program needs. • Access to a vehicle and a valid Ontario Driver’s license. Visit our website at www.porcupinehu.on.ca for more information about the Porcupine Health Unit. Please forward your resume by April 27, 2011 to: Human Resources. Porcupine Health Unit, Postal Bag 2012, 169 Pine St. S. Timmins, ON P4N 8B7 Telephone: (705) 267-1181 Fax: (705) 264-3980 Email: humanresources@porcupinehu.on.ca We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Full Time

The Health Promoter – Diabetes Prevention Aboriginal Program will be the lead at the Porcupine Health Unit for this new initiative aimed at planning, implementing and evaluating health promotion programs and policies that reduce the risk of diabetes, particularly in the Aboriginal population. Specific strategies include social marketing, environmental support, policy development and peer programs. Responsibilities will include: • Establish linkages and liaison with internal and external stakeholders. • Develop, implement and evaluate a social marketing campaign to raise awareness of relevant diabetes risk factors. • Environmental support and policy development intended to increase physical activity and consumption of healthy foods. • Train and develop peer health educators. • Prepare internal and external reports as required for the Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport. Qualifications: • Undergraduate degree in health promotion, health, education or social sciences. Post graduate degree or training preferred. • Experience working with Aboriginal people, northern communities and agencies that focus on diabetes prevention and serve the Aboriginal people. • Knowledge of diabetes prevention strategies. • Understanding and awareness of traditional teaching and Aboriginal culture. • Experience in program and resource development and evaluation in a community setting. • Knowledge and/or experience in social marketing, project management and peer training. • Strong interpersonal, leadership and facilitation skills. • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Ability to communicate in the Cree language will be considered an asset. • Willingness to work flexible hours and travel to meet program needs. • Must have access to a vehicle and a valid Ontario Driver’s license. Visit our website at www.porcupinehu.on.ca for more information about the Porcupine Health Unit. Please forward your resume by April 27, 2011 to: Human Resources. Porcupine Health Unit, Postal Bag 2012 169 Pine St. S. Timmins, ON P4N 8B7 Telephone: (705) 267-1181, Fax: (705) 264-3980 Email: humanresources@porcupinehu.on.ca We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Wawatay News APRIL 14, 2011

21

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Grassy Narrows protestors tour Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Three Grassy Narrows women took their battle against destruction of their traditional lands to southern Ontario. “We continue to try and protect the land and our way of life,” said Judy da Silva, who participated in the March 21-26 Voices from Grassy Narrows Indigenous Rights and Our Common Future speaking tour. Her sisters Roberta Keesick and Barbara Fobister also participated. “We just follow our instincts in our hearts that says we need to protect the water, the air, the land and our people’s way of life,” da Silva said. The women spoke to about 500 people in a number of southern Ontario communities including Toronto, Hamilton and Mississauga, about the impacts of forest harvesting and mercury poisoning over the years in their community as well as Weyerhaeuser’s continued logging practices on lands surrounding Grassy Narrows’ traditional territory. The community set up their blockade in 2002, the longest running blockade in Canada, on a logging road about five kilometres from Grassy Narrows to protest against clear-cutting practices that community members felt were interfering with traditional, constitutionallyprotected activities such as hunting and trapping. The community’s commercial fishing operations were also closed down 43 years ago due to the discovery of mercury contamination in the English River system.

While fishing had been a critical source of both jobs and food for the community at the time, Amnesty International said in an April 2010 press release the people of Grassy Narrows now face pervasive unemployment, widespread and severe health problems, and lingering concerns about the impact of mercury poisoning on this and future generations. The three sisters also told people on their speaking tour that everyone has a responsibility to the land and how they consume and use products from the earth. “It is not just our future,” da Silva said. “It is also their future, for their children that they need to make responsible decisions about how they use things from the earth.” Da Silva was pleased with the response she and her sisters received during the speaking

“It was really a one-on-one kind of dynamics.” The women also sang songs using their traditional hand drums. “For the Grade 6 children, it was really fun for them when we sang,” da Silva said. “When we went to each territory, we sang a song for the original peoples of those lands to honour them.” Gail Lorimer, co-chairwoman of Hamilton/Burlington Kairos, was impressed with the respect people had for the women and their community’s continuing blockade. “What they are trying to do is a wonderful thing for all of us,” Lorimer said. “We are just in awe of them.” She said the speaking tour was a good learning experience for those involved. “We all have to learn to use less products, less paper, less wood, less water,” Lorimer said.

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Grassy Narrows protestors Judy da Silva, Barbara Fobister and Roberta Keesick travelled to southern Ontario in late March to speak about protection of water, air, land and their people’s way of life.

LAC SEUL EDUCATION AUTHORITY P.O. Box 319, Hudson, Ontario P0V 1X0 Ph: 807-582-3499 Fax: 807-582-3431 email: lsea@lsfn.ca

JOB OPPORTUNITY Job Title:

tour. “The highlight of our trip was the two Grade 6 classes,” da Silva said, describing a school visit in Mississauga. “They had so many questions. When we finished our time with them they still had their hands up. That was good to see at the Grade 6 level, how enthusiastic and motivated they were.” Da Silva emphasized a question one student asked about what they could do. “The only thing I could tell them is to think of how you use paper in your classroom,” da Silva said. “Think about how you use things at home.” While the groups of people attending the speaking tour were different in each location, da Silva described the sessions as “very personal” and “very down-to-earth.” “We would sit in circles and we’d have a question and answer period,” da Silva said.

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SALES REPRESENTATIVE Sioux Lookout Bureau Job Opportunity

Reports to: The LSEA Education Director Status:

Full Time – Start Date, August 31, 2011

Salary:

To commensurate with experience and education. Benefit package available

Location: The Obishikokaang Elementary School in Frenchman’s Head, Lac Seul, FMH is part of the Lac Seul First Nation. The community of FMH is situated 40 km from Sioux Lookout, Ontario. The community is road accessible. Accommodations are not available. Qualifications: Minimum Requirements, Bachelor of Education with five years of teaching experience in a First Nations community. Principal qualifications are preferred. The candidate must be a member and in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers and provide a Criminal Reference Check. Sensitivity to, knowledge and understanding of First Nation education issues are essential. The candidate must be familiar with the Ontario provincial curriculum and be able to adapt it to local needs. This position will require the successful candidate to be flexible and able to meet new challenges. Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to apply. Duties: The Principal will provide curriculum and administrative leadership in a school team environment by setting high and achievable standards. The Principal will oversee the daily operations of the school and the supervision of the school staff and students. The Principal will also be required to work closely with the Education Officer and report monthly to the LSEA. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Deadline is 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2011. Resumes with cover letter and three references may be forwarded to: Mr. Ronald Angeconeb, Education Director Lac Seul Education Authority P.O. Box 319 Hudson, ON P0V 1X0 Phone: 807-582-3499 or 1-888-862-6652 (ON, MB) Fax: 807-582-3431 Email: lsea@lsfn.ca

SUMMARY: Wawatay Native Communications Society serves the communications needs of the people and communities in Northern Ontario. The Society does this through the provision of a variety of multimedia services, including but not limited to: a biweekly newspaper, daily native language radio programs, weekly television programming, audio streaming and regularly updated website. These services help to preserve and enhance the languages and culture of the Aboriginal people in Northern Ontario. ACCOUNTABILITY: The Sales Representative is accountable to the Sales Administrator. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Sell advertising for Wawatay Media Services and special projects. Make regular sales calls to existing clients and actively search out new business by telephone and in person. Solicit and book ad agency sales; • Assist with the planning of annual sales and marketing strategies for Wawatay media services (print, radio, online, TV); • In consultation with the Sales Administrator, assist with the development and implementation of sales strategies that contribute to the profit and viability of Wawatay media services. • Work with Graphic Designer/Print Services to produce sales presentation kits. • Prepare ad sales contracts / insertion agreements. Proofread completed ads and obtain ad approval from clients. • Meet sales revenue and expense targets. • Assist with the development of new initiatives – such as special Wawatay News sections, radio and online specials, and other special projects – to help achieve budget targets. Write related funding and training proposals. • Make regular sales calls to existing clients and actively search out new business by telephone and in person. • Solicit and book ad agency sales. • Handle incoming sales calls.

• Produce run sheets and follow through with production in the absence of the Sales Administrator for newspaper, Sagatay & Seven. • Work with the Graphic Designer to draft ad layouts for presentation to clients. Arrange for or take photographs for advertisements as required. • Perform sales administration duties: maintain client files and provide complete sales billing information to the Sales Administrator. • Maintain daily log sheets detailing activities and submit on a weekly basis • Maintain a daily telephone log of incoming and outgoing calls. • Work with console operators and audio engineers to meet client/customer advertising and broadcasting bookings specifications. • Ensure commercials meet client needs and are approved for airing. • In co-operation with the WRN’s Client Services Representative schedule sponsors, advertisements, live broadcasts to ensure that double-bookings do not occur. • Provide job price quotes for Wawatay media services. • Other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Education in business, administration or related fields and/ or previous experience in sales considered an asset. • Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills. • The ability to communicate in Ojibway, Oji-Cree or Cree considered an asset. • A high degree of initiative, motivation and the ability to observe strict confidentiality is essential.

• Excellent time management skills, including multi-tasking. • The candidate must be willing to work overtime and travel as required. • The candidate must provide a criminal records check. • A valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required.

Please forward your cover letter and resume to: Barney Turtle, Finance Manager Wawatay Native Communications Society th 16-5 Avenue, Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B7 Phone: 1-800-243-9059 or (807) 737-2951 Fax: (807)737-2263 Email: barneyt@wawatay.on.ca Closing date: April 22nd, 2011 – 4:00 PM CST

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Wawatay News

APRIL 14, 2011

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Make your move James Thom/Wawatay News

Mishkeegogamang’s Davery Bottle, left, looks to tip a pass around a defender during high school indoor soccer action April 5 in Thunder Bay. Bottle’s Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School team stood tough in the first half, trailing 2-1 at half-time. In the second half, St. Patrick High School poured it on en route to an 8-1 victory.

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Wawatay News APRIL 14, 2011

23

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Bunk beds delivered for kids in Sandy, Mish Bryan Phelan Special to Wawatay News

The bright eyes of children receiving bunk beds in Sandy Lake were all Ida Anishinabie needed to see to know this project had been a success. Anishinabie, the local prevention worker for Tikinagan Child and Family Services, her husband John and son Charlie helped deliver 50 wooden bunk beds to families, March 7-11. They worked with Karen Ward, then supervisor of Tikinagan’s Mamow Oshki Pimagihowin Prevention Services. Ward also spearheaded delivery and setup of the beds in her role as First Nations program coordinator for Speroway, an international relief organization based in Guelph, Ont. Speroway (formerly known as Feed the Children Canada) started donations under its First Nations bunk bed program mid-December in Mishkeegogamang. Previously, while operating a summer program for children in Mishkeegogamang, Ward found kids in the community had to wait their turn to sleep because there weren’t enough beds. “So I asked Chief Connie (Gray-McKay) if it would be helpful if we put bunk beds in rooms to provide more places to sleep,” Ward recalls. “She was thrilled with the idea, so we made it happen.” Speroway secured funding from Vale – the second largest mining company in the world, with nickel mining operations in Sudbury, Ont. and Thompson, Man. – to provide 300 bunk beds over three years to Mishkeegogamang and other First Nations. The North-South Partnership for Children also contributed financially, covering shipping costs. “First priority is if a child under 13 is sleeping on the floor or on a piece of sponge, or if there are several kids crowded on one mattress,” Ward says of decision-making about which households in a

photo courtesy of Tikinagan

Charlie Anishinabie of Sandy Lake, left, and Speroway intern Simon Pauls load a truck for bed deliveries. community receive beds. “If we run out of homes that meet the first criteria, the second criteria are if they’re older children in the same type of circumstances.” At Sandy Lake, most recipients of the 50 sturdy IKEAbrand beds, with 100 thick foam mattresses, met the first conditions. “In one home, the children had been sleeping on a moldcovered mattress on top of a moldy floor,” Ward reports in a blog on the Speroway website. “Some mattresses had springs sticking out and some children had been sleeping on a small piece of sponge with some blankets.” To get the beds to Sandy Lake from Speroway’s warehouse in Guelph, Ward called Ron Kyle, a firefighter from Barrie, Ont., whom she previously met through the North-South Partnership. “He does charitable work

National chief calls for sustainable growth rates Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo is calling for First Nations to receive the same sustainable growth rates being promised during the federal election. “We’ve seen the Liberal and Conservative parties quickly commit to sustainable rates of growth for health and education – rates of 6.6 per cent per year,” Atleo said. “For these same services, First Nations, despite being the fastest growing population, are capped at two per cent. We seek the same and equivalent commitment to sustainable growth. We seek a relationship founded on respect and fairness to unlock the tremendous potential benefit to First Nations and all Canadians.” The AFN recently launched the First Nations Count – Our Communities, Our Nations, Our Voice initiative to ensure First Nation priorities are part of the election discussion, to seek commitments from all parties based on priorities set by First Nations and engage First Nation citizens in the national discussion on the issues that matter to

them. “This election comes at an important time when our population is young and booming, when Canada is looking at major developments to ensure we remain productive and competitive,” Atleo said. “We are at a crossroads and this election is an important opportunity to transform the relationship between First Nations and Canada, something that is required to realize the true potential of First Nations in this country.” The AFN also submitted a questionnaire April 1 to all party leaders seeking commitments based on the initiative’s four key areas to address the gap between First Nation citizens and other Canadians: education, affirming relationships, driving partnership and the economy, and community health and safety. The AFN is hosting two events before the May 2 federal election: an April 14 online virtual summit to further engage First Nation citizens and interested Canadians to discuss issues that matter to them; and an April 27 special town hall event focused on First Nation issues.

all over the world,” says Ward, “and I knew he had driven a fire truck up to Sandy Lake a couple of years ago on the winter road.” He agreed to drive the bunk beds there over this year’s winter road. When the beds were delivered by the Speroway-Tikinagan team to homes within the community by pickup truck, “the children were very, very happy,” Anishinabie says. “They would be just clapping and jumping up and down; they were so excited they were going to get a bed. They were already saying who was going to get the top bunk. You could see … their eyes brighten up they were so happy.” Some parents and older children helped the delivery team put the beds together, or took on the job themselves. Safety instructions are printed on the beds. Prior to distribution of the

bunks, Anishinabie assembled a committee of resource workers who know the community well to assess applications. Joining her on the committee were David Fiddler, welfare administrator; Mary Meekis, social counsellor at the high school; Martha Rae, Tikinagan supervisor in Sandy Lake; Katie Fiddler of a local Elders council; and Harvey Kakegamic a band councillor and chairman of the Tikinagan board of directors. They sent to Ward a list of families recommended for beds. (Three families not receiving Speroway beds did qualify for beds under a welfare program, Anishinabie notes.) “I call the chief or deputy chief, who reads through the list,” Ward says of the next step. “So, they make the final decision.” The same process applied in Mishkeegogamang, where Tikinagan prevention worker Trina Ashmugeesha formed a

selection committee with representatives of the local Healthy Babies and Better Futures programs. Mishkeegogamang residents Destiny Skunk, who directed the Brighter Futures program, and Jeff Loon “were an incredible help when we got there.” “They offered their truck; they offered storage … in the maintenance garage there,” Ward says, saving on trips back and forth to a storage facility in Pickle Lake. On the Speroway website, Gray-McKay spoke about the donated beds. “Space is an issue in all our homes … our families are so large. So these bunk beds are an answer,” she says. “… it addresses one problem of the many connected problems in our community.” Speroway also plans to deliver another 10 bunk beds – these ones built by students and teacher-carpenters at two high

schools in Mississauga, Ont. – to Mishkeegogamang, likely this summer. These beds will be used at the Pashkogogan Healing Lodge, says Ward, whose work with Speroway’s First Nations program continues past the recent expiry of her Tikinagan contract. For Sandy Lake, Speroway hopes to deliver another 50 beds next winter road season since there is still the need for them in the community of about 2,650 people, she says, but it depends on funding for the program. “I think it has made an impact on families … that we are there to help and support those in need,” Anishinabie says. Reprinted with permission from the Tikinagan Child and Family Services website, www.tikinagan.org.

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24

Wawatay News

APRIL 14, 2011

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Youth wins adult singing contest Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Sara Kanutski has talent. Despite being a youth, the Lake Helen band member recently won the adult-age So You Think You’ve Got Talent competition at the Intercity Shopping Centre in Thunder Bay. “I felt kind of out-of-place but it also felt kind of cool that I could actually go into the adult (category),” said the 11-yearold Ogden Community School student. “It was kind of nerve wracking to think that I was going against people who had been singing for quite a while.” Kanutski was placed in the adult category of the March 18 contest because her father Ron Kanutski and Robin Ranger were playing guitar and upright bass for the song she sang, Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. “I focused on the song and after a while I kind of got the hang of it and I stopped being so nervous and went with the song, smiled and looked at the crowd and walked around a bit,” Kanutski said. “Having my dad up there felt way better.” Kanutski has been talking about being a singer since she was a young child. “In the last year she used to say she wants to be a singer, so I said you can be like a lot of kids and talk about it, or you can actually do it,” Ron said. “If you want to be a singer you have to sing. That means you have to practice and you have to take

the time to learn things.” Ron and his wife Sharon are actively supporting Sara on her music path. “We give her opportunities to play and grow with it,” Ron said. “She played at Gargoyles on Saturday, a couple of songs. She’s been asked to sing at the Folklore Festival coming up in April and she’s also been asked to sing at Aboriginal Day.” Kanutski has a strong voice for the blues. “She can sing pop-rock and she can sing gospel, but she does the blues really well,” Ron said, adding that Ranger was amazed she could sing seventh notes naturally in between the major chords. “He said that’s a natural. That’s just having an ear for it.” Kanutski’s winning performance is posted on YouTube. “I practice all the time and I sing whenever I have the chance,” Kanutski said. “I play guitar too and if there is somewhere to go to get my voice heard, I just do it.” Kanutski has taken guitar lessons and she learned about singing from a music teacher at her school. She is now looking to write and record her own songs, put out a CD and record a music video in the future. “I’m actually planning to go on The Next Star on YTV,” Kanutski said, noting the program is for Canadian youth 15-years-old and under with auditions being held in cities across Canada. “I’m going to the Winnipeg audition May 7.”

submitted photo

Eleven-year-old Sara Kanutski sings Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah March 18 during an adult-category singing contest at the Intercity Shopping Centre.

ONTARIO POWER CALL FOR STUDENTS! At Oshki-Pimache-O-Win, we recognize that our students are often employed full time or reside in Northern and remote communities. Our special delivery methods allow students to remain employed and reside in their home community for the duration of their program and earn their credentials. We will be offering the following programs through a blended delivery format (e.g. on-campus sessions, tele/video conferences, distance education) in August 2011:

Aboriginal Financial and Economic Planning Pre Health Sciences Personal Support Worker (NEW) Native Early Childhood Education Social Service Worker-Native Specialization

Apply now to increase your chances of obtaining postsecondary funding. Check with your funding agency to find out about application deadlines. All of these programs are delivered in partnership with an Ontario College. That means you will receive a level of education that is equivalent to, and even exceeds that found in mainstream schools and you will graduate with a college diploma or certificate! Our staff and instructors have a passion for teaching and supporting First Nations students. To learn more about our programs and to obtain an application package contact our Student Recruitment Officer, Lorrie Deschamps, toll free at 1-866-636-7454 or by email at ldeschamps@oshki.ca So apply today! CONTACT INFORMATION: Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education Training Institute, 106 Centennial Square, 3rd Floor Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1H3

Toll Free: 1-866-636-7454 Phone: (807) 626-1880 Fax: (807) 622-1818 Email: info@oshki.ca www.oshki.ca

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