June 21, 2012

PM#0382659799

Dance program changing lives in Treaty #3 PAGE 18 Vol. 39 No. 17

Sandy Lake cyclists on cross country tour reach Ontario PAGE 14

Housing needs spurring action PAGE 10-11

9,300 copies distributed $1.50

June 21, 2012 Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice since 1974

www.wawataynews.ca

Neskantaga aims to block Ring of Fire access road

Champion!

Shawn Bell Wawatay News

Photo submitted by The Ted Nolan Foundation

Jordan Nolan of Garden River, along with proud parents Ted and Sandra, hoists the Stanley Cup he won with the Los Angeles Kings on June 11. The community of Garden River was hanging on every shift during the game. Now Garden River is planning its own Stanley Cup parade for sometime this summer. See story on page 23.

Neskantanga First Nation is stepping up efforts to block Cliffs’ proposed transportation corridor to the Ring of Fire.

The Matawa First Nation has launched a two-pronged attack on the 340-kilometer, all-weather access road that Cliffs wants to run south from the Ring of Fire to Nakina.

With its first move, Neskantaga applied to an obscure Ontario mining court to decide whether the First Nation has rights to the land over which the corridor would be built.

Then on June 13 lawyers for Neskantaga issued a letter to Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Michael Chan, demanding that Ontario refrain from authorizing Cliffs to do archeological work on land the transportation corridor would be built on.

“The current road proposal encompasses areas used traditionally by Neskantaga members and ancestors, and in particular sites at which Neskantaga members are buried,” wrote Gregory McDade of Ratcliff and Company LLP

in the letter to Chan. “If approved, the Cliffs Chromite Project and access road will irreversibly compromise Neskantaga territory and seriously and irreparably harm Neskantaga rights, title and interests.”

Neskantaga’s lawyers advised Chan that any application for a license to carry out fieldwork in Neskantaga territory will “trigger the Crown’s duty to consult.”

“On behalf of Neskantaga, we hereby insist that you refrain from issuing any license or other authorization for archaeological fieldwork in relation to the access road or the Cliffs Chromite Project until the Crown has engaged in meaningful consultation with our client,” McDade wrote.

The crux of the road conflict rests at the point Cliffs proposes to cross the Attawapiskat River. The mining company wants to build a 1000-foot long bridge to cross the river, at a place where Neskantaga Chief Peter Moonias says that Neskantaga ancestors are buried.

Moonias has sworn to block a bridge from being built over the Attawapiskat River, with his life if need be.

See Neskantaga on page 6

                  

                   

    

    

                  see page 18

Red Lake Charity Golf Tournament Friday July 27th, 2012 at Red Lake Golf & Country Club

for more information, please contact Michael Pedri at: 807.475.9576 or mpedri@wgimail.com

1.877.492.7292 • www.wasaya.com

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Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

INSIDE WAWATAY NEWS

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

THIS WEEK...

ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᑕᔑᑌᐡᑲᓇᐊᐧ ᑲᓇᑕ ᑭᒋᐅᑭᒪᐣ ᑲᑭᐃᑭᑐᓂᐨ

ᑭᒋᒥᔑᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᓄᑯᑦ ᑲᑭᔑᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑯᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ 125 ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᐊᐧᑲᓇᐠ ᐅᑭᑭᔑᑐᓇᐊᐧ ᐅᑎᐡᑯᓄᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᐃᒪ ᑭᒋᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᓴᑭᐸᑲᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 14 ᑲᐃᓇᑭᓱᐨ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐸᐧᕑᐟ ᑊᕑᐊᐣᓯᐢ ᐅᑌᓇᐠ. ᐊᒥ ᐁᑫᐧᓇᐠ ᐁᓯᓭᐠ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑭᒥᔑᓄᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭ ᑭᔑᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑎᐡᑯᓄᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ. ᑭᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭᑭᔑᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓂᑯᐠ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑭᐱᒥ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᐃᐧᑕᐧ ᐅᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᑕᐃᐧᓇᒪᑯᓇᐊᐧ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐊᓂᓂᑲᐣ ᑫᔭᓂᔑᒋᑫᐊᐧᐨ. ᒥᔑᐣ ᑲᔦ ᑲᑭᑭᔑᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐠ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᒋᔭᓂ ᐊᓂᑫ ᐅᑕᐱᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑯᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᑐᑲᐣ ᔪᓂᐯᕑᓯᑎ ᓇᐣᑕ ᑲᐧᓫᐃᐨ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑯᐃᐧᓇᐣ. ᑯᒋᒋᐣᐠ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᒐᐠ ᒥᐠᐱᕑᓴᐣ, ᐅᓯᓴᐣ ᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑭᑭᔑᑐᓂᐨ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᒪᒪᑲᐨ ᑌᐯᐧ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᒥᓂᑯᐃᐧᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐱᑯ ᒋᐱᒥ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐧᒋᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐣ.

ᑲᓇᑕ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᑐᓂ ᐠᓫᐁᒣᐣᐟ ᐅᑭᐃᐧᐣᑕᒪᐊᐧᐣ ᑕᐣᑐᕑ ᐯ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᓇᑭᐡᑲᑫᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᑕᔭᓯᓇᐊᐧ ᒪᐡᑲᐃᐧᓯᐃᐧᐣ ᓇᐣᑕ ᑲᑲᑫᐧᐃᔑᓂᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᒋᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᐃᐧᒪᒋᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ, ᒥᐊᐱᐣ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᐅᑦᐯᐧᓭᐠ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᓇᐠ ᒋᐊᔑᑌᐡᑲᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᐃᑭᑐᓂᐨ ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᐅᒋ ᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᑲᓂ. ᓀᐡᑲᐣᑕᑲ, ᐊᑯᑭ ᒥᓇ ᑲᐧᐣᑎᐣᐢ ᓫᐁᐠ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᓇᐠ ᐅᑭ ᑭᔑᐊᐧᐦᐃᑯᓇᐊᐧ ᑲᑭᐃᑭᑐᓂᐨ ᑭᒋᐅᑭᒪᐣ, ᐁᑭᑐᐊᐧᐨ, ᐁᑲ ᑲᓇᑫ ᐁᑭᒋᓀᐣᑕᒪᑫᐨ ᑲᑕᓀᐣᑕᒥᐦᐃᐁᐧᒪᑲᓂᐠ. ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᐠᓫᐁᒣᐣᐟ ᑲᑭᐃᑭᑐᐨ ᐊᐱ ᑲᑭᐃᐡᑲᐧ ᑲᑫᐧᒋᒪᑲᓄᐸᐣ ᐃᓂᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᓇᐣ ᐱᑐᕑ ᒧᓂᔭᐢ ᑲᑭᐃᑭᑐᐸᐣ ᒋᐊᐸᒋᑐᐨ ᐅᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᑭᐱᐡᑲᐠ ᐊᑕᐊᐧᐱᐢᑲᐟ ᓯᐱᓂ, ᑭᐡᐱᐣ ᐊᐱᐣ ᐃᓯᓭᓂᐠ ᐃᐁᐧ ᒋᑐᑕᐠ.

FN backlash against federal minister’s comments

Seven Generations has biggest graduating class

Federal Minister Tony Clement told a Thunder Bay audience that First Nations do not have a veto over development in northern Ontario, sparking a backlash from chiefs around the Ring of Fire.

Chiefs from Neskantaga, Marten Falls, Aroland and Constance Lake responded angrily to the comments, saying that the minister was minimizing their concerns.

Clement’s comments came after he was asked about Chief Peter Moonias’ assertion that he will block a bridge being built over the Attawapiskat River with his life, if need be.

Over 125 students graduated during Seven Generations Education Institute’s June 14 ceremony in Fort Frances.

It was the largest graduation class the institute has ever had.

Graduates said their experiences at Seven Generations will open doors for them in the future.

Many of the grads will also pursue further education in university or college courses.

Couchiching Chief Chuck McPherson, a grandfather of one of the grads, said that Seven Generations is remarkable in the way it has allowed First Nations people to educate other First Nations people.

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ᐁᐧᐱᑫᐧ ᑭᒪᓯᓇᐦᐅᑎᓱ ᓇᑯᒥᑐᐃᐧᐣ

ᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᑲᓂ

ᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒥᑐᐃᐧ

ᐁᐧᐱᑫᐧ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᑭᒪᓯᓇᐦᐊᓇᐊᐧ ᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒥᑐᐃᐧ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᓂ (MOC) ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑲᑭᐅᐣᒋᒪᑲᓂᐠ ᐁᐊᔓᑕᒪᑫᒪᑲᐠ ᑫᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑕᐧ ᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᑲᓂ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᓂᐠ. ᑭᒪᓯᓇᐦᐅᑎᓱᐊᐧᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᐱ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᑲᐣ ᑲᐃᔑᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐨ ᕑᐃᐠ ᐸᕑᑐᓫᐅᒋ ᑲᑭ ᑭᐅᑫᐸᐣ ᐁᐧᐱᑫᐧᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᓴᑭᐸᑲᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 12. ᐅᐁᐧ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᐣ ᐃᑭᑐᒪᑲᐣ ᒋᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒥᑯᐨ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᐅᐣᑎᓇᒪᑫᐨ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑫᓇᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᐧᐱᑫᐧ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᓱᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐱᒥᐊᔑᒋᐊᐧᐨ ᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᑲᓂ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᓂᐠ.

Webequie signs Ring of Fire agreement Webequie First Nation has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the Ontario government to work together on getting benefits from the Ring of Fire.

The agreement was signed during Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci’s visit to the First Nation on June 12.

The agreement commits Ontario to providing social, community and economic development supports for Webequie to help facilitate the community’s involvement in the Ring of Fire.

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Jordan Nolan, top left; Webequie Chief Wabasse, top right; FedNor Minister Tony Clement, mid right; and Moose Cree’s successful Project George, above, all made the news this week.

ᑲᕑᑎᐣ ᕑᐃᐳᕑ ᐱᐦᐅᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᐱᒋᐃᐧᒋᑲᑌᓂᐠ ᐢᑕᐣᓫᐃ ᑭᒋᒥᓂᑲᐧᑲᓂ ᒐᐧᕑᑎᐣ ᓄᓫᐊᐣ ᑲᕑᑎᐣ ᕑᐃᐳᕑ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ ᑲᐅᒋᐨ ᑭᐸᑭᓇᑫ ᐢᑕᐣᓫᐃ ᑭᒋᒥᓂᑲᐧᑲᓂ ᑲᐃᐧᑕᑕᐦᐁᒪᐨ ᓫᐊᐢ ᐁᐣᒋᓫᐃᐢ ᑭᐣᐠᐢ. ᑲᕑᑎᐣ ᕑᐃᐳᕑ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᑭᐡᐳᓀᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᒋᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᐁᑭᑲᓇᐊᐧᐳᐊᐧᐨ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᒋᐃᐡᑲᐧᔭᐨ ᑲᑭᐱᒪᑫᐧᐸᐦᐃᑲᓂᐊᐧᐠ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᑭᐣᐠᐢ ᑭᐸᑭᓇᑫᐊᐧᐠ 7 – 1 ᑲᑭᐸᑭᓇᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᓂᔪ ᒍᕑᓯᐢ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐅᐱᐦᐊᐧᐊᐧᐣ ᓄᓫᐊᐣᓄᐣ ᒋᐱᑕᑯᐃᐧᑐᓂᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᐢᑕᐣᓫᐃ ᑭᒋᒥᓂᑲᐧᑲᓂ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᐱ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑫᓇᓂᐱᓂᐠ. ᒐᐧᕑᑎᐣ ᐅᑯᒥᓴᐣ, ᑕᐧᑦ ᓄᓫᐊᐣ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᑕᑭᒋᒪᑯᔐᐃᐧᓂᑲᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ ᐊᐱ ᑕᑯᐃᐧᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᑭᒋᒥᓂᑲᐧᑲᐣ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐯᔑᑯᑭᔑᑲ.

Garden River waiting on Stanley Cup Jordan Nolan of Garden River First Nation won the Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings.

Garden River members packed into the community’s Recreation Centre to watch the final game, which the Kings won 7-1 over the New Jersey Devils to win the cup.

Community members are now waiting for Nolan to bring the Stanley Cup to Garden River sometime this summer.

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ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ ᒐᐧᐨ ᑭᔭᐱᐨ ᐱᒧᓭᒪᑲᐣ ᐁᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᐁᐅᐣᒋ ᑲᑫᐧᑭᐁᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᐃᐧᑕᐧ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᐱᑲᐧᑕᑭᐃᐧ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ ᐊᓂᐱᒧᓭᒪᑲᐣ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᐅᑯᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᒧᐢ ᑯᕑᐃ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ ᑭᔭᐱᐨ ᐅᐱᒥᑐᑕᓇᐊᐧ ᐊᑯᓇᐠ ᐊᐱᐣ ᑲᑭᒪᒋᑐᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ ᒐᐧᐨ. ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ ᒐᐧᐨ ᑭᒪᒋᒋᑲᑌᐸᐣ ᓂᔓᔭᑭᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᑕᓇᐠ ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᓀᐢ ᒐᕑᓫᐃ ᒋᒍ, ᐁᑭᐃᐧᐣᑕᒪᑯᐸᐣ ᑭᒋᐦᐊᐣ ᐧᒐᐨ ᐃᒐᑦ ᒋᑭᑲᑫᐧᒪᒋᑐᐸᐣ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ. ᐅᐁᐧ ᒪᒋᑕᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᔑᐃᐧᓇᑲᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᐱᑲᐧᑕᑭᐠ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᐁᓇᑕᐃᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᐃᐧᐣᑕᐧ ᐁᐧᐡᑲᐨ ᐃᔑᒋᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ, ᑫᐅᐣᒋ ᑭᑫᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲ ᒋᔕᑫᐧᓂᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓇ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑫᐃᔑᐱᒥ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᓱᐊᐧᐨ ᑎᐱᓇᐁᐧ ᐅᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᑲᓇᑭᐡᑲᒧᐊᐧᐨ. ᐅᐁᐧ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ ᒐᐧᐨ ᒪᒋᐃᐧᓇᑲᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᐱᑯ ᐊᐣᑎ ᑲᐊᔭᑭᐣ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓇᐣ ᐱᑲᐧᑕᑭᐠ ᒋᐊᐣᑕᐃᐧᐊᔭᐊᐧᐨ. ᐊᔕ ᑕᐡ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᐊᓂᑲᐧᔭᐣᒋᐊᐧᐨ ᓄᑯᑦ ᑲᔭᓂᓂᐱᓂᐠ ᒋᒪᒐᐊᐧᐨ.

Project George continues good work with youth Efforts to bring youth back to the land are ramping up, as the Moose Cree First Nation (MCFN) continues its successful Project George.

Project George was started two years ago by MCFN deputy chief Charlie Cheechoo, following an idea from Elder George E. Echum.

The program brings youth out on the land to teach them traditional skills, building self-confidence and helping them cope with issues in their own lives.

Project George takes youth from all communities out on the trips.

The program is gearing up for its summer season.

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Thank You, Airlines!

Your fast, courteous delivery of Wawatay News to our northern communities is appreciated.

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

3

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

ᐅᐱᔑᑯᑲᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᒪᓯᓇᐦᐅᑎᓱᐊᐧᐠ ᒪᓇᑎᑫᐃᐧ ᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒥᐃᐧ ᓇᑯᒥᑐᐃᐧᓂ ᐠᕑᐃᐢᐟᔦᐣ ᑭᐧᑭᐧᐡ ᐊᐧᐊᐧᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐃᐧᓇᐣ

ᒥᐦᐅᐁᐧ ᐁᑫᐧᓇᐠ ᐁᓯᓭᐠ ᑲᑭᓇᑯᒥᑎᓇᓂᐊᐧᐠ, ᐅᐱᔑᑯᑲᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᑭᐅᑕᐱᓇᓇᐊᐧ ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃ ᐱᑲᐧᑕᑭᓂ ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ. ᐅᐱᔑᑯᑲᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᐱᒥᓂᔕᐦᐊᓇᐊᐧ ᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒥᑐᐃᐧᓂ. ᑫᑯᓀᐣ ᑕᐡ ᐅᐁᐧ ᐁᐅᐣᒋᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ. ᑫᑲᐟ 3000 ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᒪ ᐅᐣᒋᑎᐯᐣᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐠ ᓄᑯᒥᑫ ᑭᒪᓯᓇᐦᐅᑎᓱᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᐅᐡᑭᐱᒥᐃᐧᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᐱᑲᐧᑕᑭᐃᐧ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᓀᓯᓂ. ᐊᒥᑯᑭᒪ ᐊᓄᑭᓇᑲᓇᐠ, ᒪᓇᑎᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᐊᓄᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ, ᑕᐧᑦᑕᕑ ᐅᑕᓄᑭᑕᒪᑫᐠ, ᐅᐱᔑᑯᑲᐠ ᐅᓇᔓᐁᐧᐃᐧᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᐠᓫᐊᐳᕑᐟ ᐳᓫ ᑭᐅᑯᐡᑲᐊᐧᐠ ᓴᑭᐸᑲᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 12 ᐁᑭ ᑭᑭᓇᐊᐧᑌᐣᑕᑯᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᒪᒪᐃᐧ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐅᑎᓱᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᓇᑯᒥᑐᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᐅᒋ ᓂᑲᓂᐱᒥᐃᐧᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᐱᑲᐧᑕᑭᐠ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᑲᐅᒋᐱᒥᐊᓄᑲᑌᑭᐣ. ᐊᓫ ᐃᐧᓫᑲᐧᐠᐢ, ᒪᔭᑦ ᑲᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐨ ᐅᐁᐧᑎ ᐃᓀᑫᑲᒥᐠ ᐊᒥᑯᑭᒪᐃᐧᐊᓄᑭᓇᑲᐣ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐊᒥ ᐁᑫᓇᐧᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᐁᔑᒋᑲᓂᐊᐧᐠ. “ᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃ ᓄᐱᒪᑲᒥᑲᐠ ᑲᑕᓇᓄᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᐅᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᓂᑲᓂᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᑕᓇᐊᐧ, ᒥᑕᐡ ᐁᑫᐧᓇᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᐁᑐᒋᑲᑌᐠ,” ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐃᐧᓫᑲᐧᐠᐢ. “ᐅᐱᔑᑯᑲᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐱᒋᓂᐡᑲᐊᐧᐠ, ᒪᐡᑲᐃᐧᓯᒪᑲᓂᐠ ᐅᓂᑲᓂᐱᒧᒋᑫᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ, ᐣᑎᓀᑕᐣ ᑲᐧᔭᐠ ᒋᑭᔭᓂᐊᓄᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ,” ᑭᐃᑭᑐ

Photo by Christian Quequish/Wawatay News

Chief Clifford Bull of Lac Seul First Nation sits front and center, surrounded by corporate officials from Domtar and Dryden’s pulp mill, Lac Seul band counselors, MNR executives, and crown operators. Together, they formed a historic agreement where First Nations, forest industries and government are working together for economic prosperity.

ᐃᐧᓫᑲᐧᐠᐢ. ᐸᐧᑊ ᑌᐱᐟ, ᐊᐧᓂᓇᐊᐧᑲᐠ ᐃᓀᑫ ᑲᐅᒋᐱᒥ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᑕᐠ ᐊᒥᑯᑭᒪ ᐊᓄᑭᓇᑲᐣ, ᐅᑭᐃᔑᐃᐧᐣᑕᒪᐊᐧᐣ ᐅᐱᔑᑯᑲ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ, ᐊᐱ ᓂᐢᑕᑦ ᐊᓂᔭᑭᐊᐧᓂᐠ ᐊᓂᒪᑕᓄᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᑲᑫᐧ ᐊᔭᑲᐧᓂᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᐅᑐᐡᑭ ᒪᒋᑕᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ. “ᐱᒋᓇᐠ ᑭᑕᓂᒪᒋᑕᒥᑌ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᓇᐱᐨ ᑕᒥᔑᓇᑐᐣ ᑫᔭᓂᐱᒥ ᑲᑫᐧᑭᑫᐣᑕᒪᐠ,” ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᑌᐱᐟ. “ᔕᑯᐨ ᐣᑎᔑᐊᐧᐸᑕᐣ ᐅᐣᒋᐱᑯ ᐁᓯᓭᐠ ᒋᔭᓂᐅᑕᐱᓇᒪᐠ ᐅᐡᑭᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᓄᑯᑦ ᑲᔭᓂᑲᑭᔑᑲᐠ.” ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐃᐧᒋᐃᓀᐣᑕᒧᒥᑐᐃᐧᓂ

ᒥᓇ ᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒥᑐᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᐁᑕ ᐅᑲᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᑲᐡᑭᑐᓇᐊᐧ ᑲᑦᐸᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑕᐱᐡᑯᐨ ᑫᐅᐣᒋ ᒥᓄᓭᐊᐧᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐅᐣᒋ ᒪᓂᔓᓂᔭᐊᐧᑌᑭᐣ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ. ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᑭᐃᔑ ᑌᐱᐟ ᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᐣ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᓇᑯᒥᑐᐃᐧᓂ ᒋᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᓇᐸᐸᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᐡᐱᐣ ᑲᒪᒥᑐᓀᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑦᐸᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᑐᑲᐣ ᐅᒪ ᑲᑭᑐᒋᑲᑌᐠ. ᐊᒥᑯᑭᒪ ᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᑭᒥᓇᑲᓄᐸᐣ ᒪᓇᑎᑫᐃᐧ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᓀᓯᓂ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᐱ ᑊᔪᑲᓇᐣ ᐅᒪᓇᑎᑫᐧ ᑲᑭᐳᑯᐡᑲᐸᐣ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᐱᐣ ᓇᑫ ᐅᐱᔑᑯᑲ

ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᒧᐡᑭᓀᐱᐦᐃᑫᐸᓂᐠ ᐁᑲᑫᐧᑌᐱᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᓀᓯᓂ. ᑫᑲᐱ ᑕᐡ ᑭᔭᓂᓯᓭᓂ ᒋᒥᓂᑕᐧ ᑲᑭᓇᑐᑕᒪᑫᐊᐧᐸᐣ. ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᐠᓫᐃᐳᕑᐟ ᐳᓫ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᐸᑯᓭᐣᑕᐣ ᑲᐧᔭᐠ ᒋᐃᐧᔭᓂᐱᒧᓭᒪᑲᓂᐠ ᑫᔭᓂ ᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒥᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᒪ ᓇ ᑎ ᑫ ᐧ ᐃ ᐧ ᐊ ᓄ ᑭ ᐃ ᐧ ᐣ ᑲᓂᑲᓂᐡᑲᒧᐊᐧᐨ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐅᐱᔑᑯᑲᐠ ᑭᐊᑕᐁᐧᐊᐧᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐅᑭᐊᐧᐁᐧᔑᑐᓇᐊᐧ ᑫᑌᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᓂ ᐃᒪ ᐦᐊᐟᓴᐣ, ᒥᑕᐡ ᐃᒪ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑫᑕᔑ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᐃᐧᑕᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑫᔭᓂᐱᒥ

ᐊᓄᑭᐦᐃᑕᐧ. ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᑭᐊᓄᑭᐦᐊᐊᐧᐣ GCK Consulting Ltd. ᑲᐃᓂᑕᐧ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐅᑲᐅᐣᑎᓇᓇᐊᐧ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᐊᓱᓇᒪᑫᐃᐧ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᑲᐃᐧᐅᑕᐱᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᐡ ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᑲᑦᐸᓂ ᐯᔑᑯᔭᑭ ᑭᒥᓇ ᒋᐊᓄᑭᑕᒪᑫᐨ ᐅᐱᔑᑯᑲᐠ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᐅᐱᔑᑯᑲᐠ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ, ᐃᒪ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ ᑲᐊᔭᒪᑲᐠ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧ ᐱᒧᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ, ᐅᑲᐊᓄᑭᐦᐊᐊᐧᐣ ᐅᑕᓂᔑᓂᓂᒥᐊᐧᐣ ᑫᐅᐣᒋ ᐱᒥᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐅᐡᑲᑎᓯᐊᐧᐨ, ᐃᒪ ᑫᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᓱᐊᐧᐨ

ᔓᓂᔭᓂᐠ ᐃᓀᑫ ᒥᓇ ᐊᓄᑭᐦᐃᑯᐃᐧᓇᐣ. “ᒥᐊᐱᐣ ᐅᒪ ᑫᐅᐣᒋᑫᐧᑭᓭᔭᐣᐠ ᑭᒋᓀᐣᑕᑲᐧᐣ ᑫᓂᓇᐃᐧᐟ ᒋᐅᔑᓂᑲᑕᒪᐠ ᐣᑕᑭᒥᓇᐣ ᑲᐃᐧᔑᒪᑕᓄᑲᑌᐠ,” ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐳᓫ. “ᑫᓂᓇᐃᐧᐟ ᓂᐃᐧᐊᔭᒥᐣ ᐅᓀᐣᑕᒪᓱᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐱᒥᐃᐧᓂᑎᓱᐃᐧᐣ.” ᓴᑦ ᒪᓂᑐᐊᐧᐱ, ᑲᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐨ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧ ᐱᒧᒋᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐊᔕ ᐁᐧᐡᑲᐨ ᑭᐱᐅᐣᒋ ᐊᓄᑲᑌ ᐁᑲᑫᐧᑌᐱᓂᑲᑌᐠ ᓇᑯᒥᑐᐃᐧᐣ. ᒪᓂᑐᐊᐧᐱ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᑭᓇᑯᒥᑎᐸᓂᐠ ᒪᓇᑎᑫᐧᐃᐧ ᐱᒧᒋᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᑦᐸᓂᐠ ᒋᐅᒋᐱᒥ ᐅᑕᐱᓇᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᑎᑯᐣ ᒥᓇ ᒋᔭᓂ ᐊᑕᐊᐧᓇᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᐧᑎ ᑕᐧᑦᑕᕑ ᑲᑦᐸᓂ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᑲᔦ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ ᐅᑭᓇᑯᒥᑯᐊᐧᐣ ᑕᐧᑦᑕᕑ ᑲᑦᐸᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐁᑭᒪᓯᓇᐦᐅᑎᓱᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒥᑎᐊᐧᐨ, 440,000 ᒥᑐᕑᐢ ᒥᑎᑯᐣ ᒋᐊᑕᒥᑯᐊᐧᐨ. “ᐣᑫᒋᓇᐁᐧᐣᑕᒥᐣ ᑕᐡ ᐃᒪ ᒋᐅᐣᑎᓇᔭᐠ ᔓᓂᔭ ᑫᔭᓂᔭᑭᐊᐧᐠ, ᒥᑕᐡ ᓇᐱᐨ ᑲᐅᐣᒋᑭᒋᓀᐣᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᓄᑯᑦ ᑲᑭᔑᑲᐠ,” ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᒪᓂᑐᐊᐧᐱ. ᒉᒥᐢ ᐁᔭᐟ, ᒪᓇᑎᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᐱᒧᑐᐨ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᓴᑭᐸᑲᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 12 ᑭᐅᐡᑭᐃᔑᒋᑫᓇᓂᐊᐧᐣ. “ᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᑲᓂᑲᓂ ᐅᓀᐣᑕᓇᐊᐧ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑫᔭᓂᑐᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐱᑲᐧᑕᑭᐠ ᑲᐃᐧᔭᓂᔑ ᒪᑕᓄᑭᓇᓂᐊᐧᐠ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐸᐸᒥᓯᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᐅᐣᒋ ᓂᑲᓂᐡᑲᒧᐊᐧᐨ. ᑲᑭᓇ ᑲᔦ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐅᑭᓇᐦᐊᐸᐣᑕᓇᐊᐧ ᐃᒪ ᐃᓀᑫ ᑲᐃᔑᑕᑲᐧᐠ,” ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐁᔭᐟ.

Lac Seul signs historic forestry agreement Christian Quequish Wawatay News

In what is being called a historic agreement, Lac Seul First Nation has taken over management of a large swath of forest surrounding the community.

Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) executives, crown operators, Domtar representatives, Lac Seul band counsellors and Chief Clifford Bull met June 12 to celebrate the signing of an agreement that will make Lac Seul sustainable forest license holders on an interim basis.

Al Willcocks, regional director of MNR said it was a historic event.

“The First Nation is managing a large forest area, and it’s the first time that’s ever happened,” said Willcocks. “Lac Seul is a very progressive First Nation. It has strong leadership, and I think they’ll do a great job,” said Willcocks.

For their first year, Bob David, MNR’S Sioux Lookout district manager advised for Lac Seul to be cautious as they approach this new economic opportunity.

“It’s early days for us, and there will be a lot of growing pains,” said David. “But I think it’s essential as we move into a modern era.” He added that collaboration and cooperation between industries and First Nations is essential for overall economic prosperity.

David sees this agreement as a primer for other First Nations to start making similar agreements with corporations.

MNR was given the sustainable forest license in 2009 when Buchanan Forest Products Ltd. went bankrupt. Lac Seul applied for the license shortly after.

Their proposal was eventually accepted.

Bull said he looks forward to a great working relationship with the forestry industry.

Photo by Christian Quequish/Wawatay News

Left to right: Sam Manitowabi (general manager for Economic Development for Lac Seul First Nation) Chief Clifford Bull and Al Willcocks (regional director for Ministry of Natural Resources).

Lac Seul has also purchased Bull said that Obishikokaang Sam Manitowabi, general and renovated an old public Resources Inc., a Lac Seul manager of economic school in Hudson, where training corporation, would staff band development for Lac Seul, said and job shadowing opportunities members who will train younger the agreement has been in the will be available for band band members, thus promoting works for years. members. local economy and employment.

Manitowabi said the band has Bull said that GCK Consulting “This is a momentous occa- made an agreement with crown Ltd. would provide education sion – it’s important we have a operators to continue to harvest and support to interested band say how the land in our territory wood and sell it to Domtar. members – the company is work- is used,” said Bull. “It’s about The community has also ing with Lac Seul First Nation self-determination and self-gov- signed a memorandum agreethrough a one-year contract. ernance.”

ment with Domtar Inc., committing to 440,000 cubic meters of wood.

“We’ve assured a revenue source for the year – that’s why it’s significant that it’s happening today,” said Manitowabi.

Jim Blight, general manager of the Domtar pulp mill in Dryden said the meeting was about setting up the wood supply agreement and getting to meet some of the people the company would be working with.

“We’re happy to get it off the ground, and there’ll be a lot of hard work on both our parts to make it successful,” said Blight.

James Ayotte, a crown operator, said that June 12 was a historic day.

“The First Nations now have a large say in what happens with the forest, and they’re responsible for managing it. This event is favourable for everybody in the local area,” said Ayotte.

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The 2012 Grade 8 graduating class of JR Nakogee School, Attawapiskat First Nation Would like to thank the Dream Catcher Fund For covering the costs of the bus charter on their year end trip...

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4

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

From the Wawatay archives 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 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.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER David Neegan

Commentary

Fresh Horses Richard Wagamese ONE NATIVE LIFE

I

’ve seen an awful lot in my time on the planet. Some things have come my way all on their own and others have been brought to bear by choices – some good, some not so good.

But everything has been educational and I’m far the better for all the experiences.

Now that I’m ensconced in the life of a working writer I get a lot of opportunity to look back at the trail of years.

There have been fiftyfive of them and it’s always fascinating.

I learned a lot about life from living on the street. I spent a fair amount of time down there being homeless or on the very edge of it and it helped me become a survivor just as it helped me appreciate good things when they happen.

Street life is not just a First Nations issue. When I lived there I met people of every background and the first thing you learn is that everyone has to learn to cope in the same ways.

It’s a hard life. When you’re unemployed, on welfare, addicted or drunk like I was for a lot of years, the street is a lonely, harrowing place to call home.

There are dangers there that make it a far more dangerous place than the most remote wilderness I’ve ever been in. In fact, I’d choose the wilderness over the street any day.

You can learn predictability in the bush. You can never trust that you’ll find that in the wilds of the city.

I’ve stood on many corners and watch life unfold and it’s tough to see especially when the morning breaks and you know that for a lot of other people in other neighborhoods, the day is filled with possibility and potential.

But out there possibility is limited to what street rounders call ‘three hots and a cot.’ That means soup kitchen meals if you get there early enough and a cot to bunk down in at night – again, if you get there early enough.

I’ve heard a lot of stories down there and I’ve seen a lot of people who didn’t belong there or deserve to be there.

But they were there nonetheless because of turns of fate or circumstance that could happen to virtually anyone.

Teenagers, old timers and all ages in between, the street accepts everyone.

Once I overheard a rancher’s son from Alberta talking to his girlfriend on a street corner in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side.

He talked of missing the prairie and horses. He told her how he used to love to gallop a horse as far and as fast as he could just to feel the freedom in that wildness. When the horse would tire he’d let it rest and saddle another and ride it hard and fast too.

He could spend days that

Sharing our story is the fresh horse that carries us forward into the glory of brighter mornings way, always moving to a fresh horse and living the adventure.

He was young, about twenty perhaps but as lost as anyone down there.

He looked at her and I overheard him say, “right about now we could use some fresh horses.’ She just grinned at him and squeezed his hand sadly and looked out into a morning hard as stone. As I looked around at addicts stumbling out of the alleys and dumpster divers pushing their shopping carts along between early morning hookers and drug dealers, I wanted those horses for him right then. I wanted them to carry him home so he could feel the freedom he missed so badly and I sure hope he made it there one day.

I once heard about a former structural engineer talk about the fall on an icy sidewalk that caused a brain injury that handicapped him. He was spooning thin stew into a toothless mouth at a mission.

When he couldn’t work he fell though the cracks and landed on the street.

He was anybody. He was all of us. He fell off the horse that carried him.

There comes a time for all of us when we need a fresh horse.

There comes a time in all our lives when fate steps into have its way with us.

If we’re lucky we retain our homes and our positions and our money. If we’re unlucky we land on the pavement bruised and bent and broken some but definitely lost.

We need each other then. We need to have our story heard.

We need to know we’re not alone.

In the end, whether you’re destitute or wealthy, whether you’re secure in a warm home or homeless behind a dumpster, we all need to be heard.

We all need the freedom that comes with being able to speak our pain because pain happens everywhere. S haring our story is the fresh horse that carries us forward into the glory of brighter mornings. Anywhere.

Wawatay News archives

Pikangikum kindergarten class, date unknown.

Laughter is a good medicine Joyce Atcheson GUEST COLUMNIST

W

hen the going gets tough strong people laugh.

While living in First Peoples’ isolated communities, I saw that and got the message that laughing improves things; the people with the least had the greatest gift of insight and laughter. I’ve learned when I’ve been too long away from Indian humour and am getting heavy I need a dose of laughter to restore balance and I know which friends to contact.

People who can laugh at the hard stuff delight in the challenge given and the opportunity to succeed or at least give it their best and learn from the experience for future days.

I was not raised with the teachings of laughter; it was the mainstream system that exposed me to the healing power of laughter. Norman Cousins, a white man, was labelled with arthritis; he would have to learn to live in pain. He decided to make whatever life he had happy.

He rented a room, watched comedies for two weeks, and walked out a new man. In 1979 he wrote Anatomy of an

Illness, a book on the power of laughter to heal.

When I began to work as a nurse in First Peoples’ communities I watched and listened, learning from Elders that laughter’s power to heal isn’t new! It’s been around as long as we have -- millennia!

We learn it from our youngest teachers: babies. They laugh with delight and joy, not seeing difficulties as adults do.

As I search memories and notes, I can’t recall which Elders didn’t tell me to laugh.

In their teachings they laugh at life examples: defusing anger by seeing something as funny, seeing the funny sides of a trouble, poking fun at themselves or me.

When working shortterm contracts as a nurse practitioner in Garden River, AB, I learned to laugh with others, at myself, many times…

It was a novel experience to be the only stranger in a community. Everyone knew everyone else, but I knew no one. I was trusted and respected for my skills and had significant authority which I didn’t acknowledge because I felt insecure. I saw that authority later when I saw a colleague misuse it.

Ken Ward, a First Nations man from Alberta who has HIV, told a conference how he took tobacco to those who would help him. I heard that and took my tobacco to each of the Elders in their homes,

introducing myself, with the CHR’s help to translate to Cree (I do not have my language.)

It must have been the right move, all of the Elder women agreed when I asked if they would help me with any births.

It was the one area in which I felt totally inadequate and I wanted help from those who knew how. My insecurity shrunk as each Elder agreed.

Having made my first move to ensure the safety of the People, my confidence increased. I invited the kids to come to my home to watch the movie, White Fang, on Sunday afternoon. The nurse’s trailer had the largest satellite dish so got shows others did not.

The day arrived. My living room was transformed, every piece of furniture and the entire floor was covered by bodies. That’s when the door opened to my first adult visitor.

Two kids moved to the already tightly packed floor giving Alex a place on the couch. I offered tea before one kid suggested coffee for Alex. I took the youth’s lead, making coffee.

The kids had juice, milk or water.

I set the community’s standard plastic tubs of coffee creamer and sugar on the coffee table along with his cup of coffee. The plate of homemade cookies I’d made specifically for the day was next. As I bent to table an unusual pungent odour seared my nose. Puzzled, I looked

around for the origin.

About that same moment Alex informed me, ‘I don’t think this is creamer.’ The powder stuck solidly to the spoon.

Watching the coffee drip from the clogged spoon I said, ‘It sure isn’t acting like it!’

I dipped my finger in the powder and licked it.

My face glowed red hot, laughter burst from me. ‘The reason it doesn’t act like creamer is because it’s garlic powder!’

The kids hooted and howled, totally oblivious to the movie for that moment. Alex laughed.

I drank tea and coffee black so hadn’t use the powder left on the counter. Opening a jar with a large label and an intact seal I showed Alex this was indeed creamer as I offered a new coffee.

The next day on every home visit the effectiveness of moccasin telegraph was evident. Laughter erupted as soon as I entered and the teasing began. I laughed and provided details they hadn’t heard about my coffee offer.

I knew then that I was part of the community.

That coffee may have proven to the Elder women that I truly needed help with births but the People were protected by the Creator, not one baby came! However the many times I returned to Garden River, I was welcomed as a long-gone member.

CONTACT US Sioux Lookout Office Hours: 8:30-5:00 CST Phone: ....................737-2951 Toll Free: .....1-800-243-9059 Fax: ...............(807) 737-3224 .............. (807) 737-2263

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER David Neegan davidn@wawatay.on.ca EDITOR Shawn Bell shawnb@wawatay.on.ca WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Rick Garrick rickg@wawatay.on.ca WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Lenny Carpenter lennyc@wawatay.on.ca

ART DIRECTOR Roxann Shapwaykeesic, RGD roxys@wawatay.on.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER Matthew Bradley matthewb@wawatay.on.ca SALES MANAGER James Brohm jamesb@wawatay.on.ca CIRCULATION Adelaide Anderson reception@wawatay.on.ca

TRANSLATORS Vicky Angees vickya@wawatay.on.ca CONTRIBUTORS Richard Wagamese Chris Kornacki Sarah Nelson Christian Quequish Joyce Atchinson John Ferris Guest editorials, columnists and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of Wawatay News.

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

5

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Comment Why I Will Defend the Attawapiskat River Editor’s note: This is a copy of the speech given by Chief Peter Moonias to an Ottawa audience last week.

Chief Peter Moonias Neskantaga First Nation On May 9th Cliffs Natural Resources, an American Mining Company announced that they had made a deal with Ontario to develop a $3.2 Billion mine in the heart of my homeland on the Attawapiskat River.

What had Section 35 of the Constitution given my community up until the Cliffs announcement?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

The whole Ring of Fire development began back in 2002 when the mining companies staked 30, 000 mining claims on my homeland.

Did they talk to my community after they staked those claims. No. The Mining Companies have spent more than $100 million exploring these claims.

What did my community get? Nothing.

In 2010 the big American Mining company bought a junior mining company Freewest for $240 million.

What did my community get?

Nothing.

Did the Ontario government come and consult with my community?

No. Are they breaking the law and ignoring section 35 of the Constitution? My lawyers say they are.

But do I have a million dollars to take Ontario to court and get my rights?

No. So in May 2012 when Cliffs announced they were going to build a 350 kilometre road into the heart of my territory and build a 1000 foot bridge to cross the Attawapiskat River I said enough is enough.

I went on the media and said “they will have to kill me first, before they cross the Attawapiskat river.”

That’s my interpretation of Section 35. Our community will stand on the land and defend our rights.

We can’t wait for Ontario to meet its legal obligations. We

Cartoon by John Ferris/Special to Wawatay News

Mining Minister Rick Bartolucci stops by Marten Falls on his northern tour. have to act and assert our rights and jurisdiction.

We believe that our ancestors never surrendered the land when they made treaty in 1905.

We still have jurisdiction on the land.

And we will assert that jurisdiction.

We all know that Musselwhite and De Beers Victor mines have done virtually nothing for the affected First Nations.

The money and most of the jobs have left the region and the land and rivers have been damaged forever.

Attawapiskat still has no proper housing, education and drinking water. So much for economic development being a cure all.

What Cliffs is proposing is much worse.

The permanent road will open up the whole area. The huge open pit will change the way the water flows.

The mine will potentially release toxic cancer causing

chemicals like Chromium6, mercury and other heavy metals.

Once there is a permanent access road our way of life will be changed forever.

We will not be able to turn back the clock.

The only way First Nations can really benefit from these projects is if there are real First Nation institutions and governance of the far north region.

First Nation institutions have to replace MNR and MNDM. Jurisdiction must come through First Nation institutions.

Once the Cliffs project goes ahead First Nations will have little leverage to get the institutions, revenue streams etc that are need to be in place before the far north is opened up once and forever.

This is a moment that comes only once a generation and will likely never come again.

Ontario wants a $3 billion mine.

And we have nothing to lose.

Thank You.

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6

Wawatay News

Neskantaga warns Ontario not to approve digs along Ring of Fire route

Webequie signs provincial Ring of Fire agreement

Continued from page 1 “We are concerned (the bridge’s) construction and use could destroy life in, on and around the river,” Moonias wrote in an affidavit. “The access road would also open the entire Ring of Fire to industrial development.

“The impact of the access road on fish, game and plants will be extensive and profound,” the chief added. “In turn these impacts will significantly, if not permanently eliminate any ability of Neskantaga members to live off the land and harvest in this region.”

Neskantaga has also applied to Ontario’s mining and lands commissioner to become a party in an upcoming court case over a land dispute between Cliffs and KWG Resources.

KWG Resources owns claims to the land along the route Cliffs wants to build the access road, and the two companies are preparing to go before the mining and lands commissioner to determine how to resolve the dispute.

But Neskantaga argues it has rights to the land that supersede KWG’s claims, so it should be a party to the case as it

JUNE 21, 2012

Shawn Bell Wawatay News

comes before the commissioner.

Neskantaga will present its case to the commissioner on July 5 in Toronto.

In a letter to the office of the mining and lands commissioner, Neskantaga’s lawyers argued that the First Nation’s involvement in the case is essential.

“Neskantaga will provide evidence and make submissions concerning the constitutional authority (or lack thereof) of the commissioner to make any determination under section 51 of the Mining Act in the absence of the Crown fulfilling its duty of consultation,” wrote Matthew Kirchner of Ratcliff and Company LLP. “No other party…has raised or will raise Aboriginal concerns or the impact of constitutional duties on the commissioner’s jurisdiction.”

Cliffs announced on May 9 that it plans to go ahead with the proposed $3.2 billion chromite mine in the Ring of Fire, along with the north-south access route and a processing plant in Sudbury.

The company has stated it expects to start production at the open-pit mine in 2015.

Ontario and Webequie First Nation have agreed to work together on realizing benefits from the Ring of Fire.

Webequie Chief Cornelius Wabasse and Minister of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) Rick Bartolucci signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) during Bartolucci’s visit to Webequie on June 12.

The agreement commits Ontario to providing social, community and economic development supports for Webequie to help facilitate the community’s involvement in the Ring of Fire.

According to a provincial government statement, Ontario is also committed to providing resource revenue

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

sharing to the First Nation associated with Ring of Fire developments.

“The MOC represents a very positive step forward and speaks clearly to our community’s aspirations to be a real partner in the development of our traditional territory,” Wabasse said in a statement.

“We look forward to building the foundations for success with all levels of government.”

The agreement also states that the two sides will work together to advance discussions with the federal government on helping Webequie prepare to participate in the Ring of Fire.

The Ontario press release said Ontario and Webequie will work together on regional environmental monitoring and regional infrastructure planning.

“Development in the Ring

communitybased

affiliated radio stations.

WRN is also distributed nationally on Bell TV Channel 962.

Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

Norm Hardisty Jr. has been reelected as the chief of Moose

Cree First Nation.

Hardisty barely won the election against seven other candidates, eking out a victory by four votes. Hardisty received

To be held by Ontario Solar PV Fields 3 Limited Partnership Regarding a Proposal to Engage in a Renewable Energy Project Project Name: Vanzwolf Solar Park Project Location: Baseline Rd. and Morley Dilke Rd. intersection, Township of Dawson, Rainy River District Dated at Durham Region this the 14th of June, 2012 Ontario Solar PV Fields 3 Limited Partnership is planning to engage in a renewable energy project in respect of which the issuance of a renewable energy approval is required. The proposal to engage in the project and the project itself is subject to the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act (Act) Part V.0.1 and Ontario Regulation 359/09 (Regulation). This notice must be distributed in accordance with section 15 of the Regulation prior to an application being submitted and assessed for completeness by the Ministry of the Environment.

Meeting Location: DATE: 22nd of August, 2012 TIME: 5:45 – 7:15pm PLACE: Stratton Millennium Hall, 36 HWY 617, Stratton ON, P0W 1N0 Project Description: Pursuant to the Act and Regulation, the facility, in respect of which this project is to be engaged in, is a Class 3 Solar Facility. If approved, this facility would have a total maximum name plate capacity of 5 MW. The project location is described in the map below.

Documents for Public Inspection: The Draft Project Description Report titled “Morley Solar Park - Draft Project Description Report” describes the project as photovoltaic solar farm which will collect energy from the sun using thin photovoltaic modules and convert it to electrical energy for distribution to the local electricity distribution system. A written copy of the Draft Project Description Report will be made available for public inspection on June 22, 2012 at www.ontariosolarpvfields.com.

Further, the applicant has obtained or prepared, as the case may be, the following supporting documents in order to comply with the requirements of the Act and Regulation: Construction Plan Report; Design and Operations Report, Decommissioning Report; finalized Project Description Report and all attached appendices.

Written copies of the draft supporting documents will be made available for public inspection on June 22, 2012 at: Township of Dawson Municipal Office, 211 Fourth Street, Rainy River ON Written copies of the supporting documents will also be available at the public open house.

Project Contacts and Information: To learn more about the project proposal, public meetings, or to communicate concerns please contact: Martin Lachapelle REFERGY Canada Inc. 330 Byron Street S. Whitby ON L1N 4P8 www.ontariosolarpvfields.com Telephone: (905) 493-3440

of Fire must be approached in a responsible and inclusive manner and must bring longterm prosperity to First Nations through appropriate engage-

ment and resources,” Bartolucci said.

Bartolucci also visited Marten Falls during his June 12 trip north.

Hardisty reelected Moose Cree chief

Notice of Final Public Meeting

Wawatay Radio Network is broadcast on 89.9 FM in Sioux Lookout and 106.7 FM in Timmins and to 38

Photo by Shawn Bell/Wawatay News

Webequie Chief Cornelius Wabasse signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Ontario to work together on realizing benefits from the Ring of Fire developments planned near his community.

159 votes while the next candidate Patricia Faries received 155 votes. Harry Rickard had 131 votes while David Fletcher had 111 votes.

Earl Cheechoo was elected as the deputy chief with 249 votes, beating out incumbent Charlie Cheechoo who had 191 votes and Vern Cheechoo and George Lazarus.

Joe Cheechoo was elected as the Elder councillor while Nancy Corston was elected as the youth councillor.

The community also voted in 12 councilors: Nellie Trapper, Katherine Faries-Quachegan, Bobby Echum, Mildred Alisappi, Mary Stella Schimmens, Christina Wynne, Victor P. Linklater, Paul Linklater, Elaine Jeffries, Gilbert R. J. Cheechoo Jr., Frances Sutherland, and Samantha Wesley.

The announcement came on June 12, fives days after the

Moose Cree Chief Norm Hardisty elections were held on June 7 after a candidate had filed the paperwork to do a recount.

The term of office for Moose Cree First Nation is four years, which commences Aug. 9.

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Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

7

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Ring of Fire moving too fast, say chiefs Shawn Bell Wawatay News

Development of the Ring of Fire is moving far too fast for First Nations to adequately prepare, say the chiefs of two northern First Nations whose traditional lands overlap the proposed mining area.

Both Chief Eli Moonias of Marten Falls First Nation and Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie First Nation say they are not against development, and they both want to ensure that First Nations benefit from any mining projects that do go ahead in their area.

But both agree that the cur-

rent pace of planning for the Ring of Fire, and the proposed schedule laid out by Cliffs Natural Resources for the first project in the region, does not give their communities time to prepare for the major changes facing them.

“I’d like to have time before everything starts so that we’re satisfied that we’re taking the right direction, so we’re not jumping to conclusions here,” Moonias said.

Marten Falls wants to further explore negotiations with the provincial government over resource revenue sharing, Moonias said. He also wants to see what happens with the judicial

review of the environmental assessment, currently before the courts, before making any decisions on whether to support or oppose the proposed Ring of Fire projects.

“With Cliff’s schedule, I wont have any time to explore those things further,” Moonias said.

Cliffs has stated it hopes to start production at its open-pit mine in 2015.

Webequie’s chief has repeatedly emphasized that his community wants the development to proceed, in order that benefits will flow into Webequie. Yet Wabasse feels the development is moving too fast for his community to prepare, especially

given the fact that Webequie is in the early stages of creating a land use plan for its traditional territory.

number of mining claims in the Ring of Fire.

He expressed frustration that companies are claiming, staking

“I’d like to have time before everything starts so that we’re satisfied that we’re not jumping to conclusions here.”

- Chief Eli Moonias

“Yes, it’s moving too quickly,” Wabasse said. “It’s a pressure for us, as we’re not prepared yet. We need time to prepare our people.”

Wabasse said Webequie has just recently started its land use plan for a region that includes a

and then selling parts of Webequie’s traditional territory.

“There are companies out there selling land claims on our traditional area,” Wabasse said.

“I’m trying to claim my land and it’s already been staked and sold.

So how do we deal with that? I

don’t have an answer for that.”

As for Moonias, he thinks a visit to other chromite mines around the world should be in order before any First Nation decides to support or oppose the projects.

He cited mines in South Africa, Finland and Turkey as places he would like to visit, to talk to people living near the mines and see the operations in place.

“I want to see them, hear them, see what people who live near them are experiencing in these sites before I say go ahead here,” Moonias said. “I’d like to have time to do that before everything starts.”

Federal minister’s comments cause First Nation backlash Wawatay News

The federal government’s FedNor minister has ignited a backlash from First Nations leaders around the Ring of Fire by saying that delaying development is ‘inexcusable.’

Conservative MP Tony Clement told reporters in Thunder Bay on June 11 that while the government takes its obligation to consult with First Nations seriously, it will not give First Nations communities a veto over development.

Clement was answering questions on comments made

by Neskantaga First Nation Chief Peter Moonias. Moonias has stated that he would die before allowing a Ring of Fire road to cross the Attawapiskat River.

“There’s going to be headlines here or there when somebody walks away from the table and then marches back to the table,” Clement told TB Newswatch.

“But at the end of the day we find ways where the private sector can work with First Nations, can work with governments to ensure these projects can go ahead in a sensible manner.”

Chiefs from four First Nation communities surrounding the Ring of Fire responded angrily to Clement’s comments, includ-

ing Moonias.

“Minister Clement chooses to minimize what I have said,” Moonias said in a statement.

“I am not threatening to walk away from the table as he suggests, I am planning to prevent a road from being built over the Attawapiskat River unless we get the proper, negotiated Joint Review Panel EA process.”

“The minister underestimates our connection to our land and he underestimates our determination,” Moonias added.

Clement was in Thunder Bay to promote the federal government’s new legislation that will streamline the environmental assessment process for resource development projects.

The government wants one review per project, with a twoyear timeline.

Chief Eli Moonias of Marten Falls First Nation said the government’s plan to streamline a system that already moves too fast is “inexcusable.” Moonias cited the problems facing communities downstream of Alberta’s oilsands due to pollution from those developments.

“If a delay had taken place (on the Athabasca River) in order to ensure proper environmental controls then the water there might still be drinkable and the fish would still look

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- Mom & Dad - Sister & Brother in-law - Nephew & Niece

normal,” Marten Falls’ chief said. “As it is there is now arsenic and mercury in that once pristine river. “(The Athabasca) was destroyed with a short fasttrack Environmental Assessment process like the one Canada is using for the Cliffs Chromite project,” Moonias added.

“Now they want to streamline the process further with new legislation. Is there something wrong with the government’s thought process, if not their mental capacity?”

Chief Roger Wesley of Constance Lake First Nation and Chief Sonny Gagnon of Aroland First Nation also expressed their

disappointment with Clement’s comments, and reiterated their call for a full Joint Review Panel assessment in the Ring of Fire.

“A Joint Review Panel EA would give time for appropriate consultation and a serious look at the impacts on the land, but also on our people,” Wesley said. “Impacts to our culture, our communities, our land and way of life are not irrelevant.”

Matawa Tribal Council is currently undertaking a judicial review of the environmental assessment being used for the Cliffs Chromite project. Matawa’s case is expected to come before the courts sometime over the next year.

Tony Clement, the federal mininster of FedNor, told reporters during a trip to Thunder Bay that First Nations will not have a veto over development.

Notice of Final Public Meeting To be held by Ontario Solar PV Fields 2 Limited Partnership Regarding a Proposal to Engage in a Renewable Energy Project Project Name: Morley Solar Park Project Location: Penney Rd. and Morley Dilke Rd. intersection, Township of Morley, Rainy River District Dated at Durham Region this the 14th of June, 2012 Ontario Solar PV Fields 2 Limited Partnership is planning to engage in a renewable energy project in respect of which the issuance of a renewable energy approval is required. The proposal to engage in the project and the project itself is subject to the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act (Act) Part V.0.1 and Ontario Regulation 359/09 (Regulation). This notice must be distributed in accordance with section 15 of the Regulation prior to an application being submitted and assessed for completeness by the Ministry of the Environment.

DATE: 22nd of August, 2012 TIME: 4:00 – 5:30pm PLACE: Stratton Millennium Hall, 36 HWY 617, Stratton ON, P0W 1N0 Project Description: Pursuant to the Act and Regulation, the facility, in respect of which this project is to be engaged in, is a Class 3 Solar Facility. If approved, this facility would have a total maximum name plate capacity of 10 MW. The project location is described in the map below.

Documents for Public Inspection: The Draft Project Description Report titled “Morley Solar Park - Draft Project Description Report” describes the project as photovoltaic solar farm which will collect energy from the sun using thin photovoltaic modules and convert it to electrical energy for distribution to the local electricity distribution system. A written copy of the Draft Project Description Report will be made available for public inspection on June 22, 2012 at www.ontariosolarpvfields.com.

Further, the applicant has obtained or prepared, as the case may be, the following supporting documents in order to comply with the requirements of the Act and Regulation: Construction Plan Report; Design and Operations Report, Decommissioning Report; finalized Project Description Report and all attached appendices.

Written copies of the draft supporting documents will be made available for public inspection on June 22, 2012 at: Township of Morley Municipal Office, 11331 HWY 11, Stratton ON Written copies of the supporting documents will also be available at the public open house.

Project Contacts and Information: To learn more about the project proposal, public meetings, or to communicate concerns please contact: Martin Lachapelle REFERGY Canada Inc. 330 Byron Street S. Whitby ON L1N 4P8 www.ontariosolarpvfields.com Telephone: (905) 493-3440

No Matter how you look at it, www.wawataynews.ca brings you the latest news briefs and photo galleries in the north

Shawn Bell

8

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

012 cess 1977-2 gth, Suc en y, Str ation 3 5 Years of Unit ki N

e As Nishnawb

2012 Keewaywin Awards In recognition of outstanding achievements and dedication to the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nation

Nominate someone from your community today!

Nomination deadline is July 3, 2012 Categories: NAN Women Award NAN Elder Award Emile Nakogee for Outstanding Leadership Award NAN Youth Award Awards to be presented at XXXI Keewaywin Conference Kashechewan First Nation August 2012 Nomination forms are available at nan.on.ca Or by calling 1-800-465-9952

photos by Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Saugeen’s Mike Lawson checks out the grapes growing in one corner of the Wabigoon Lake tree nursery, which produces about six million tree seedlings every year.

Grapes a new harvest in Wabigoon Lake Tree seedling greenhouse having success Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Grapes are now being produced along with tree seedlings at Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation’s tree nursery.

“We’re looking into other areas to offset some of the costs during the off season,” said Tyson Gardner, director of lands and resources with Wabigoon Lake. “We’ve experimented with tomatoes, peppers, grapes, other vegetables and they do very well.

We have a nice grape vine in there — it’s some pretty amazing tasting grapes.”

The grape vine was planted about three years ago in one corner of the tree nursery, which began operation about 12 years ago.

“We grow about six million trees a year,” Gardner said, noting the community has a partnership with Domtar to produce seedlings for planting in area forests. “Last year we had an amazing crop. The mortality rates were next to nothing and if you actually go out in the field and speak to some of the planters, we have the best.”

Gardner said the community has a “one stop shop” for road building, harvesting and replanting and a contract to provide those services to Domtar, which operates a pulp mill in Dryden.

“It’s nice to be able to build your own road, harvest your own allocation and replant

the forest,” Gardner said. “We have Tigercats (forest harvesting equipment) and John Deere grapples.”

About four staff work at the tree nursery year round but other staff are brought on as required during planting in April, thinning during early summer and wrapping of the seedlings in the fall.

“It’s nice to be able to build your own road, harvest your own allocation and replant the forest.”

- Tyson Gardner

“The trees we are shipping are last year’s trees,” said Pamela Wetelainen, tree nursery supervisor. “These trees will get wrapped in October, put into the freezer and shipped out next year.”

Wetelainen enjoys her work at the tree nursery.

“It’s awesome,” Wetelainen said. “Being traditional, it’s about putting something back, right.”

Wetelainen said the current greenhouse began operations in 2006 after the previous one collapsed in 2005 due to heavy snow.

“It was sad — I cried,” Wetelainen said. “It was down in like 20 seconds. It was like dominos, but we were only down one year.”

Wetelainen said the new

greenhouse is smaller than the old one, due to a new design that employs smaller bays and roofs that allow the snow to naturally fall off between each section to prevent too much build up.

The planting stage involves 10 people working with a seeding machine that inserts seeds into pellets of soil packed in trays.

The thinning stage involves about 10 people looking at the pellets to make sure there is only one seedling in each.

The wrapping stage involves about 50-60 people separating the pellets of seedlings and wrapping them in plastic-lined cardboard boxes.

The tree nursery is currently growing black spruce seedlings this year, but normally they grow three species: jack pine, white spruce and black spruce.

Requests for Information OLG Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation RFI# 1213-001 and RFI# 1213-002 OLG has issued Requests for Information for Modernizing Land Based Gaming in Ontario and Modernizing Lottery in Ontario.

OLG is using the MERX™ electronic tendering system to issue this RFI. MERX™ is a national service designed to facilitate the procurement process within the public and private business communities. You may obtain more information by referring to their web site at www.merx.com/olg, or by telephoning 1-800-964-MERX(6379) or by faxing 1-888-235-5800 and quoting reference numbers PR244158 and PR244909.

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

9

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Shawn Bell/Wawatay News

A view from one of the taxi boats on Moose River. The Town of Moosonee refused to install public docks along the riverfront unless enough taxi boat drivers paid a new $400 docking fee. The town council cited decreased funding from the province. However, a local agency stepped up to fund the docks for the summer of 2012.

Moosonee nets funding to install public docks Installation should address health and safety concerns Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

The Town of Moosonee has received funding to install the public docks on the Moose River front, weeks after residents raised health and safety concerns.

Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation said it will provide $5,000 to install and maintain the docks for the summer of 2012.

Prior to the announcement, Moosonee mayor Victor Mitchell remained adamant that more boat taxi drivers on the Moose River front needed to pay a $400 docking fee in order for the town to install public docks.

“We can’t keep taking funds out of our general revenue,” Mitchell said last week to Wawatay News. “We’re trying to streamline our budget to balance it.”

The Moosonee public docks had previously been funded by the provincial government until 2008, when the responsibility fell to the town to fund the $4,000-5,000 required to install and maintain the docks. At the time, the town agreed to accept a lump sum of $80,000 from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries for the docks. “(The lump sum) was used to rehabilitate the public docks area, including refurbishing the docks itself and putting in a new stairway leading to hilltop to roadway, and fixing up the area since 2008,” Mitchell said.

The lump sum was also used

to fund the installation and maintenance of the public docks for two years before it footed the bill for two more years out of its own budget.

“The whole provincial government being in deficit, so it’s we really have to find ways to come up with revenues to continue all these projects.”

-Victor Mitchell Moosonee mayor

Last fall, the town council said it could no longer sustain the costs. Mitchell said the town has had to cut programs due to a growing lack of funds. It was not able to fund the local curling club last winter, nor the Tidewater Provincial Park located directly across the river.

“The whole provincial government being in deficit, so it’s we really have to find ways to come up with revenues to continue all these projects,” Mitchell said. “Having the $400 fee is a way of doing that to make sure the docks are in every year.”

Meanwhile, community members had raised health and safety concerns about the lack of public docks this summer.

A boy was reportedly injured after slipping while going down the riverbank and had to be airlifted to hospital.

An elderly resident also fell and injured her eye after hitting it on a rock.

Mitchell said he understands the concerns but said

the responsibility does not fall on the town.

“Right now, the risk is more on the boat drivers because there’s no docks,” he said last week. “If we put in the docks and someone slips on the docks, then the liability is ours because it’s our docks. But with the current way, the drivers themselves are more liable for the injuries of passengers they carry.”

He said the boat taxi drivers should have done more “than sit by their motor and wait for people and to get on and get off. They need to assist more to ensure nobody gets hurt.”

Boat taxi drivers have also raised concerns of how the town will ensure that only those who paid the docking fee will be able to use the docks. Mitchell said the town would provide a license plate for the boat drivers to place on their boat.

NOTIFICATION Habitat Regulations for Protecting Species at Risk Ontario is fortunate to have a wide variety of plants and animals. Over 200 of these species, however, are currently at risk. One of the key threats to their survival is habitat loss.

Under the Endangered Species Act, 2007, the Government of Ontario has passed a habitat regulation for the American White Pelican to help protect and recover this species. The regulation comes into force on July 1, 2012.

Want to know more about habitat regulations or the Endangered Species Act? Information on the regulations is available on the Environmental Registry of the Environmental Bill of Rights website at: ontario.ca/ebr (Registry #011-5625) and on the Species at Risk website at: ontario.ca/speciesatrisk.

For alternative formats of this information, please e-mail: sar.habitat@ontario.ca or call toll-free at: 1-800-667-1940.

Renseignements en français : 1-800-667-1940

“Right now, the risk is more on the boat drivers because there’s no docks” -Victor Mitchell , Moosonee mayor

To enforce the by-law, Mitchell said the by-law officer position is currently vacant, “but we will hire a by-law officer to enforce the plate.”

Mitchell said the town will install the docks immediately once the Wakenagun application was approved and hopes to find a long-term solution for the future.

Roy Thomas, We’re all in the Same Boat, 1984, acrylic on canvas, 122 x 228 cm, private collection.

JUNE 7 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY When I use my paintbrush I understand that I am not the only one doing the painting even though my name goes on the finished work.

— Roy Thomas

10

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

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Pooling resources to deal with NAN-wide housing needs Shawn Bell Wawatay News

North Spirit Lake First Nation IN MEMORIAM

First Nations across northern Ontario are being trapped in a cycle of high debt loads that leave them unable to deal with massive housing needs, says a Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) deputy grand chief who believes he has a solution to the problem.

Les Louttit, NAN deputy grand chief, told Wawatay News that NAN communities have to pool their resources, prioritize housing needs across the North and create a NANowned and operated housing organization in order to move forward on the dire needs facing the communities.

Louttit said the problems on the ground with crowded houses and poor construction are plain to see, but the roots of the problem go back to financing cycles that leave First Nations paying much of their capital housing funds to cover increasingly unmanageable debt loads. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an unseen thing,â&#x20AC;? Louttit said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What you see in communities is one thing, but behind the scenes is this financing and funding cycle.â&#x20AC;?

The problems of a lack of adequate housing in northern Ontario First Nations has been well documented, with last winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s housing crisis in Attawapiskat bringing the concerns to light. The issues seen in Attawapiskat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as crowded homes, mouldy conditions and a desperate need for more houses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are found across most northern Ontario First Nation communities.

photo by Shawn Bell/Wawatay News

The vast majority of houses in Keewaywin are in need of replacement or repairs, a situation the First Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief says his band does not have the resources to deal with.

Thirty-one NAN communities were studied as part of a national infrastructure analysis done in 2011. Nearly every community had more homes in need of replacement or repair than adequate homes.

One of those communities, Keewaywin, had 14 adequate homes compared to 99 homes either needing replacement or repair, according to the study.

Keewaywin Chief David Thompson said that the community made a five-year housing plan a number of years ago, but has had troubles meeting it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a severe housing shortage,â&#x20AC;? Thompson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Twenty-five years ago we ordered 32 mobile units and created a community. In the last five to eight years, the deterioration of the homes has been pretty bad.â&#x20AC;?

Part of the problem for communities like Keewaywin is that capital housing money allocated by the federal government each year is not enough to cover new homes for a growing population as well as repairs to the numerous existing homes in need.

Small communities also struggle with delays in getting federal government guarantees for housing loans, and in meeting the paperwork requirements for accessing additional housing monies from other grant programs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a lot of young couples and Elders that need new homes,â&#x20AC;? Thompson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the condition of many of the homes we do have are not very good, but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the resources to renovate those homes properly.â&#x20AC;?

See NAN page 11

DID THE LOSS OF A FAMILY MEMBER BEFORE JUNE 14, 2010, RESULT IN A CORONERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INVESTIGATION AND AUTOPSY? IF SO, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT AN ORGAN WAS RETAINED AFTER AUTOPSY AND KEPT FOR FURTHER TESTING. When deaths are investigated, pathologists sometimes retain an organ to help determine the cause of death.

In the past, family members may not have been notified that an organ had been retained. Now, families are routinely notified when an organ is retained and their wishes regarding final disposition of the organ are sought wherever possible.

In Loving Memory of Dalius Russell Kakegumic May 13, 1969 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June 21, 2010

The Ontario Forensic Pathology Service is reaching out to anyone for whom the loss PG B GBNJMZ NFNCFS CFGPSF +VOF resulted in a coronerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investigation and autopsy.

The Kakegumicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Isaac, Margaret, Patrick, George, Maxine, Karisha and Patra & Family and Liza Meekis & family.

Remember him with a smile today, He was not one for tears.

Reflect instead on memories, So much of him that has never left, but lives on.

Just a caution guy he was, he left us on the day we celebrate Aboriginal Day and smoke signals we always send up there for him.

A toll-free telephone line has been set up. Contact us at 1-855-564-4122 or visit our website at Ontario.ca/OrganRetention.

Immediate family members and personal representatives (i.e. those responsible for administering an estate) are invited to contact us to find out if an organ was retained in their case.

Affected families and personal representatives may request that the organ be sent to a funeral home for cremation or burial. Expenses will be covered by the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and the Office of the Chief Coroner.

0SHBOT SFUBJOFE CFGPSF +VOF XJMM be respectfully disposed of beginning on +VOF 5IJT JT JO BDDPSEBODF XJUI the regulations made under the Coroners Act.

Ontario Forensic Pathology Service OrganRetention@Ontario.ca (SFOWJMMF 4USFFU Toronto, ON . " (

0OUBSJP DB 0SHBO3FUFOUJPO r

Missing you and you will be treasured always, -Your Family Paid for by the Government of Ontario

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

NAN looking at longer term solutions from page 10 Louttit said the smaller communities across NAN suffer the most from the current system.

In comparison, larger First Nations have more capacity to apply for programs and access additional funds to use for housing, he said.

The deputy chief said the problem is even larger than what the national assessment determined. Across NANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 49 NAN communities an estimated 5,000 new homes are needed, at a price tag of roughly $1.3 billion, according to an internal NAN study.

In response to what he calls a flawed current system, Louttit is pushing NAN to establish a for-profit corporation that would work on behalf of communities to maximize the amount of housing available using the pooled money of all participating First Nations.

He wants to start thinking of five-year plans for housing across a large number of communities, so that NAN can prioritize needs across the entire region.

The idea is based on economies of scale â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that it is cheaper for one organization to plan for and build a large number of homes across many communities than it is for each community to build just a few

11

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NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY A=9=&9N& NYA[ )0N5k )&

photo by Shawn Bell/Wawatay News

NAN Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit believes that NAN needs a corporation to pool the resources of many First Nations and share expertise in dealing with housing issues in order to address the $1.3 billion problem. homes on their own.

Cost savings will result from bulk-order purchasing of supplies, having a centralized administration system and being able to access housing financing expertise that all communities can benefit from.

Louttit said an organization of this sort will also help First Nations keep their loans to a manageable percentage

of annual operation budgets, in order to prevent the situation seen in many bands today where paying off debts takes up much of the annual housing budget and often result in defaulting on loans, which makes future borrowing difficult. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will help each First Nation develop a five-year action plan based on housing

needs,â&#x20AC;? Louttit said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the end of five years, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have addressed the backlog to an extent and then First Nations can go forward in years to come.â&#x20AC;?

A NAN feasibility study of the new housing corporation is expected to be released later this month. Louttit hopes the new housing corporation can start operating soon after that.

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www.detourgold.com

Photo courtesy of Stan Wesley

12

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Seven Generations celebrates highest grad numbers Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Couchiching’s Rochelle Bird graduated with two degrees during Seven Generations Education Institute’s June 14 graduation ceremony at the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances.

“I graduated with my degree in education from Queen’s (University) and my bachelor of arts, majoring in Indigenous Learning, through Lakekead (University),” Bird said. “I’m doing some work right now with St. Michael’s Hospital (in Toronto) and the Indigenous Knowledge Network (for Infant, Child and Family Health) project where I’ve been able to interview Elders about traditional child rearing practices. It’s opened up so many doors and sparked interest in different areas to learn about midwifery and different practices that were used for child rearing.”

Bird completed the education degree on weekends with two weeks on campus at Queen’s University. She also completed three month-long practicum placements for her education degree, one in Big Grassy and two in Fort Frances.

“I (earned these) two degrees over five years while working full time and raising both my daughter and my niece,” Bird said. “It’s been amazing that I could accomplish this. Without the supportive environment (at Seven Generations), that would never have happened.”

Bird said her degrees will “open up a lot of opportunities” for her.

“I’m definitely much better equipped with the kids I work with to talk to them about community-based education and the different opportuni-

photos by Rick Garrick

Couchiching’s Rochelle Bird (above) and about 125 other graduates celebrated their achievements on June 14 during Seven Generations’ graduation ceremonies.

Doug Seymour, Big Island.

Allison Land poses with her son at the graduation ceremony.

ties right here in Fort Frances,” Bird said. “For a lot of kids, it is very intimidating at the age of 18 or 19 to go away to school, but we have a lot of great opportunities here to go to school or even to start your education here until you become comfortable going further away.”

Bird earned Seven Generations’ Highest Academic

Achievement Award for postsecondary students in over two -year programs.

Big Island’s Doug Seymour felt a sense of pride after graduating with an Indigenous Wellness Addictions Prevention diploma. He also earned the Highest Academic Achievement Award for post-secondary students in under-two year programs.

“It was very satisfying,” Seymour said. “My goal is to continue on to ultimately get a (bachelor of arts degree) and a master’s (degree).”

Seymour encouraged others to pursue goals in education.

“Nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself,” Seymour said. “It was very tough. I just decided I wanted to do something at my age; I wanted to

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Rose Skead, Whitefish Bay.

accomplish something and do something for my family.”

Seven Generations graduated about 126 students, the highest number in its 27 years of providing lifelong learning opportunities. The education centre offers a variety of certificates, diplomas or degrees, ranging from Ontario leadership development skills certificates to police foundations diplomas to masters of social work degrees.

“We are the leading Aboriginal educational institute in Canada, in terms of numbers,” said Bob Grynol, post-secondary coordinator for Seven Generations. “We are actually expanding into Kenora — we have an institute there and that is just exploding in terms of numbers.”

Couchiching Chief Chuck McPherson was especially proud of Seven Generations’ graduates, as his grandson was one of the recipients of a bursary.

“I’m quite proud of him as a grandparent,” McPherson said.

“Naturally, I am proud of all the graduates and the award winners.”

McPherson said it is important for First Nations to educate their own people.

“We have been consumers of an education,” McPherson said. “We have never been providers. Seven Generation Education Institute is a remarkable institute that provides education to our own people and provides opportunities for our own people in a community that is conducive to learning in an environment that is com-

fortable to them.”

Secondary program graduate Ashley Yerxa completed her education along with her newborn son.

“I brought him to school everyday with me,” Yerxa said.

“It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure, but I did it.”

Yerxa plans to study general arts and science in the fall through Confederation College’s campus in Fort Frances.

“My family members are my biggest support right now,” Yerxa said. “I could never have done anything without them.”

McPherson said education is the key to success and to unlocking poverty.

“Hopefully, the educated people will stay in the communities and lend their expertise to their fellow community members,” McPherson said.

“One of the benefits of education is the thirst for knowledge; you get a little taste of it and you want more and more.”

Whitefish Bay’s Rose Skead graduated with an Indigenous wellness and addictions prevention certificate.

“My goal is to go on next year to the diploma program,” said the 65-year-old circle of hope and healing director.

“And then to continue working for my community.”

Rose appreciated the cultural and spiritual practices she learned during her program, noting that Seven Generation is “awesome.”

“I’m so amazed at how many graduates we see here,” Skead said. “They’ve come a long way. I’m so grateful they started that program.”

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

13

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

photos by Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Left: Jean Elias (second from left) holds her Governing Council Award of Excellence during Oshki’s June 15 graduation ceremonies.

Above: Priscilla and Chris King and family.

Oshki graduates 56; highest to date Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Priscilla and Chris King are not only Native Early Childhood Education graduates — they are also parents of two children and co-workers back in Kingfisher Lake.

“I’m really proud of myself,” Priscilla said during the June 15 Oshki-PimacheO-Win Education and Training Institute graduation ceremony at the Da Vinci Centre in Thunder Bay. “It was tough. We have a 12-year old and an eight-year old, we work full time and we had schoolwork in the evenings.

It was tough, but it’s all worth it now.”

“My parents looked after our kids. All the way.”

-Priscilla King, Kingfisher Lake

In addition to completing assignments and attending teleconferences and videoconferences in the evenings, the Kings also had to travel to Oshki’s campus in Thunder Bay for two-week sessions twice per semester over the five-semester program.

“My parents looked after our kids,” Priscilla said. “All the way.”

After completing the Native Early Childhood Education program, the Kings are planning to attend Lake-

head University’s Native Language Instructors Program.

“Our goal is to try to bring back our language,” Priscilla said. “There are a lot of children back home who do not speak the language and we are trying to bring that back.”

Nine other students graduated from Native Early Childhood Education, including Lindsay King, Sylvia Shapwaykeesic, Lily Chouinard, Jean Elias, Daisy Tait, Annie Kakepetum, Maria Mekanak, Yvette Joseph and Eleanor Mamakwa.

Elias was presented with Oshki’s Governing Council Award of Excellence for her 4.0 GPA. “This year at Oshki, we have achieved our highest graduation rate — 56 (graduates),” said Rosie Mosquito, executive director at Oshki.

“Two years ago it was 43. It keeps growing every year and it’s showing that we are providing an integral service for our people.”

Moquito said the growth in graduates from Aboriginal education institutes indicate they are succeeding and are a necessary part of the postsecondary education landscape.

“Given our success and growth in statistics, the provincial and federal governments need to provide more investments to enable us to close that gap, create the labour force and create the capacity that is needed

within the communities and in other parts of Canada,” Mosquito said. “Many of our graduates attribute their success at Oshki to the cultural appropriateness.”

Mosquito said Oshki is an Aboriginal friendly and Aboriginal controlled learning environment that is supportive to students.

“For some of the valedictorians, their instructors encouraged them and wouldn’t allow them to drop out,” Mosquito said. “So they were able to succeed because they got more supports from our faculty and program coordinators. We give them extra support that is not provided in colleges and universities.”

Long Lake #58’s Noreen Agnew said it is important to focus on the journey, not the destination during her valedictorian address for the Social Services Worker – Native Specialization program.

“The joy is not in finishing an activity, but in doing it,” said the mother of three children, including a sevenmonth old, who also works fulltime in her community.

“The true growth for us (students) began on the path as we learned from each other.

Our passion to better our people and our communities was the driving force behind our determination to finish and successfully complete our program.”

The Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre would like everyone to join in the celebrations on National Aboriginal Day, Thursday June 21, 2012

Anne Marie Bouchard, Donna Jacob, Charlene McParland, Deanna Mitchell, Eleanor Redbreast, Jason Willms and Sarah Winter also graduated from the Social Services Worker – Native Specialization program.

“I am the youngest in our group and I think of my fellow classmates as role models, women who inspired me to be a better me.”

-Ardelle Sagutcheway, Eabametoong

Eabametoong’s Ardelle Sagutcheway described the growth students achieved while studying at Oshki dur-

ing her valedictorian address for the Pre-Health Sciences program.

“We have shared laughs, tears and many, many hugs in our lives,” Sagutcheway said. “I am the youngest in our group and I think of my fellow classmates as role models, women who inspired me to be a better me. They have shown me strength, humility and courage; they have also taught me the importance of friendship and laughter.”

Rosanne Ojeebah, Janet Cromarty, Miriam Cook and Lorianne Sinoway also graduated from Pre-Health Sciences.

The Personal Support Worker program had five graduates: Anna Grizans, Donna Barkman, Leslie Ferris, Maria Meekis-Harper and Sharon Meekis.

The Basic Radiological Technician program had seven graduates: Matthew Ashpanaquestcum, Allison Wanakamik, Kathie I. Morris, Sandra J. Barkman, Colleen Meekis, Corrine Rose Jeremiah and Elsie M. Anderson.

The Chemical Addictions Worker program had 11 graduates: Verna Aganash, Cyril Beardy, Joni Beardy, Joyce Boyce, Roseanne Cutfeet, Jeannie Duncan, Edith Fiddler, Shirley Fiddler, Paul Johnup, Howard Kakegamic and Brian Linklater.

Kyle Atatise-Kakegamic, Phalen Iserhoff, Pearl Peters, Edward Desmoulin, Tasheena Francis, MarshaLynn Ledger, Andrew Machandagoos and Nickolas Paszkowski graduated from General Education Development.

Wasaya Airways would like to wish everyone a safe and happy National Aboriginal Day

Wishing you all a memorable

Aboriginal Day!

From the Board and Staff of the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre 273 Third Avenue, Suite 204 Timmins, ON P4N 1E2 705-267-7911 fax. 705-267-4988 www.occc.ca

Connecting Communities

1.877.492.7292 • www.wasaya.com

14

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Cross-country drug awareness ride reaches Ontario Christian Quequish Wawatay News

Having travelled over 2600 kilometres by bike from the outskirts of Vancouver to Dryden, Ont., Ida Maye Fiddler and Megan Anishinabie stopped brief ly to speak with the media to publicly endorse their cause: Ride for Hope 211.

What is Ride for Hope?

The two First Nations women, along with their crew, work to bring awareness to prescription drug abuse and how it negatively affects their community of Sandy Lake First Nation.

There are five cyclists in total with a road crew in a van that holds supplies for the trip.

“We want to give our people hope in their everyday struggle with Oxycon-

tin – they need to know that there people out there who are willing to help,” said Anishinabie.

A good portion of their fundraising will go towards creating an aftercare program within the community.

“People get sent out for treatment and they come back, and there’s nothing to help them cope with their addictions,” said Anishinabie.

She said the undertaking has been successful, and they’ve received a lot of encouragement and support from community members and strangers, but it hasn’t been an easy ride.

“Sometimes you get frustrated with each other, and we almost ran out of money once,” said Anishinabie.

She recalled times of waking up with a dead mouse in

her tent, being woken up by trains and traversing narrow bridges with tractor-trailers whipping by.

Ida Maye Fiddler said that the entire trip has been amazing.

“Whatever the land had to offer, be it mountains or prairies, we went through all the elements and it has been an awesome journey.”

She added that they would not be where they are had it not been for the road crew, consisting of family members from Sandy Lake and Deer Lake First Nation.

“They support us, they take care of our bikes, they make sure we have water,” said Fiddler.

Fiddler said she doesn’t like hills, but is prepared to conquer the rocky terrain past Thunder Bay. “I’ll walk up the hill if I

From left to right: George Meekis, Leeanne Fiddler, Ida Maye Fiddler, Megan Anishinabie, Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall and Wayne Kakepetum during the riders stop in Dryden on June 18. have to, but it’s something to look forward to… bring it on.”

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Linda Fiddler, mother to Ida and Sandy Lake band member said she was proud of them for starting this journey.

“I’m pulling for them to succeed in what they’re doing,” said Linda. She added that the crew is working very well with each other.

“They’re doing pretty good with communicating with each other, so there hasn’t been any tension.”

Dryden Mayor Craig Nutall pledged $10 to the Ride for Hope cause and wished them the best on their journey to Ottawa.

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Megan Anishinabie shows off the bike she rode from Vancouver to Dryden, and hopefully all the way to Ottawa.

2 1 0 2 e t a r b e l Ce National Aboriginal Day June 21, 2012

The Municipality of Sioux Lookout wishes to extend greetings in recognition of

National Aboriginal Day. National Aboriginal Day is an opportunity for all Canadians to increase their understanding and appreciation of the Aboriginal cultures within our great country and local communities.

We wish to recognize our First Nation residents and northern neighbours, who are an integral part of our community, and who contribute significantly to the cultural richness that we all share.

www.siouxlookout.ca

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

Lapinski reelected as Metis Nation of Ontario president Fort Frances man sees an era of hope and potential for Metis people in Ontario

15

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Happy Aboriginal Day National Day of Recognition and Pride From the Community and Staff of Wawakapewin First Nation.

Christian Quequish Wawatay News

The 2012 Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO) elections saw Gary Lapinski re-elected as acting president for the organization with 82 per cent of the vote. Gary Lapinski talked to Wawatay News about the challenges Metis face, what his platform is, and why he chose to run for a second term in the MNO. WWT: What is your role as Metis president?

GL: The president is expected to represent Metis citizens throughout the province, to listen to their needs and wishes prior to the election and to fully work and advocate for them during their term of office.

We’re also responsible for running the business or administration of the MNO. We have approximately 150 staff that work across the province of Ontario that work in various programs and services on behalf of Metis citizens across the province. So, making sure that those services are continued to be there for our citizens and to build and expand on them as well so it’s a pretty full schedule for MNO’s president, no doubt – and then represent the MNO. We work with both levels of government: federal and provincial - certainly we’re part of the Metis Nation and a part of the Metis National Council as well, and so the president also sits at the national level as a member of the board of governors as part of the Metis National Council as well.

WWT: What are some priorities you have for this term?

GL: I would say one of my priorities as we go forward, and certainly one of the priorities within the MNO proper is full recognition of Metis rights within Canada.

That means doing whatever we can do to make improvements, whether its better education results for students, better health opportunities for families, creating better opportunities for our communities as well, pursuing economic development, so Metis people can get into positions, or the ones in business can hopefully expand their businesses.

We want to emphasize to youth that education is important and it can have a profound, lifelong positive effects.

That’s kind of what I call the social side of the equation.

Without question, we’ll do a balance of both those sides.

We’ll also be putting a focus on children and youth to encourage them to be the best they can be.

What I mean by that is promoting healthy lifestyles from pre-natal right up to young adulthood, doing whatever we can do within the MNO, working with government partners and private industry and anyone willing to work with us to encourage children at a younger age to see the value in education, particularly car-

rying on the value of post-secondary, whether its college or university or going into trades.

We want to emphasize to youth that education is important and it can have a profound, life-long positive effects. The MNO will be putting an emphasis on supporting and assisting children and youth to be the best they can be.

WWT: Why did you choose to run again?

GL: I chose to run again because I strongly believe in what the MNO is about, and when it boils right down to it, it’s about helping our children, our families, and our communities to improve themselves and be better recognized for their Metis rights.

Without question, we have a lot of unfinished work, and like any government of the people, whether it’s MNO, First Nations, or mainstream government there will always be work in things in front of us to do. We do have a number of worker projects and relationships under development, so we want to see them come into fruition.

WWT: What challenges does the Metis Nation face?

GL: Within the MNO, very often there’s misconceptions about what we are funded, so for instance, very few people recognize people that are serving on Metis councils – those aren’t paid positions, they’re not funded by any government.

People are working for the betterment of communities? Those are volunteers.

Nothing at all like how you see First Nations chiefs and bands that get federal and provincial funding – our councils get nothing. It’s dealing with issues like this, and continuing to try and advance our issues and getting the people to recognize that clearly there isn’t a level playing field when it comes to dealing with and assisting Metis issues.

Having said that, we’re not going to let those things hold

us back. Metis people are very committed. The people that step up to serve the MNO are committed to making improvements in the lives if Metis citizens throughout the province.

With that type of can-do attitude, we’ll succeed.

WWT: What do you see as the future for Metis in Ontario?

GL: I think the future for the Metis people in Ontario is certainly an era of hope and potential as we go forward.

In 2008, we signed an agreement with the government of Ontario that took us from an era of denial that we even exist as an Aboriginal people to one of working with us to properly recognize Metis rights I’m personally quite pleased with the progress we’ve made, particularly in the last four years. In 2008, we signed an agreement with the government of Ontario that took us from an era of denial that we even exist as an Aboriginal people to one of working with us to properly recognize Metis rights and work with the MNO on some of the socio-economic problems. I think particularly, we will continue to take a strong position as we go forward that we’re one of the three distinct Aboriginal people of this country, that we have a very proud and rich history.

We’ve contributed mentally to the building of communities in the province and the country; we just want our rightful place properly recognized in that context. Like any other people, we want our citizens to be able to achieve at least what others in mainstream can in the form of economic standing, health status, education or any other area. Certainly that will be a factor that drives the MNO.

wishes everyone a happy and safe National Aboriginal Day! YOUR TELEMEDICINE APPOINTMENT Just like a regular doctor’s appointment…

Your doctor has made an appointment for you to see a specialist or health care professional who is not located near you. KO eHealth (KO Telemedicine) uses videoconferencing and other electronic equipment to connect you so that you will not have to leave your home community. This will reduce the time, cost, and stress associated with travelling to an appointment.

visit us online at

www.wawataynews.ca Keeping you informed as the news happens

16

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

á?§á?&#x160;á?§á?&#x160;á&#x2018;&#x152; á?&#x160;á&#x2019;&#x2039;á&#x2019;§á?§á?&#x192;á&#x201C;&#x2021;á?Ł

Wawatay Book Review

Kanawayandan Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aaki Joyce Atcheson Special to Wawatay News

Kanawayandan Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aaki inspires Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwugâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (KI) actions.

KIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s struggle to keep mining companies out of their traditional lands is legend in Wawatay country.

The 68 days in jail for the KI-6 for was a stand for First Peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; laws, the very reason the land was given to KI by the Creator was to protect her for giving humans life.

Treaty 9 has not been honoured by governments -- federal and provincial. They are not sharing the land, as the treaty addressed, but continue to act as absent landlords.

Ontario continues to fail the First Peoples in fulfilling its constitutional obligations in its authorization of a freeentry Mining Act. The message to mining companies is of sole ownership, yet the governmentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ante on their commitment has yet to be paid.

The significance of KIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first court battle, and they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win them all, is the introduction of traditional law into the courts through Justice Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2006 decision which in part said: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The land is the very essence of their being. It is their very heart and soul.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The actions of KI showed that they upheld traditional laws, the duty they have to the land, the laws given them by the Creator.

The book by Rachel Ariss with John Cutfeet outlines

the effect of this initial step, the effect of affidavits and court testimony attesting to the significance of the land, the interconnection of all that is on and of the land, from a legal perspective and how everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actions impact everything.

Chief Donny Morrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; response to a question in OjiCree in court was an excellent example of how our ancestors learned about treaties. The difference is that instead of court the newcomers arrived with papers for signing -papers printed prior to discussion lacking any negotiation -- and then did not translate the contents, but spoke words of assurance designed to acquire signatures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reconciliation now exists as a legal doctrine and constitutional requirement, built in part on Indigenous traditional laws,â&#x20AC;? Ariss and Cutfeet say. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;First Peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Tikinagan Child & Family Services

were here first -- unless the Crown gained its sovereignty legally.â&#x20AC;?

The Supreme Court has already said the honour of the Crown is at stake in any reconciliation.

Furthermore, scholars in the field of law say that without reconciliation, crown sovereignty is in doubt.

This is a great book, loaded with messages of value in relation to Kanawayandan Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aaki and with how future court cases may unfold or be argued.

What is evident is that KI, along with Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, have shown courts and justice systems what First Peoples are prepared to do to protect the land.

The story is well told.

What Ariss lacks in feeling the heart of the land is well addressed by Cutfeetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s input in the chapters on the connection, and therefore obligation, KI and First Peoples have to the land on which we have been placed.

Missing from this entire process of injunctions, rulings, jail, and Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s giving of $5 million to Platinex to let the claim lapse is the inherent right First Peoples have to say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;noâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Keeping the Land: Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Reconciliation and Canadian Law -Rachel Ariss with John Cutfeet (Fernwood Publishing, Winnipeg, MB; 2012; ISBN 978-155266-477-3 (paperback), 176 pages, $22.95)

photo by Lulu Boshkaykin

The Thunder Mountain Singers recorded their latest album â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Where the Thunderbirds Fly â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this past January at P-Dub Productions LLC in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

Thunder Mountain Singers release collection of songs Rick Garrick Wawatay News

The Thunder Mountain Singers have released a new CD album â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Where The Thunderbirds Fly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We did more contemporary songs, a lot of different styles of singing and more of the upbeat powwow songs that people like,â&#x20AC;? said Dave Simard, a Thunder Mountain singer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a way of showing what we do around this area. A lot of the songs and the languages too are

about this region.â&#x20AC;?

Available for $20 from the Thunder Mountain Singers or online at www.pdubproductions.com, the CD features 14 songs, including Fancy Shawl, Rolling Thunder, Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Traditional (Round Dance) and Jingle Dress Jammer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like the Jingle (Dress) Jammer,â&#x20AC;? said Clement Gustafson, another Thunder Mountain singer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about the rockingest song on there. And I composed it.â&#x20AC;?

The album was recorded at P-Dub Productions LLC in

Black River Falls, Wisconsin this past January, featuring singers Clement Gustafson, Owen Gustafson, Ryan Gustafson, Simard, Dakota Meshake, Kevin Porter, Bruce Meeseetawageesic, Chris Meeseetawageesic and Talon Bird.

The Thunder Mountain Singers received their name from the late Margaret Pierre of Fort William First Nation and won the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards Best Powwow CD Traditional in 2010 for One Voice One Nation.

HONOURING OUR CHILDREN DAY, JUNE 24 =4&9?( 9) =9 )qqN[W# =qA m=0A ),i; 24

Tikinagan Child and Family Services and the communities we serve celebrate June 24 as Honouring Our Children Day. Please join us in recognizing children in care and all children as sacred gifts from the Creator by supporting Honouring Our Children events in your community. 5=[A& N[ 9q< )W# A9[YA4=& Y= )[& WA=F qF<N& m=0A ),i; 24 F [=&FA4# =4&9?( 9) =9 )qqN[W# =qA. , )F )q[; 9$ ) , FWi9 )[ )=9) )qu# AA[ )&9?i )* N[ A=[ )qu# = &FNW?}# R&7[# F, )09( )}& =9k$AR< )& A= [FA4=& FRR ) qFAW )# =9q< )W#.

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R5, Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Cree teaching that 0i=)&, [,& FA[ )0R9) speaks of the need to recognize =9 )qqR#.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; =9 )qqR#. and invest in our children: N W& V9R& ) â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If you want to know what A =7[W )# ,?

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Instead, get up, turn around =WAWN[& A )& ?

9 and look at your children.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; )[ ) q0?h9R )=9), I think that whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being said <=[ )" m. [,* =FV&9A)# is that whatever we invest in ==Y( R< )& F &F9R )}# )qu# 0FFA[& our children is the future we <=}YF A$=( )W )* can expect not only for them, <=}YFR$A )A0 ) )*, A but for ourselves.

Fu?F( ? )* <?[& <}W Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a teaching about why www.tikinagan.org [=$AP )* WNh )[&. =[) " itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so important to ensure A=[ - 5=[A&, W=( ?R# we provide children with the Forming a circle for Honouring Our Children Day activities in Saugeen, 2011. A=RR ) qFAW )# MA)* =4&9?( 9) N[ Ni ) 9q< )W# essential tools that are going to )qu# =qA m=&# $?WAW#, 2011 =A[ )0N?N& <F[* F}W make them successful â&#x20AC;&#x201C; being to ensure children are gifted with the A)}&FA0 )( =9) )qu# able to adapt, being resilient amongst tools necessary to make a difference in WWA& <}WqA$=( )* N[ ,? all the trials and tribulations theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re their future and in everyone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A=[ )}#. N( ) =9Y=9R< )W[&. =FV&9A)& FWi9 )[ )9) )qu# going to face. our investment. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Â&#x2030;W%" +#, A =R )*, A,N A[ )&9?i )*. W$ )[ ) All of us â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tikinagan, parents and the â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Ernest Beck, Executive Director, A}W WAW$AR?N& =WAWN[#. }RA& 5=[A& )q$ N[ 5+&F< )& Y=9R< )[& community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have the responsibility Tikinagan Child and Family Services ==Y( R< )& =7RA# [9 )9A)#

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Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

17

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Kwandibens completes crosscountry photography tour 2011 tour led to being featured on CBC’s 8th Fire series Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

Nadya Kwandibens of Northwest Angle #37 First Nation has been on the road since January.

“Whenever I think about my apartment, I think about my bed,” she said on May 31 during her weeklong stay in Thunder Bay. “I just can’t wait to relax.”

The 34-year-old was in the midst of a cross-country tour where she stopped in eight cities beginning in Vancouver and ending in Montreal to do photo shoots.

The sole owner and operator of Red Works Studio, Kwandibens goes on a photography tour twice a year: across Canada in the spring and in various U.S. cities in the fall.

“It’s been amazing,” Kwandibens said of her current tour. “There’s been a couple cities where there were one or two shoots, or some where there’s nothing at all, but touring is really hard because you’re always engaged with people.”

Despite the challenges, Kwandibens is passionate about her work since she discovered photography while taking a course in the film production program at Confederation College in 2000. Though she never completed the program, she held on to photography.

“It just became a hobby, a passion and just an extension of my creativity,” she said. “I just kept shooting everything and anything.”

In 2006, a friend suggested Kwandibens should start doing portraits professionally.

“People liked what I was doing and I really liked it and it’s been growing since,” she said.

A growing client-base led Kwandibens to form Red Works Studio in Toronto and she has since been shooting full-time.

In 2009, Kwandibens received a Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund Business Award for youth entrepreneur of the year.

Shortly after the founding of Red Works, Kwandibens began a portrait series called Concrete Indians, which according to her website is “portraits of the Urban Indian experience” which explores “what it means to be urbanized and how living in urban centers either strengthens or weakens (or both) ones own cultural identity.”

“I want to open a studio with a collective that I’m forming in Toronto with like-minded indigenous photographers.”

-Nadya Kwandibens Northwest Angle #37

Since 2008, the series has been featured in at least six exhibits in Canada and the U.S. While in Regina during her 2011 spring tour, Kwandibens was contacted by a friend who was in the city shooting for CBC’s four-part 8th Fire documentary series, which explores through a series of profiles the current and historical relationship between the Aboriginal community and Canada. The CBC crew was shooting a profile of a mother of six “with an amazing story” and wanted Kwandibens to shoot portraits of the family for the series.

“And she said we can do a little feature on you and your Concrete Indian series,” Kwandibens said.

Kwandibens said it was “nerve-wracking” to be filmed

Nibinamik First Nation 14TH ANNUAL YOUTH WILDERNESS RETREAT PROGRAM (YWRP) July 23rd-28th 2012

as she performed the portrait session.

“It ended up being a good shoot but the best stuff came after they left and I knew that would happen,” she said.

Kwandibens was featured in the second part of the series called “It’s Time,” which premiered on Jan. 19. Though the episode has re-aired and is available to stream online, Kwandibens has never watched her segment, preferring to be behind the camera.

“I don’t like watching myself on camera, especially if it’s on national TV, but people say it was really good,” she said.

On her current tour, Kwandibens added Saskatoon and Edmonton to her usual stops.

“You just gotta take the chance to see what happens, right,” she said. “I was in the position at that point to be able to do it so I made a point to try it. Broadening your network is what it’s about when doing tours.”

The risk proved to be worth it thanks to her growing profile through the 8th Fire appearance and her Concrete Indian series.

“I’ve shot with many new people who I never met but they know me,” she said.

The extra stops and shoots have made Kwandibens so busy that she is considering hiring a photo editor for future tours to ease her workload.

“I do shooting, editing, booking, and keeping track of gigs for the coming months,” she said. “Plus traveling and constantly being engaged with people and friends, and spending time with them too.”

Kwandibens also plans to expand her business within the next two years, as she is currently based out of her home.

“I want to open a studio with a collective that I’m forming in Toronto with like-minded indigenous photographers,” she said. “I want a gallery space and there’s a lot of ideas I’m thinking about.”

After her stop in Thunder Bay, Kwandibens flew to Montreal for a few nights before returning to Toronto on June 4.

“I’m gonna section off a week where I don’t have to do anything,” she said before returning home. “Be in my apartment and be in my own space for a week or two.”

Lenny Carpenter/Wawatay News

Nadya Kwandibens completed a cross-Canada photography tour on June 4. Her 2011 tour led to being featured on CBC’s 8th Fire series.

NOTICE OF FINAL PUBLIC MEETING To be held by Ontario Solar PV Fields 4 Limited Partnership Regarding a Proposal to Engage in a Renewable Energy Project Project Name: Dave Rampel Solar Park Project Location: Gouliquer Rd. and Morley Dilke Rd. intersection, Township of Dawson, Rainy River District Dated at Durham Region this the 14th of June, 2012 Ontario Solar PV Fields 4 Limited Partnership is planning to engage in a renewable energy project in respect of which the issuance of a renewable energy approval is required. The proposal to engage in the project and the project itself is subject to the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act (Act) Part V.0.1 and Ontario Regulation 359/09 (Regulation). This notice must be distributed in accordance with section 15 of the Regulation prior to an application being submitted and assessed for completeness by the Ministry of the Environment.

Meeting Location: DATE: 22nd of August, 2012 TIME: 7:30 – 9:00pm PLACE: Stratton Millennium Hall, 36 HWY 617, Stratton ON, P0W 1N0 Project Description: Pursuant to the Act and Regulation, the facility, in respect of which this project is to be engaged in, is a Class 3 Solar Facility. If approved, this facility would have a total maximum name plate capacity of 10 MW. The project location is described in the map below.

Documents for Public Inspection: The Draft Project Description Report titled “Morley Solar Park - Draft Project Description Report” describes the project as photovoltaic solar farm which will collect energy from the sun using thin photovoltaic modules and convert it to electrical energy for distribution to the local electricity distribution system. A written copy of the Draft Project Description Report will be made available for public inspection on June 22, 2012 at www.ontariosolarpvfields.com.

In memory of the late Mike Wabasse, and late William Oskineegish, Elders.

PROGRAMS 1. Fish netting 7. Traditional food / cooking 2. Medicine Walk 8. GPS Training 3. Moose hunting Skills and 9. Leadership skills Gun safety 10. Land, water, and 4. Wilderness Art & Crafts environment 5. Canoe Course & Water 11. Language Safety 12. Toddlers- leaf naming, 6. Boat and motor safety counting activity This program was Årst started by two elders in the community who are no longer with us but with us in spirit. They had vision that some youths had begun to experience some of the social issues and cultural change which had begun to dominate the area, they felt it was time to bring in the youth back to the land, and it was their intention was to focus on youth to teach them to gain knowledge of life in a way to support, direct, and balance. The retreat was developed to address the needs of youth by offering survival and life skills in a positive and energetic atmosphere to maintain culture and tradition of Anishinabeg of Nibinamik First Nation and their surrounding communities.

Contact: Don Sofea, Health Director (dsofea15@gmail.com) 593-2211 / 593-2253 (f) Absolutely no alcohol and no drugs permitted.

Further, the applicant has obtained or prepared, as the case may be, the following supporting documents in order to comply with the requirements of the Act and Regulation: Construction Plan Report; Design and Operations Report, Decommissioning Report; finalized Project Description Report and all attached appendices.

Written copies of the draft supporting documents will be made available for public inspection on June 22, 2012 at: Township of Dawson Municipal Office, 211 Fourth Street, Rainy River ON Written copies of the supporting documents will also be available at the public open house.

Project Contacts and Information: To learn more about the project proposal, public meetings, or to communicate concerns please contact: Martin Lachapelle REFERGY Canada Inc. 330 Byron Street S. Whitby ON L1N 4P8 www.ontariosolarpvfields.com Telephone: (905) 493-3440

Place Your Business Ad Here 1-800-243-9059

18

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Building community through youth dance Shawn Bell Wawatay News

When Lance Geyshick was 12, he had to petition his elementary school’s principal to be allowed to dance in a high school program new to his community of Lac La Croix.

Four years later, Geyshick, 16, has just finished his fourth solo dance performance at a major Toronto showcase event hosted by the national dance program Outside Looking In (OLI).

Geyshick was joined at the 2012 Toronto showcase by 14 other youth from Lac La Croix, the Treaty #3 community that has helped put OLI on the map.

The dancers from Lac La Croix have come a long way over the past four years, but Geyshick said that the difference the program has made in his community is equally inspiring.

“The older kids who were 16 when I was 12 loved to drink, smoke, do drugs,” Geyshick said. “In our generation now, no one does drugs, every single kid is clean.”

OLI is at heart a dance program.

Started in 2007, it operates in First Nation communities across the country, including this year in Onigaming and Lac La Croix in northern Ontario.

The program is held in high schools, and awards high school credits to youth if they complete the full-year course. It also brings the top dancers from its schools across the country to the final showcase event in Toronto.

For Tracee Smith, the founder and artistic director of OLI, Lac La Croix’s example confirms everything she set out to do with the program.

Smith is passionate about dancing, about First Nations youth, and about the impact that positive programs can have in changing the mentality of entire communities. Being a Treaty 9 member she understands the challenges facing young people in remote communities – but knows there is ample talent for dancing or any other activity amongst First Nations youth, if they are given a chance to shine.

“The thing closest to my heart is why should kids living in remote communities have less opportunities than anyone

Submitted photos

Youth from five First Nations communities across Canada, including Lac La Croix and Onigaming in Treaty #3, gathered in Toronto for a final showcase dance performance after a tough year of classes and workshops in their communities. Onigaming’s Lorralene Whiteye said she didn’t expect how tough the program was going to be, but that if she can do it, anyone can. Tracee Smith, founder of the program, front left in the group shot, says the community confidence she sees inspires her to keep going. else?” Smith said. “It’s not that the kids are any less gifted. It’s just that often they don’t have the same opportunities.”

In Smith’s vision, dance is a tool for instilling a host of other life lessons.

She talks of leadership, commitment and dedication. She says OLI uses dance as a vehicle for not only developing the individuals involved in the program, but also for developing community around the success that youth are having.

Again, she goes back to the Lac La Croix example. Four years ago the community graduated five dancers to Toronto, only 20 per cent of the youth who started in September. This year 50 per cent of the Lac La Croix dancers who first signed up have made it to the showcase, and even more inspiring for Smith, the community has rallied around the young people and the program.

“The main thing I’m proud of is how proud the kids and the community have become about their own self-

identity,” Smith says. “The self esteem of individual kids and parents goes up, but also the whole community’s self esteem improves.”

Part of OLI’s success is that the program gives no free passes to any of the students. Smith says one main rule is that any youth who makes it to Toronto has to earn their place in the showcase through hard work and dedication.

In the schools, OLI instructors are strict. Participants have to sign a contract at the beginning of the school year, promising to attend all the classes. For any absences without good reason, or for any misbehaviour, students are kicked out of the program.

Only a small percentage of those who start the classes actually finish. But for those who do finish, the hard work and constant pushing from the instructors really pays off.

Geyshick remembers his first trip to Toronto four years ago, and something his father told him when he returned

to Lac La Croix.

“I was the youngest one of the group,” he reflected. “When I got back home my dad told me that I went to Toronto an immature, really small kid, and when I came back I had matured a lot.”

This year Geyshick was one of the older youths, an experienced veteran of the show just trying to take as much in as he can. For one thing he has learned over the years is that the two weeks in Toronto with youth from across the country really fly by.

“When you’re here having fun, you don’t really think about it but then it’s over and you think I should have done more work, I should have made more friends,” Geyshick said.

Meanwhile a whole new group of dancers are going through their very first Toronto dance experience. One of them is 15-year-old Lorralene Whiteye from Onigaming, who along with four other youth from her Treaty #3 community made her way through the program this

first year it has been held in Onigaming.

Whiteye said she first joined OLI because she needed the high school credit, before she quickly realized just how tough the program was. But for the powwow dancer taking her first steps in hip hop dancing, all the hard work is paying off now as she gets set for her first big show in Toronto.

“It’s awesome meeting new people, new friends,” Whiteye said. “Even though it was really hard keeping up with with dancing, attendance at school and my work, I learned that pretty much anyone can do it. If I can do it, anyone can.”

Now Whiteye is just hoping Onigaming can find the funding to keep the program running next year.

For Geyshick however, he is confident that OLI will continue to grow.

“Everyone sees what (OLI) did for Lac La Croix,” Geyschick says. “I think people continue to hear the great things and want to support it.”

 From page 1                                        

                       

                       

                       

                                         

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

19

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Project George teaching youth, saving lives Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

About five years ago, an Elder named George E. Echum went up to Moose Cree Deputy Chief Charlie Cheechoo to talk about the youth.

“And he told me, you guys have to start taking kids out in the bush,” Cheechoo recalls. “Too many of them are not doing anything. They have nothing to do. They’re bored. All there is here for them is drugs and alcohol.”

Cheechoo thought about it but was unsure on how to go about starting a program or initiative. Then about three years later, a young man named George Cheechoo approached the deputy chief.

George, who was 18 at the time, had limited hunting experience.

“I was looking for something to do to keep busy all day instead of walking on the path towards drugs and alcohol,” George said. “I came up to (Cheechoo) and asked him, open up something for the youth. Nothing fancy, just taking kids out in the bush and reconnecting them with their culture.”

This pushed Cheechoo to try harder to start a program.

Then in June of that year, Cheechoo took six youth out on a trip out in the bush.

“And everything snowballed after that,” Cheechoo said

Submitted photo

A youth pulls out a beaver caught in a trap last winter. Project George is a year round initiative aimed at teaching youth traditional activities like hunting, trapping, fishing and snaring. The program started a few years after an Elder approached Moose Cree Deputy Chief Charlie Cheechoo to take youth out in the bush because “all there is here for them is drugs and alcohol.” Since then the program has run for three years and formed several partnerships.

“Three years ago these kids didn’t know how to trap, let alone set up a rabbit snare. This past winter they were teaching kids how to do that.”

-Deputy Chief Charlie Cheechoo

It was the inaugural trip for Project George, an initiative aimed at educating youth on traditional hunting, trapping, fishing and other activities. Named after Echum, who has since passed on, Cheechoo said the program takes youth out yearround, trapping in the winter and fishing in the summer, and anything in between.

“Last winter, we went trapping and they were probably the most successful kids in the area,” Cheechoo said.

“They got 150 marten, four lynx. We didn’t count the number of rabbits or partridge. And 75 per cent of the meat we got, we gave to the Elders.”

The project also has nontraditional activities, such as snowmobiling, waterskiing, and wake boarding.

Cheechoo said the program has been successful in educating and motivating the youth. He said three of six youth who went on the first trip now work for the First

Submitted photos

Left: A youth retrieves the rabbit that was caught in a snare. Moose Cree Deputy Chief Charlie Cheechoo said thee years ago, the first six youth could not set up a snare or a trap but were teaching other youth the methods last winter.

Above: Project George youth pose in front a moose, one of three the youth killed last fall.

Nation.

“Three years ago these kids didn’t know how to trap, let alone set up a rabbit snare,” Cheechoo said. “This past winter they were teaching kids how to do that.”

Cheechoo said youth who take part always want to go again and are often ready to go within minutes of being notified of an upcoming trip.

“These are the kids that for some reason are ignored,” he said. “These are the kids that don’t play hockey, go to dances, or go to meetings or events. They have to go look for them.”

And while most of the youth who took part are

those who never had access to the traditional activities, Cheechoo does not reject anyone. The youngest member to go was about 13-yearsold while the oldest was 25.

And he has taken non-Moose Cree members, including non-Native youth.

Project George was initially a personal endeavour for Cheechoo, but it has since been adopted by Moose Cree First Nation and has gained several partnerships, such the town of Moosonee and MoCreebec. The Northern Store has provided funds for groceries for the trips while the Ontario Northland Railway provides free travel to

the Onakawana River, which is more than 50 miles down the railway tracks from Moosonee, where Cheechoo takes the youth to a camp about a mile in the bush.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would work out this well,” Cheechoo said.

But while the program has exceeded Cheechoo’s expectations so far, he said there is still a need for more funding for the growing program.

“I’m hoping later this year we have a full-time coordinator and a couple young men working,” he said. “We’re fairly busy and my dream is to make this a full-time

department within Moose Cree.”

On the Project George website (moosecree.com/ projectgeorge), there is a video showcasing the program and the youth taking part in activities. It also contains a testimonial of a youth who wished to remain anonymous. The youth, whose testimonial was read by another community member, said that he had bouts with depression and battled drugs and alcohol.

“On that day, I had chosen to commit suicide and I gave all my possessions to family and friends,” the youth wrote. Later that morning,

Cheechoo called the youth inviting him to come to camp, and when the youth declined, Cheechoo was persistent. The youth agreed to go only to get him off his back. “Eventually the truck pulled up with five kids and I jumped in and went off to Onakawana,” the youth wrote.

Cheechoo said the testimonial has proven that the program has made a difference.

“It’s something we should have did long time ago,” he said. “All we do provide is something for them to do, something they can do in their later years.”

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Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

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

SIOUX LOOKOUT FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY Client Services Department

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

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLOR Internal/External Posting Permanent Full Time

DIETARY AIDE Internal/External Posting Permanent Full Time Location: Sioux Lookout, Ontario

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLOR (2 positions) Internal/External Posting Permanent Full Time Sioux Lookout, ON

LOCATION: BEARSKIN LAKE FIRST NATION OR WEAGAMOW

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 Bearskin Lake and the communities of Weagamow and Sachigo Lake. The Mental Health Counsellor worker will be community based out of the Bearskin Lake or Weagamow.

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; • A thorough understanding of the Mental Health Act, Child & Family Services Act and awareness of current issues within Northern and remote Native communities an asset; • Proficiency in clinical assessment skills and client needs; • Experience with video counselling technology an asset; • Travel is a requirement of the position.

Under the direction of the Team Leader, the Dietary Aide is responsible to meet the dietary needs of the Hostel clients.

QUALIFICATIONS • Minimum Grade 12; • Safe Food Handling an asset; • Must have Food Service Worker certification; (or be willing to obtain) • Previous experience in a hospitality field an asset; • Ability to lift up to 20 lbs; • Must be independent and self motivated worker; • Valid Driver’s license preferred; • Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; • Possess excellent team building and networking skills.

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; • Must be willing to relocate.

• Education assistance and training available dependent upon applicant’s qualifications and in accordance with SLFNHA Policies and Procedures

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY • Ability to communicate in one or more of the First Nations dialects of the Sioux Lookout Zone will be an asset; • Experience and understanding of Native cultural issues, the geographic realities and social conditions within remote Northern First Nation communities; • Innovative problem solving and decision making skills; • Excellent time management and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work independently; • Must be willing to relocate and live in Sioux Lookout.

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:

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

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: June 29, 2012 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

Please send cover letter, resume, three most recent employment references and an up-to-date Criminal Reference Check to:

Closing Date: June 29, 2012 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

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 areas. The Mental Health Counsellor worker will be based out of the Sioux Lookout office, with considerable 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; • ravel 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.

• Must be willing to relocate.

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: 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) 737-1076 Email: Human.Resources@slfnha.com Closing Date: July 4, 2012 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 Primary Health Care Unit

SIOUX LOOKOUT FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY Tuberculosis Control Program

SIOUX LOOKOUT FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY Client Services Department

MEDICAL SECRETARY Internal/External Posting Permanent Full Time Location: Sioux Lookout, Ontario

TUBERCULOSIS EDUCATOR Internal/External Posting Term Full Time (1 year) Location: Sioux Lookout, ON

HOUSEKEEPER INTERNAL/ EXTERNAL POSTING One (1) Full Time Position Location: Sioux Lookout

Reporting to the Operations Supervisor, the Medical Secretary is responsible for performing a variety of medical secretarial duties to Physicians and the Primary Health Care Unit staff.

The Tuberculosis Educator is responsible to promote and provide awareness, education, and methods of prevention on tuberculosis to members of the Sioux Lookout Zone First Nations. The incumbent will develop culturally relevant educational resources, conduct and facilitate workshops at the community level, act as an advocate, and resource to First Nations people. This position also facilitates the delivery of Tuberculosis education and support services to clients both in hospital, and at the First Nation community level.

Under the direction of the Team Leader (Housekeeping), the Housekeepers are responsible to keep the Hostel and other Administration offices at a high standard of cleanliness.

QUALIFICATIONS • Diploma or certificate in Medical Office Assistant or equivalent; • Previous experience (minimum 1- 2 years) in a Medical Office; • Previous experience in medical terminology and medical transcription an asset; • Possess excellent dicta-typing skills; • Proficient keyboarding skills (50 wpm) is required; • Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written); KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY • Working knowledge of medical office procedures; • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical and clinic staff and the general public; • Must have experience and understanding of Native culture, and the geographic realities and social conditions within remote First Nation communities; • Superior time management and organizational skills; • Ability to work independently in a high paced work environment; • Working knowledge of medical office procedures and electronic medical record; • Must be willing to relocate and live in Sioux Lookout.

Please send cover letter, resume, three most recent employment references and an up-to-date Criminal Reference Check to: 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: June 29, 2012 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

QUALIFICATIONS • Grade 12 or equivalent; • Certificate/Diploma in a Health related field a definite asset; • Minimum two years experience in a health care field an asset; • Experience working with families; • Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills; • Possesses excellent team building and networking skills; • Must be willing and able to travel extensively to designated communities.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY • Ability to communicate in one or more of the First Nation dialects in the Sioux Lookout Zone a definite asset; • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Professional Pro 2007 an asset; • Experience and understanding of the Native cultural issues, the geographical realities and social conditions within remote Northern First Nation communities; • Innovative problem solving and decision making skills; • Excellent time management and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work independently; • Must be willing to relocate and live in Sioux Lookout.

Please send cover letter, resume, three most recent employment references and an up-to-date Criminal Reference Check to: 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: June 29, 2012 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

QUALIFICATIONS • Grade 10 or GED; • 2 years working experience as a Cleaner; • WHIMIS certification an asset.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY • Ability to communicate in one or more of the First Nations dialects of the Sioux Lookout Zone will be an asset; • Experience and understanding of Native cultural issues, the geographic realities and social conditions within remote Northern First Nation communities; • Innovative problem solving and decision making skills; • Excellent time management and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work independently.

• Must be willing to relocate.

Please send cover letter, resume, three most recent employment references and an up-to-date Criminal Reference Check with a Search of Vulnerable Person’s Screening to: 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) 737-1076 Email: Human.Resources@slfnha.com Closing Date: July 6, 2012 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

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

21

á?§á?&#x160;á?§á?&#x160;á&#x2018;&#x152; á?&#x160;á&#x2019;&#x2039;á&#x2019;§á?§á?&#x192;á&#x201C;&#x2021;á?Ł

Student Reporter

Production Assistant Youth Media

Wawatay News requires a student Reporter/Photographer for its award-winning, bi-weekly newspaper. The student Reporter/ Photographer will contribute stories and photographs of Aboriginal people and events from First Nations across Northern Ontario for Wawatay News, Sagatay magazine, and Wawatay News Online.

Wawatay requires a production assistant for its SEVEN Youth Media special project. The Production Assistant will contribute stories and photographs of Aboriginal people and events from First Nations across Northern Ontario for SEVEN Youth Media, and from time to time, will also contribute to Wawatay News, Sagatay magazine, and Wawatay News Online.

Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario Duties: t (FOFSBUF VOJRVF TUPSZ JEFBT BOE NBJOUBJO TUPSZ GJMFT t 3FTFBSDI BOE XSJUF OFXT BOE GFBUVSF BSUJDMFT t %JHJUBM QIPUPHSBQIZ t .BJOUBJO B GJMJOH TZTUFN UIBU BMMPXT TUPSJFT DPOUFOU UP CF USBDLFE over time t 1SPPGSFBE FEJUPSJBM DPQZ t 4PNF CBTJD QBHF MBZPVU NBZ CF SFRVJSFE t 4PNF FWFOJOH BOE XFFLFOE XPSL SFRVJSFE Qualifications: The ideal candidate: t .VTU CF CFUXFFO BOE ZFBST PG BHF JODMVTJWF BU UIF TUBSU of employment; t 8BT SFHJTUFSFE BT B GVMM UJNF TUVEFOU EVSJOH UIF QSFDFEJOH academic year; t *T SFUVSOJOH UP TDIPPM PO B GVMM UJNF CBTJT EVSJOH UIF OFYU academic year; t *T B TUVEFOU JO B TFDPOEBSZ QPTU TFDPOEBSZ WPDBUJPOBM PS technical program, preferably journalism or a related field; t *T B $BOBEJBO $JUJ[FO t *T MFHBMMZ FOUJUMFE UP XPSL BDDPSEJOH UP UIF SFMFWBOU QSPWJODJBM legislation and regulations;

Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario Duties: t (FOFSBUF VOJRVF TUPSZ JEFBT BOE NBJOUBJO TUPSZ GJMFT t 3FTFBSDI BOE XSJUF OFXT BOE GFBUVSF BSUJDMFT t %JHJUBM QIPUPHSBQIZ t .BJOUBJO B GJMJOH TZTUFN UIBU BMMPXT TUPSJFT DPOUFOU UP CF USBDLFE over time t 1SPPGSFBE FEJUPSJBM DPQZ t 4PNF CBTJD QBHF MBZPVU NBZ CF SFRVJSFE t 4PNF FWFOJOH BOE XFFLFOE XPSL SFRVJSFE Qualifications: The ideal candidate: t .VTU CF CFUXFFO BOE ZFBST PG BHF JODMVTJWF BU UIF TUBSU of employment; t 8BT SFHJTUFSFE BT B GVMM UJNF TUVEFOU EVSJOH UIF QSFDFEJOH academic year; t *T SFUVSOJOH UP TDIPPM PO B GVMM UJNF CBTJT EVSJOH UIF OFYU academic year; t *T B TUVEFOU JO B TFDPOEBSZ QPTU TFDPOEBSZ WPDBUJPOBM PS technical program, preferably journalism or a related field; t *T B $BOBEJBO $JUJ[FO t *T MFHBMMZ FOUJUMFE UP XPSL BDDPSEJOH UP UIF SFMFWBOU QSPWJODJBM legislation and regulations;

Priority will be given to applicants of Aboriginal descent.

Priority will be given to applicants of Aboriginal descent.

Closing Date: 5IVSTEBZ +VOF 1. $45 Applicants can send a resumĂŠ, cover letter, three writing samples, and contact information for three references to:

5BCBUIB +PVSEBJO )3 'JOBODF .BOBHFS Wawatay News #PY 4JPVY -PPLPVU 0OUBSJP 1 5 # GBY or e-mail tabathaj@wawatay.on.ca Note: Only applicants considered for an interview will be contacted.

Closing Date: 5IVSTEBZ +VOF 1. $45 Applicants can send a resumĂŠ, cover letter, three writing samples, and contact information for three references to:

5BCBUIB +PVSEBJO )3 'JOBODF .BOBHFS Wawatay News #PY 4JPVY -PPLPVU 0OUBSJP 1 5 # GBY PS F NBJM UBCBUIBK!XBXBUBZ PO DB Note: Only applicants considered for an interview will be contacted.

This job is funded by the Government of Canada This position is funded by the Government of Canada

Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre in Sioux Lookout, Ontario is seeking a LITERACY SPECIALIST The Literacy Specialist will work with district communities as part of the First Nation Student Success Program (FNSSP) and is responsible for providing expert advice and in-school support to teachers and administrators in the area of literacy.

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RESPONSIBILITIES â&#x20AC;˘ Provide expert advice in the development of programs and literacy initiatives across the Sioux Lookout District. â&#x20AC;˘ Develop and maintain effective linkages with First Nations school administrators, teachers and parents â&#x20AC;˘ Participate on committees and working groups within the District related to improving literacy â&#x20AC;˘ Develop strategies, approaches and supporting materials to assist teachers and administrators improve the teaching of literacy within their schools â&#x20AC;˘ Provide information/support to schools with regards to literacy programs including advice, consultation and program development support â&#x20AC;˘ Provide guidance and expertise to communities and administrators in the development of literacy plans as part of their school success planning process â&#x20AC;˘ Develop and sustain positive relationships with a broad range of education resources and stakeholders â&#x20AC;˘ Coordinate and provide expertise in the development of District-wide literacy policies, strategies and implementation plans. â&#x20AC;˘ Develop and deliver training for teachers and administrators. â&#x20AC;˘ Conduct regular visits to communities to monitor issues, support implementation strategies and monitor progress.

QUALIFICATIONS â&#x20AC;˘ Teaching experience at the elementary level â&#x20AC;˘ Bachelor of Education degree â&#x20AC;˘ Expertise in the development, monitoring and implementation of literacy programs and services â&#x20AC;˘ Experience as advisor to teachers on teaching of literacy â&#x20AC;˘ Sound and current knowledge of current trends and research in literacy â&#x20AC;˘ Project management experience â&#x20AC;˘ A demonstrated ability to work with First Nations or in a culturally diverse community setting â&#x20AC;˘ Self-motivated, organized, able to lead a team of professional staff â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent interpersonal and computer skills â&#x20AC;˘ Fluency in Ojibway, Oji-Cree or Cree an asset â&#x20AC;˘ Able to travel extensively to district First Nations communities To apply: Please submit a resume, three employment references with written permission to contact, and a covering letter to: Eugene Southwind, Human Resources Officer Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre Email: esouthwind@kerc.ca Criminal Reference and Child Abuse Registry check required at time of interview.

Closing date for applications: July 13, 2012 at 4:00pm Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre thanks all those that apply, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Anishinaabe Abinoojii Family Services We invite applications for the following position: DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Location â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Administration Office, Wauzhushk Onigum Nation One (1) Full-time Position GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Director of Finance and Administration is a full-time regular administrative position. The Director of Finance and Administration supervises the Finance and Administration Team and is responsible for providing financial and accounting services, including but not limited to annual service plans, budgeting, expenditure control, cash flow forecasts, quarterly reporting, and year-end audit procedures. The Director of Finance and Administration is a member of the Senior Management Team and reports to the Executive Director in all aspects of job functions.

QUALIFICATIONS: â&#x20AC;˘ C.G.A. or C.M.A. with four years direct related experience in a human service agency is preferred, but a combination of related education, experience, and skills may be considered; â&#x20AC;˘ Working Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and Regulations; â&#x20AC;˘ Sound knowledge of Customary Care, service development and delivery, First Nation communities, family structure, and local custom and traditions; â&#x20AC;˘ Thorough knowledge of the administrative structure and operations of AAFS, including but not limited to the Finance Policy and Procedures Manual, Personnel Policy, Children in Care Services Manual, Foster Care Licensing Manual, and the Caregiver Handbook; â&#x20AC;˘ Expert knowledge of Ministry reporting requirements including a thorough understanding of the Funding Framework; â&#x20AC;˘ Ensures financial and administrative services are delivered with excellence and conform to provincial legislation, regulations and standards, generally accepted accounting principles, Funding Framework, as well as the Agency philosophy, policies, procedures and guidelines. â&#x20AC;˘ Establishes and maintains corporate accounting records and bookkeeping systems; â&#x20AC;˘ Ensures accurate and timely recording of all financial data including revenues, accounts receivable, verification and authorization of disbursements, and reconciliations and monthly updates of the general ledger accounts for preparation of regular financial reports and statements; â&#x20AC;˘ Provides technical support to the Executive Director, Board of Directors and the Finance Committee; â&#x20AC;˘ Prepares and submits regular and ongoing financial reports and schedules for review by the Executive Director, Board of Directors and the Finance Committee; â&#x20AC;˘ Assists the Board appointed auditor to prepare the Agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s year-end financial statements; â&#x20AC;˘ Negotiates lease agreements, rental agreements and other contracts as required; â&#x20AC;˘ Negotiates and ensures corporate insurance coverages as required; â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent time management, planning, problem solving, decision-making, evaluation, and leadership skills with a working knowledge of group dynamics, consultation, and conflict resolution techniques; â&#x20AC;˘ Must be committed to ensure the highest level of confidentiality at all times; â&#x20AC;˘ Must possess a valid Ontario Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s License and be willing to travel; â&#x20AC;˘ Must provide a clear Criminal Records Check and Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Abstract; and â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to speak Ojibway is preferred and a definite asset.

SALARY: to commensurate with qualifications CLOSING DATE: No later than Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. Late applications will not be considered.

Submit applications with cover letter quoting file #DOFA20120626 to: Director of Human Resources 20 Main Street South, Kenora ON., P9N 1S7 Fax: 807-548-1345 Miigwetch to all who apply. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

No Phone calls please.

All interviewees must submit a current Criminal Record Check and Driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Abstract at time of interview.

EXTERNAL POSTING

22

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Hovorka writing for the fans with third studio album been growing as a songwriter.

“My song writing has definitely improved a lot by learning how to Award winning Aboriginal write for your listeners instead of singer/songwriter Shy-Anne Hovo- writing just for yourself. I can still rka is set to launch her third studio write for myself but I have to keep album, Interwoven Roots, at the in mind audience and audience perend of June. spective,” she said.

Half of the album was recorded “Also, I’ve learnt the value of not in Nashville at County Q Studios, trying to do everything by yourself. and the other half at Dining Room I’m more connected with industry Studios in people now Thunder Bay. and I’m able to H o v o r k a “My song writing has definitely take advice and said recording improved a lot by learning critiques and in Nashville learn from miswas “obvi- how to write for your listeners takes, without ously the instead of writing just for yourtaking it too dream, the self.” personally.” impossible Hovorka’s -Shy-Anne Hovorka dream.” goals for the “I met one new album are of Tim McGraw’s songwriters who to get some legitimate radio play is big into canoeing up here (in and to start touring.

Thunder Bay). He listened to my She said she’s been unsuccessful music and asked if I wanted to do with her last two albums getting some co-writing and then asked if songs on full rotation on radio staI wanted to come to Nashville to tions across Canada, but wanted to record,” Hovorka said. do it right with this album.

Hovorka said she was amazed “I found a radio tracker that about working with worldclass wanted to re-mix two songs: ‘Run studio musicians because it usu- Run Run’ and ‘The Glue’ for radio ally takes her months to get a song play. She convinced Jim Zolis who’s ready to record. “I was nervous produced Celine Dion to re-mix the they couldn’t relate to what I was songs and master the album,” Hovtrying to do,” she said. orka said.

But they were able to crank out The radio tracker will spend six songs in about three hours. about four weeks setting up meet“They would listen to a rough ings with radio stations to set up air track of me playing a guitar and play for the songs, and if they will singing live off the floor, then ask a accept, the songs will go on a full couple of question about the move- 12-week rotation. ment and mood and feel of the song Hovorka has various small tour and then they just started play- dates set in July and August and ing...and it sounded exactly how I will be touring with the Thunder pictured it would sound with a full Bay Symphony Ochestra in October band,” she said. and February, but she is still hoping Hovorka said the new album is to do more gigs. more earthy in flavour to what she’s “But you usually tour at a definormally released on her two pre- cient. People will usually give you a vious albums, and noted that she’s place to stay and some food but the

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“I like including people. My name is a little bit more out there now so I can include other people like younger aspiring talent. I try to help the youth in anyway I can to get help kick starting their own music careers to pay forward advice that was given to me when I was starting out,” she said.

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was done by Pikangikum youth artist “Silver.”

“She’s one of the most visually talented artists I’ve ever seen. Her work really knows how to speak to people,” Hovorka said.

There are also two songs on the album that feature youth singers.

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One thing that has remained constant throughout Hovorka’s music career is her involvement with young singers and artists.

“The youth are what drives me,” Hovorka said.

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Shy-Anne Hovorka recorded half of her next studio album in Nashville, an experience she calls the “impossible dream.” Hovorka’s Interwoven Roots album is expected to be released later this month.

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Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

23

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Submitted photo

Jordan Nolan of Garden River First Nation hoists the Stanley Cup in the dressing room following Game 6 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final, where the Los Angeles Kings won 6-1 to eliminate the New Jersey Devils and become the Stanley Cup Champions.

Drafted in 2009, Nolan was called up to the Kings from the minors in February and played all remaining regular season games and all 20 playoff games.

In Garden River, community members gathered in the local recreation centre where the game was projected on the big screen. Nolan’s aunt Barbara said the countdown in the final minute of Game 6 was “more exciting than the New Years Eve countdown at Times Square.”

In honour of the cultural richness, unique heritage, and outstanding achievements of the Aboriginal people, we are proud to recognize and celebrate National Aboriginal Day Best wishes from NADF Board and Staff

Jordan Nolan of Garden River hoists the Stanley Cup Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

The Stanley Cup is coming to Garden River First Nation this summer.

Garden River’s Jordan Nolan was on the ice during the final minute of Game 6 in the Stanley Cup Final on June 11 where the Los Angeles Kings led the New Jersey Devils 6-1 in the game and 3-2 in the series.

In Garden River, “just about the whole community” had gathered at the recreation centre where a projector was set up to broadcast the game.

“The countdown at the game (in the last minute), it was more exciting than the New Years Eve countdown at Times Square,” said Jordan’s aunt, Barbara Nolan. “It was more than that.”

As the score clock ticked down to signify the end of the game and crown the Kings as Stanley Cup champions, the crowd in the recreation centre erupted in cheers.

“Oh, the community just went wild,” Barbara said. “It was just filled with some awesome good feelings.”

Barbara’s husband Tom Nolan, brother of Jordan’s father Ted, said it was “great’ to watch the game with the community.

“It felt like we were at the game,” Tom said. “Every time they put the camera on Jordan, the fans went crazy.”

Tom said it was “unbelievable” to watch Jordan raise the Cup during the on-ice celebrations. Barbara said a news reporter was at the recreation centre and tried to speak with Tom after the game, but he could not talk.

“He was all choked up,” Barbara said. “He was close to tears.”

Garden River began to experience ‘LA fever’ in February when Jordan and Dwight King, a Metis, got called up from the Kings’ farm team, the Manchester Monarchs, to join the club in the playoff race. Jordan scored his first NHL goal in his second game against the Dallas Stars.

Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 227 pounds, Nolan brought speed, size and grit to the club, playing on the fourth line as a winger. He finished the regular season with 28 PIM and 59 hits in 26 games to go along with his two goals and four points.

The Kings barely made the

playoffs, finishing eighth in the Western Conference, but went on to dominate the postseason. They swept last year’s Stanley Cup finalists, the Vancouver Canucks, in four games in the first round.

In Game 5 of the second round against the St. Louis Blues, Jordan scored the first goal of the game. It proved to be a factor as the Kings won 2-1 to eliminate the Blues in five games. Jordan also engaged in a fight in the first period, energizing the team and crowd.

As the Kings went deeper into the playoffs, so did the pride running in Garden River.

“There were signs on people’s yards and along the highway,” Barbara said.

The Kings swept the Phoenix Coyotes in four games to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

In Game 1 against the New Jersey Devils, Jordan played a key role in the first goal in the Final. Pursuing a New Jersey defenseman in the Devils’ zone, Jordan checked the defender to knock the puck loose. He passed it out front to linemate Colin Fraser, who shot and scored against future Hall-of-Famer Martin Brodeur.

After the Kings failed to eliminate the Devils in Game 4 and 5, Barbara said there was not much concern in Garden River.

“We said, that’s okay, we’ll get them on home ice, and they did,” she said.

Barbara said the Nolans are proud of Jordan.

“We were proud of Ted too,” Barbara said of Jordan’s father, who played in the NHL in the early-80s and won the Jack Adams award for coach of the year in 1998, but never made it to the Stanley Cup Final. “But this is something more, just winning the Stanley Cup. Or even just playing in the Finals.”

Since the 1994 New York Rangers won it, it has been a tradition for each member of the championship team to spend a day with the Stanley Cup. Tom expects Jordan to bring it to Garden River.

“Oh yes, of course,” he said.

“And the whole community will have a big party.”

Baseline Data - Terrestrial Biology Osisko Hammond Reef Gold Ltd. (OHRG) met with the government review team – approximately 30 regulators, over a 3-day period - to present and discuss baseline data for the proposed Hammond Reef Gold Mine Project. The goal of the meetings was to identify any data gaps that need to be addressed during the 2012 field season in order to fulfill the Federal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) guidelines and the Provincial Terms of Reference.

One of the baseline field programs discussed with regulators was Terrestrial Biology: t Bird surveys t Amphibian habitat inventory t Turtle basking and nesting surveys t Vegetation community surveys t Ontario Wetland Evaluation System surveys

Terrestrial Biology field work studies have found that: t Vegetation communities are coniferous and mixed forest

communities interspersed with fens, marshes, swamps, small lakes and watercourses t The bird community survey results are typical for the habitats that occur in the region t A variety of large and small mammals inhabit the Project area.

All mammal species are considered to be typical in the region Prince’s Pine and there were no provincially or federally listed species recorded t Three bird and one reptile species of special concern are found in the Project area (Canada warbler, Bald eagle, Common nighthawk and Snapping turtle) t One provincially rare plant species is found in the Project area (Assiniboia sedge) t One culturally important plant is found in the Project area (Wild rice) Additional Terrestrial Biology field work is planned for this summer to ensure the entire Project area is covered, and to specifically identify wild rice habitat and abundance.

We look forward to sharing the results of the baseline data collection with you over the coming months.

We will also host an Open House in Atikokan this summer to give you an opportunity to be updated in person on the baseline data and the Project planning process.

OSISKO HAMMOND REEF GOLD LTD. Head Office: 1100, av. des Canadiens-de-Montréal Suite 300, P.O. Box 211 Montreal, Qc, H3B 2S2

Regional Office: 101, Goodwin Street, P.O. Box 2020 Atikokan, ON P0T 1C0

Contact: Jerome Girard, P.Eng. Project Director Hammond Reef Project

www.osisko.com

jgirard@osisko.com

24

Wawatay News

JUNE 21, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

sgdn The Regulatory Framework

Canada’s deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel will be subject to a thorough and comprehensive regulatory review process that includes an environmental assessment and a licensing review to ensure that it is implemented in a manner that protects people and the environment, now and in the future. The selected site, and the design, construction, operation and decommissioning (closure) of the facility, will need to meet or exceed all regulatory requirements.

Q. A.

Le cadre réglementaire

Le projet de dépôt géologique en profondeur canadien pour combustible nucléaire irradié fera l’objet d’un processus d’examen réglementaire rigoureux et exhaustif qui comprend une évaluation environnementale et un examen de l’octroi de permis pour s’assurer qu’il peut être mis en œuvre de manière à garantir la protection de la population et de l’environnement, maintenant et à l’avenir. Le site choisi ainsi que la conception, la construction, l’exploitation et le déclassement (fermeture) de l’installation devront respecter ou dépasser toutes les exigences réglementaires.

How will the project be regulated at the federal level?

Canada has a robust legislative and regulatory framework that will oversee the implementation of this important national infrastructure project. The project will be subject to thorough and comprehensive review processes covering the entire life cycle of the repository and associated facilities. The regulatory review by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) during different phases of the project will ensure that the project will be implemented in a manner that protects people and the environment.

Security of the repository and activities such as transportation, handling and storage of used fuel will also be part of this review process.

Q. R.

The management of used nuclear fuel in Canada is governed by the Government of Canada’s policy on nuclear waste, as reflected in the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act (NFWA) that gives the NWMO the mandate to implement Adaptive Phased Management. The Government of Canada, through Natural Resources Canada, oversees the NWMO to ensure compliance with the NFWA, including that the project is fully funded and that socio-economic effects are properly managed.

Q. A.

Q. A.

Q. A.

La gestion du combustible nucléaire irradié au Canada est assujettie par la politique canadienne relative aux déchets nucléaires, définie dans la Loi sur les déchets de combustible nucléaire (LDCN), qui a confié à la SGDN le mandat de la mise en œuvre de la Gestion adaptative progressive. Le gouvernement du Canada, par l’entremise de Ressources naturelles Canada, exercera un pouvoir de contrôle sur la SGDN pour assurer la conformité à la LDCN, y compris en ce qui a trait au financement adéquat de la mise en œuvre du projet et à la gestion appropriée des incidences socioéconomiques du projet.

What is the role of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission?

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is mandated, under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians, to protect the environment, and to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The CNSC regulates all nuclear facilities and nuclear-related activities in Canada, including a deep geological repository facility for used nuclear fuel. In conjunction with the CNSC, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors Canada’s used nuclear fuel facilities to verify that they comply with Canada’s obligations under the Canada/IAEA Safeguards Agreements.

Q. R.

Quel est le rôle de la Commission canadienne de sûreté nucléaire?

Q. R.

Qu’en est-il de l’évaluation environnementale?

Q. R.

Quand le processus officiel d’examen réglementaire débutera-t-il?

What about the environmental assessment?

A deep geological repository will require a comprehensive environmental assessment that will cover the entire life cycle of the repository, including post-closure. It will be completed under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act to predict, evaluate and manage the environmental impacts, and to determine whether these impacts can be mitigated.

Various aspects of transportation will also need to be assessed.

When will the formal regulatory review process begin?

The formal regulatory review process will be initiated once a licence application is submitted to the CNSC. Before this, an agreement between a community and the NWMO to host the facility will be developed. Over the eight-year period (or more) of site assessments, learning may increase, and expectations and best practices may evolve. The NWMO will seek regulatory guidance throughout the siting process to ensure that regulatory requirements, expectations and best practices inform the site assessment activities.

Lisa Lang is a Senior Advisor for Regulatory Affairs at the Nuclear Waste Management Organization. She has over 12 years of experience in the nuclear industry working with industry, and as a regulator and consultant. Ms. Lang has a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick.

“Ask the NWMO” is an advertising feature published regularly in this and other community newspapers to respond to readers’ questions about Canada’s plan for managing used nuclear fuel over the long term and its implementation. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization welcomes your questions. Please forward your questions to askthenwmo@nwmo.ca.

Comment le projet sera-t-il réglementé par le gouvernement fédéral?

Le Canada s’est doté d’un cadre législatif et réglementaire robuste qui permettra de contrôler la mise en œuvre de cet important projet national d’infrastructure. Le projet fera l’objet de processus d’examen rigoureux et exhaustif pendant toute la durée de vie du dépôt et des installations associées. Le processus d’examen réglementaire mené par la Commission canadienne de sûreté nucléaire (CCSN) au cours des diverses phases du projet servira à assurer que le projet peut être mis en œuvre de manière à garantir la protection de la population et de l’environnement. La sécurité du dépôt et des activités telles que le transport, la manutention et l’entreposage du combustible irradié fera également partie du processus d’examen.

La Commission canadienne de sûreté nucléaire (CCSN) a pour responsabilité, en vertu de la Loi sur la sûreté et la réglementation nucléaires, de veiller à la protection de la santé et de la sécurité des Canadiens et de l’environnement et de s’assurer que le Canada remplit ses engagements internationaux au regard de l’utilisation pacifique de l’énergie nucléaire. La CCSN réglemente toutes les installations et les activités nucléaires au Canada, y compris le futur dépôt géologique en profondeur pour combustible nucléaire irradié. En association avec la CCSN, l’Agence internationale de l’énergie atomique (AIEA) surveille les installations canadiennes de gestion du combustible nucléaire irradié pour s’assurer qu’elles sont conformes aux obligations contractées en vertu des accords sur les garanties conclus entre le Canada et l’AIEA.

Le dépôt géologique en profondeur fera l’objet d’une évaluation environnementale exhaustive qui couvrira l’ensemble du cycle de vie du dépôt, y compris la période suivant la fermeture. Cette évaluation sera réalisée en vertu de la Loi canadienne sur l’évaluation environnementale, qui requiert que les incidences environnementales soient prévues, évaluées et gérées et qu’il soit déterminé si ces incidences peuvent être atténuées.

Divers aspects du transport seront également évalués.

Le processus officiel d’examen réglementaire s’amorcera lorsqu’une demande de permis aura été présentée à la CCSN. D’ici ce temps, une entente entre une collectivité et la SGDN pour l’établissement de l’installation sera mise au point. Au cours des huit années (ou plus) d’évaluation de sites, certains aspects pourraient être approfondis et les attentes et les meilleures pratiques pourraient évoluer. La SGDN sollicitera des conseils à propos de la réglementation tout au long du processus de sélection d’un site pour s’assurer que les exigences réglementaires, les attentes et les meilleures pratiques sous-tendent les activités d’évaluation des sites.

Lisa Lang est conseillère principale en matière d’affaires réglementaires à la Société de gestion des déchets nucléaires. Elle a acquis plus de 12 années d’expérience par rapport à l’industrie nucléaire en travaillant au sein de l’industrie, auprès des autorités de réglementation et à titre d’experte-conseil.

Mme Lang a obtenu un baccalauréat et une maîtrise ès sciences en génie chimique à l’Université du Nouveau-Brunswick. « Demandez-le à la SGDN » est un encadré publicitaire qui paraîtra régulièrement dans ce journal et dans d’autres journaux de la collectivité pour répondre aux questions que se posent les lecteurs sur le plan canadien de gestion à long terme du combustible nucléaire irradié et de sa mise en oeuvre. La Société de gestion des déchets nucléaires attend vos questions. Veuillez envoyer vos questions à demandez@nwmo.ca.

www.nwmo.ca