December 23, 2010

Pikangikum’s Lil’ Warrior battles cancer PAGE B5 Vol. 37 #26

Funding disparities in First Nation education PAGE 13

Ryan Morris cuts it in the kitchen PAGE C1 9,300 copies distributed $1.50

December 23, 2010

Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice since 1974

www.wawataynews.ca

KI says no to De Beers

‘The land is our teacher’

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Jesse Terry/Special to Wawatay News

A group of Lac Seul youth are taking part in a 20-week program, The Land is our Teacher, offered by the community and sponsored by Shooniiyaa Wa-Biitoong.

The program runs in three phases, offering land based activities, job readiness training and job placements. Front row: from left, Joey Lac Seul and Terry Quezance. Middle row: from left, Terrance Angeconeb, Roger Carpenter, Dylan Quezance, program organizer Jesse Terry. Back row: from left, Fred Thomas, Mitchell Trout and Burton Penner. Thomas from Kejick Bay in Lac Seul, worked with the group providing guidance and assistance. More photos on see pages C4 and C5.

ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐅᑭᐸᑯᐢᑲᐊᐧᐊᐧᐣ ᑎᐱᕑᐢ ᕑᐃᐠ ᑫᕑᐃᐠ

ᐊᐧᐊᐧᑌ ᑎᐸᒋᒧᐃᐧᓇᐣ

ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᑭ ᐅᓀᐣᑕᓇᐊᐧ ᒋᑭᐸᑯᐢᑲᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᑎᐱᕑᐢ ᐁᑲ ᒋᓇᓇᐣᑕᐊᐧᓯᓂᐁᐧᓂᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐅᑕᑭᒥᐊᐧ. ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᑕᐧᓂ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᒥᓇ ᐅᓇᔓᐁᐧᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐠ ᒪᑯᔐᑭᔑᑲᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 6 ᑲᐃᓇᑭᐣᓯᐨ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᐁᑭ ᐃᔑᐱᐦᐃᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᑲᑫᐧ ᓂᓯᑎᑕᑲᐧᒥᑐᔭᐣᐠ ᐁᑲ ᐁᓇᐣᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᒪᐣᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐁᑲ ᒋᐸᑭᑎᓇᔭᐣᐠ ᒋᓇᓇᐣᑕᐊᐧᓯᓂᐊᐧᓂᐊᐧᓂᐠ ᐃᒪ ᑲᐃᔑ ᑎᐯᐣᑕᒪᐣᐠ ᓂᑕᑭᒥᓇᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑲᐊᓂᓯᓭᐠ. ᐃᐁᐧ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᐣ ᑭᔕᐯᐧᑲᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᑌ ᐁᑭ ᐃᔑᓂᔕᐦᐊᒧᐊᐧᑲᓄᐨ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪ ᑕᓫᑕᐣ ᒪᑭᐣᑎ, ᑭᒋ ᐅᑭᒪ ᐢᑎᐱᐣ ᐦᐊᕑᐱᕑ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᑲᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒥᑎᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓯᐁᐧᑲᒥᐠ. ᑎᐱᕑᐢ, ᐁᐧᑎ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑲᒧᓇᐦᐊᓯᓂᐁᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᑎᐊᐧᐱᐢᑲᐠ, ᐅᑭ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐊᒧᐊᐧᐸᓂᐣ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᐧᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᑕᓇᐣᐠ ᐊᐧᑌᐸᑲᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ ᐁᑭ ᑲᑫᐧᑌᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᐃᐧ ᓇᓇᐣᑕᐊᐧᓯᓂᐁᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐣᐠ ᓀᑫ ᐃᐢᑯᓂᑲᐣ ᑲᐃᔑᔭᐠ. ᐃᒪ ᒪᔭᑦ ᑲᐃᐧ ᐃᔑ ᓇᓇᐣᑕᐊᐧᓯᓂᐁᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐯᔓᐣᐨ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᐢᑯᓂᑲᐣ ᑲᐃᔑᔭᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐱᑯ ᐃᒪ ᑫᑲᐟ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᑲᐃᓂᑯᑯ ᑎᐯᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᑕᑭᒥᐊᐧ. ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᐧᑲ ᓂᑭ ᒐᑭᐃᐧᐣᑕᓯᐣ ᐊᓂᐣ ᐁᔭᐱᒋ ᐊᓂᒣᐣᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᑲᐊᐧᐸᑕᐣᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᓂᑕᓂᔑᓂᓂᒪᐠ ᐃᒪ ᐁᐃᐧ ᑲᑫᐧ

ᒧᓇᐦᐊᓯᓂᐊᐧᓂᐊᓂᐠ ᐅᑕᑭᒪᐊᐧᐣᐠ, ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᐃᑭᑐ. ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᑭ ᑭᐱᑎᓇᐊᐧᐸᓂᐣ ᐱᓫᐊᑎᓂᐠᐢ ᑲᐃᐧ ᒧᓇᐦᐊᓯᓂᐁᐧᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐅᒪ ᓂᑕᑭᒥᓇᐣ ᐅᓴᑦ ᐅᑕᑭ ᓂᔕᐧᓇᒋᑐᓇᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᓂᓂᐱᒥᓇᐣ ᑲᐅᐣᑕᒋᐦᐅᔭᐣᐠ. ᑕᐧᑦ ᐅᕑᑦᐢᐱ, ᑎᐱᕑᐢ ᑲᓂᑲᓂ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᑕᐠ ᑲᑭᓇ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᑎᐱᕑᐢ ᐁᑭ ᐱᒥᓇᓇᐣᑎᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᑭ ᐊᓂ ᒪᒋ ᐊᓂᒧᑕᒧᐊᐧᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐅᐣᒋ ᒋᑭ ᓇᓇᐣᑕᐊᐧᓯᓂᐁᐧᔭᐱᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐃᒪ ᑌᑎᐸᐦᐃ ᐅᑕᐦᑭᒥᐊᐧ ᑲᐃᔑᔭᓂᐠ. ᑌᐯᐧ ᔕ ᓂᓯᑕᐃᐧᓇᑲᐧᐣ, ᓂᒪᒉᐣᑕᒥᐣ ᐁᑲ ᑲᑭᐃᓯᓭᐠ ᒋᑭᐅᓇᑐᔭᐣᐠ ᐊᓂᑭᐃᐧᐣ ᓄᑯᑦ ᑲᐃᓯᓭᐠ, ᔕᑯᐨ ᐊᒥᐱᑯ ᐁᐃᑭᑐᔭᐣᐠ ᐁᑭᑌᐣᑕᒪᐣᐠ ᐃᐁᐧ ᑲᑭ ᐃᔑ ᐅᓀᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐅᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ, ᐅᕑᑦᐢᐱ ᑭᐃᑐ. ᓂᓯᑎᑕᐃᐧᓇᒥᐣ ᐁᒥᔑᓇᑎᑭᐣ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᑫᐱᒥᓂᔕᐦᐃᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓀᓴᐣ ᑫᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᐣᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑫᐃᓇᐸᒋᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐅᑕᑭᒥᐊᐧ ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᐢ ᐊᒥᐱᑯ ᑫᐃᔑ ᑭᒌᓀᐣᑕᒪᐊᐧᔭᐣᐠ ᑲᐃᔑ ᐅᓀᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ. ᐅᕑᑦᐢᐱ ᐃᑭᑐ ᑎᐱᕑᐢ ᐅᓇᐣᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᓇᐊᐧ ᒋᐱᒥᑲᓇᐁᐧᐣᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ ᓂᑲᐣ ᐊᐦᐱ ᒋᑭᐊᓂᔭᑭᐸᑌ. ᐊᔕ ᓄᒪᑫ ᐃᓯᓭ ᐁᐱᒥ ᐊᓂᒧᑕᒪᑎᔭᐣᐠ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭᓇ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᔥ ᐊᒥ ᐁᐃᓀᐣᑕᒪᐣᐠ ᒋᐱᒥ ᑕᐃᐧᓂᑲᑌᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑲᐱᒥ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐃᑎᔭᐣᐠ, ᐅᕑᑦᐢᐱ ᐃᑭᑐ. ᐊᒥ ᐁᐃᔑ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᒪᐣᐠ ᒋᒥᓂᓭᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑲᑐᑕᒪᐣᐠ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐃᑎᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᒪ ᒋᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᐱᒪᓄᑲᑕᒪᐣᐠ ᓂᑐᓇᒋᑫᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ

ᑲᓇᑕ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐊᓂ ᓂᑲᐣ. ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᑭ ᓂᐱᑌᐱᐦᐊᓇᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐅᓇᐣᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᒧᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ, ᐁᑭ ᐃᓇᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᑌᐠ ᐱᓇᒪ ᒋᑲᑫᐧ ᓂᓯᑕᐃᐧᓂᑲᑌᐠ ᒪᐧᔦ ᒧᓇᐦᐊᓯᓂᐁᐧᐃᐧ ᐊᓂᑭᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᒪᒥᑎᓀᐣᑕᑲᐧᑭᐣ. ᐅᑕᓇᐣᐠ ᓂᒥᓂᑯᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ, ᒪᓂᑐᐃᐧ ᒥᓂᐁᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᓇᐣᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᑲᐧᓄᐣ ᒋᑭᐢᑌᐣᑕᑲᐧᑭᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᒋᐱᒥᓂᔕᐦᐃᑲᑌᑭᐣ; ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᔭᐦᐃᓂ ᑲᔦ ᐅᑭ ᑕᑯᓇᓇᐊᐧ ᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑲᔭᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᐅᓇᔓᐊᐧᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓇ ᒋᐅᓀᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑫᑯᑐᒋᑲᑌᓂᐠ ᐅᑕᑭᒥᐊᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᒋᑭᒋ ᐅᓀᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᓇᒋᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐃᒪ ᒪᐢᑲᐃᐧᓯᐃᐧᓂᐠ; ᐁᑲᐧ ᒋᓇᑯᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᒋᑲᓇᐁᐧᐣᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᐃᒪ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᓴᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ ᐱᓇᒪ ᒋᐅᓇᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᒥᓇ ᒋᐱᒥᓂᔕᐦᐃᑲᑌᐠ. ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᐃᓯᓭᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐃᒪ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᐃᐧ ᐊᓂᒧᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐱᐦᒋᐳᐃᐧ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ, PCB ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᐊᐣᑎ ᑲᐅᐣᒋᓭᐠ, ᑭᓯᓂᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑫᐊᓄᐣᒋ ᑭᐁᐧᒥᓄᔭᒪᑲᐠ ᐊᐦᑭ ᒥᓇ ᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᐣ; ᐱᓇᒪ ᒋᑲᑫᐧᒋᒪᑲᓄᐊᐧᐨ, ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᑎᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑫᐊᓂᔭᑭᐣ ᐊᐦᑭᐃᐧ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᐊᑭᐣᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᒪᐢᑲᐃᐧᓯᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᒋᑭᑌᐣᒋᑲᑌᓂᐠ. ᐅᒪ ᓂᑕᓂᑭᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ ᐊᒥᐱᑯ ᑫᐃᔑ ᐱᒥᓭᑭᐣ ᒋᐊᓂᑲᑕᒪᐣᐠ ᑲᒪᓇᒋᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᑕᑭᒥᐊᐧ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᒉᑲᑊ ᐊᐢᑕᒪᐣ,

ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᓂᑲᓂᐢᑲᐠ ᐊᐦᑭᐃᐧ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ. ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑕᔥ ᑲᒪᐃᐧᓀᐢᑲᑯᔭᐠ ᓂᓇᐣᑕᐁᐧᓂᒪᒥᐣ ᒋᑭᐢᑌᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐃᔑ ᒪᓇᒋᑕᒪᓯᔭᐣᐠ ᓂᑕᑭᒥᓇᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᔥ ᑲᔦ ᐃᐁᐧ ᑲᐃᔑ ᓂᐦᔕᐧᓇᒋᒋᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᑭ ᑭᐱᑎᓇᑲᓄᐊᐧᐸᐣ. ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᑭ ᑭᐱᑎᓇᓇᐊᐧᐸᓂᐣ ᐅᒧᓇᐦᐊᓯᓂᐁᐧᐣ ᐱᓫᐊᑎᓂᐠᐢ ᐃᒪ ᑲᐃᐧ ᑕᔑᐃᐧᑐᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐅᑕᑭᒥᐊᐧᐣᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 2007 ᑲᐊᐦᑭᐊᐧᐠ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᔥ ᐊᒥ ᑲᑭᐃᓯᓭᐠ $100 ᐱᓫᐃᔭᐣ ᐁᑭ ᐃᓇᐣᑭᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐱᓫᐊᑎᓂᐠᐢ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᒥᓇ ᒥᑭᓯᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 2008 ᑲᐊᐦᑭᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭ ᑭᐸᑲᐧᐦᐊᑲᓄᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ, ᐅᑭᒪᑲᓀᐢ ᒐᐠ ᒪᑫ, ᑭᒋᐅᓇᔓᐁᐧᐃᐧᑫᐧ ᓯᓯᓫᐃᔭ ᐯᐠ, ᐅᓇᔓᐁᐧᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᓴᑦ ᒪᑫ ᒥᓇ ᑌᕑᐅ ᓯᓇᐊᐧᑊ ᒥᓇ ᐊᓂᑭᓇᑲᐣ ᐱᕑᐅᐢ ᓴᑲᑭᑊ. ᐅᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᐃᓇᑯᓂᑲᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑲ ᐁᑭ ᐅᐣᒋ ᐱᒥᓂᔕᐦᐊᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐅᐱᒪᐊᒧᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 2007 ᑲᑭ ᐃᓇᑯᓂᑲᓂᐊᐧᑭᐸᐣ ᑫᑭᐃᔑ ᐸᑭᑎᓇᑲᓄᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐱᓫᐊᑎᓂᐠᐢ ᒋᒧᓇᐦᐊᓯᓂᐁᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐯᔓᐣᐨ ᑕᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ. ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ 6, ᑭᐸᐧᐦᐊᑲᓇᐠ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᓂᑲᓀᑕᒪᑫᐠ ᑲᑭᐅᓂᑭ ᑭᑫᐣᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ, ᑭᐊᓂ ᐸᑭᑎᓇᑲᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᒪᑯᐱᓯᑦ May 2008 ᑲᐃᓇᐣᑭᓯᐨ ᓂᔓᐱᓯᑦ ᑲᑭ ᑭᐸᑲᐧᐦᐊᑲᓄᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᓂᑯᑕᐧᓯᐱᓯᑦ ᑲᑭ ᐃᓇᑕᒧᐊᐧᑲᓄᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᒋᑭᐸᑲᐧᐦᐅᐣᑕᐧ. ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐅᑭ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᓇᐊᐧ ᐱᓫᐊᑎᓂᐠᐢ ᐅᓇᐣᑐᑕᒪᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ 2009 ᑲᑭ ᐊᐦᑭᐊᐧᑭᐸᐣ.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Year!

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug has decided not to allow De Beers to conduct mineral exploration on its traditional lands.

KI Chief Donny Morris and council said in a Dec. 6 letter to De Beers that they “have to make it clear that we will not and cannot consent to any mineral exploration in our traditional territory at this stage.”

The letter was copied to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the United Nations.

De Beers, which operates a diamond mine near Attawapiskat First Nation, had written to KI this past September proposing to carry out exploration for diamonds in an area to the north of the community. The area is directly next to the KI reserve and covers much of KI’s territory.

“I cannot overemphasize the real clear danger that my people see when confronted with the threat of mining activity on our territory,” Morris said.

“KI stopped Platinex exploration in our territory because it would have destroyed the watershed that our people depend on.”

Tom Ormsby, De Beers’ director of External and Corporate Affairs, said De Beers had been looking to begin a dialogue with KI about conducting exploration on the community’s traditional territory.

“Obviously, we are disappointed we were unable to put together a program at this time, but we certainly respect the decision of the community,” Ormsby said. “We understand there are a number of protocols and policies to make about the use of their land and we will respect that.”

Ormsby said De Beers wants to keep the dialogue open in the future.

“We’ve been in dialogue in various stages of formal and informal discussion with KI for quite some time, so we hope to keep that dialogue open,” Ormsby said. “The key for us is to keep that dialogue open as we continue to develop our plans across Canada in the future.”

KI laid out a number of issues, which said must be recognized before mining exploration can be contemplated. see COMPANIES page 2

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DECEMBER 23, 2010

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Ka-Na-Chi-Hih Specialize Solvent Abuse Treatment Centre executive director Vincent Simon, left, and chef Catherine Free display some of the frozen moose meat at the centre. After 18 months of issues with the local health unit, the centre can now serve wild meat worry-free again.

‘Meat’ing client needs James Thom Wawatay News

The City of Thunder Bay seems game to allow Ka-NaChi-Hih Specialize Solvent Abuse Treatment Centre to serve wild meat to its clients.

Following a meeting between the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Ka-Na-Chi-Hih officials and representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources, it appears the treatment centre will no longer have issues serving wild meat.

“We have found a way to make it work,” said Ken Allan, director of health protection for the health unit, explaining an exemption for wild game dinners was provided to the centre.

“They shouldn’t expect any problems … if the food is han-

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dled properly.”

The issue first arose about 18 months ago, said Vincent Simon, executive director of KaNa-Chi-Hih. “Someone reported that we had moose meat on the premises,” Simon said, adding it was true. “We try to include traditional foods in the meals we serve.”

That set off an on-again, offagain issue between the centre and health unit.

“The health unit kept telling us we couldn’t serve it,” he said.

“But the MNR said as long as it was harvested legally, we were within our rights to serve it.”

It was frustrating for Simon because traditional foods are served to help clients get in touch with their traditional background.

In the meantime, the centre continued to serve other foods.

“We always had other food we could serve,” Simon said.

While Simon understands the health unit staff are doing their jobs, it is still frustrating for him.

Allan explained food safety regulations are in place to keep the public safe.

He explained kitchen processes should be in place to prevent cross contamination in handling and preparing food.

He said other meat goes through testing process whereas wild meet does not have to meet such standards and is unregulated.

Allan said his agency is sympathetic to the position of KaNa-Chi-Hih. “We understand the environ-

ment they want in place in their facility,” Allan said. “We had to figure out a way to work with Ka-Na-Chi-Hih. The health unit has to abide by the (provincial health) regulations.”

Simon said he had the utmost faith in the chef at KaNa-Chi-Hih. “Everything is kept separate,” said Ka-Na-Chi-Hih chef Catherine Free. “We follow all the safe food handling procedures.”

Last month, Ka-Na-Chi-Hih applied for a six-month exemption under the Food Safety Act. If granted, it should end the wild game issue at the centre.

It would be similar to how the new Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre can now serve wild game because its food is prepared separately, Simon explained.

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Distribution Date February 11, 2011

Fax: 1-807-737-3224 Email: meghank@wawatay.on.ca Box 1180, 16 Fifth Avenue Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B7

Wawatay News DECEMBER 23, 2010

Tribal councils support Wasaya Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Shibogama and Windigo are supporting Wasaya’s airport scanner initiative.

“We are trying to support these new initiatives such as the one that Wasaya had started to put scanners at each airport,” said Shibogama First Nations Council executive director Margaret Kenequanash. “Shibogama has contributed $16,000 to try and see if we can get infrastructure up and happening quickly. The next step is to see if the other tribal councils will support Wasaya in the work they are trying to do.”

Windigo First Nations Council CEO/council chairman Frank McKay said Windigo also supports Wasaya’s initiative to install scanners at the airports.

“We haven’t identified funds yet for our contribution,” McKay said.

McKay said prescription drug abuse is a “very difficult issue.”

“This is one area that is very difficult to control because they are prescription drugs,” McKay said, explaining Windigo’s health director was looking at various ways to have more structure and control of prescription drugs among medical personnel. “I think it has to be examined – how do they access these drugs. Are the recipients of prescription drugs distributing them? There must be some form of distribution.”

McKay said it’s an issue that needs to be examined.

“We have to examine how … we combat this,” he said.

Shibogama has been looking at the social impacts of prescription drug abuse and how to develop programming.

Kenequanash said two Shibogama communities have also developed alternative programming at their clinics.

“Right now whatever programming that is being done is being delivered through the nursing stations,” Kenequanash said. “They were also looking at alternative healing programming, which would be land based, but that is more of a long-term strategy.”

Kenequanash said prescrip-

tion drug abuse is so rampant and the drugs so addictive that once people get hooked, they don’t have an out to stop.

“Currently there are no services out there that they can say I need help to get out of it (prescription drug abuse),” Kenequanash said. “It’s really a new thing that our people are getting into and I don’t know if they are really aware of what those impacts are from using prescription drugs. I see prescription drugs as a slow death for those who are using it.”

Kenequanash said one option is educate people about the effects of abusing prescription drugs.

“There are people who are actually benefitting from this because they sell it,” Kenequanash said. “Even those people need to be educated what they are doing to their people because they are basically killing them.”

Kenequanash said the Shibogama communities have been funding security programs with their own funds to prevent prescription drugs from entering the community.

“The workers that are doing the security programming require training, special clothing to protect themselves,” Kenequanash said. “We need to start lobbying for funding for the security program that’s complementing the policing in the communities.”

Kenequanash said the Shibogama communities have also been working with NishnawbeAski Police Service to improve communications and working relationships.

“I hope we can all begin to see the epidemics that we have in our communities with regard to prescription drugs and see how we can work with one another instead of just talking about it,” Kenequanash said. “I know at the communities, they are trying, they are making an effort, but the regional organizations and the political organizations, I think we need to pull ourselves together and see how we can effectively lobby and provide support programs for the communities so they can help their people.”

3

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

The Christmas Princess

James Thom/Wawatay News

The princess Marilane Quill is groomed by Lucy the Maid, Pauline Angeconeb, during a scene of The Christmas Princess. Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School Grade 10 drama and Grade 12 art classes put on two performances of the play Dec. 9.

Chiefs vote for transparency Companies must Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Chiefs voted Dec. 14 to lead by example by committing to transparent and accountable decision-making structures in their communities.

“I applaud the chiefs who demonstrated that, despite unfounded and alarmist attacks by our critics, First Nations fully believe in accountability and transparency and are dealing with this issue head-on,” said AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo during the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly, which is being held from Dec. 14-16 in Gatineau, Que. “Chiefs spoke passionately today about the many efforts and initiatives across the country that provide full accountability and transparency for their people. I know myself that chiefs have a multitude of roles and responsibilities and work hard. We stand strong and united to say that First Nations are not only not afraid of change and transparency - we are blazing the trail forward.”

The chiefs voted to re-affirm

their commitment to maintaining transparent and accountable decision-making structures in their communities, including clear and timely access to audits and public accounts; itemizing and publicly disclosing salaries, honoraria and expenses and ensuring information about community finances and decision-making are easily accessible and available via the Internet where applicable.

“I know the majority of chiefs within NAN territory would place their members before themselves.”

– Stan Beardy

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy said NAN currently publishes its annual audit in Wawatay News as an accountability tool to their communities.

“That demonstrates the NAN chiefs are prepared to talk about transparency and total accountability to their members by example,” Beardy said.

Beardy said the average salary of First Nation leaders in Ontario is $27,543.

“I would not be surprised if it was even lower in NAN territory because our leaders are very responsible,” Beardy said.

“They are very conscious about being accountable to their members.”

Beardy said NAN chiefs lead by example with regard to responsibility and accountability.

“I know the majority of chiefs within NAN territory would place their members before themselves,” Beardy said.

Now that the chiefs have voted for full accountability and transparency, Beardy is asking for the federal government to disclose the amount of money earmarked for First Nations people that is actually spent on the wages, benefits and pensions of federal bureaucrats and the construction and maintenance of office spaces.

“The Auditor General has indicated that Indian Affairs alone has 5,000 salaried positions, all the way from headquarters to the janitor,” Beardy said. “When we talk about

Indian monies allocated by Parliament, you are talking about the complete envelope, so a large portion of that is taken up by various federal departments that are trying to administer those funds on our behalf.”

Auditor General of Canada Sheila Fraser attended the Assembly Dec. 14, where she urged the federal government to find new ways to work with First Nations.

“First Nations citizens have waited far too long to have a level of services that other Canadians receive every day and take for granted,” Fraser said.

Atleo said First Nations fully support the call for partnership with Canada as the path to progress.

“The AFN initiated work on accountability with the Auditor General, Treasury Board Secretariat and Indian and Northern Affairs - an initiative terminated by the federal government in 2006.

“First Nations are doing their part and we call on Canada to work with us on a new, better approach to accountability,” Atleo said.

respect decision from page 1 These include the community having jurisdiction and control over its territory and having final decision making power; inherent, Aboriginal and treaty rights having to be respected and KI indigenous laws being followed; KI studies on land use and occupancy, traditional ecological knowledge and land use plans must being completed; and full protection for the full Big Trout Lake watershed must be implemented and respected.

Other issues the community would want addressed include a full contaminants study, PCB source determination, clean up and healing being completed; and free prior and informed consent, conventions on biodiversity and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples being respected.

“Our work here will continue to promote the preservation and protection of KI homelands completely,” said Jacob Osta-

man, KI director of lands and environment. “Our antagonists will have to respect our position of complete reverence to our natural world and that their destructive ways must stop.”

KI had prevented mining exploration company Platinex from exploring their traditional lands in 2007. That led to a $10 billion lawsuit by Platinex against the community and the March 2008 six-month jail sentence for Morris, Deputy Chief Jack McKay, Head Coun.

Cecilia Begg, councillors Sam McKay and Darryl Sainnawap and band employee Bruce Sakakeep. The group was charged with contempt of court for breaking an October 2007 court order that would have allowed Platinex to begin exploratory drilling near the community.

The KI 6, as the imprisoned KI leaders became to be known, were released in May 2008 after serving more than two months of their six-month sentences.

Ontario bought out Platinex’s claim in late 2009.

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Bear man 16-5th Avenue North P.O. Box 1180 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B7 Serving the First Nations in Northern Ontario since 1974. Wawatay News is a politically independent bi-weekly newspaper published by Wawatay Native Communications Society.

ᓂᐢᑕᑦ ᑲᑭᒪᑕᓄᑲᑌᐠ 1974 ᐁᐅᒋᐊᓄᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᑭᐧᐁᑎᓄᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᑕᐃᑦᔑᑫᐧᐃᓇᐣ. ᑕᓱᓂᔓᐱᒥᑯᓇᑲ ᐅᔑᒋᑲᑌ ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐧᐃ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑲᐧᐃᐣ ᐅᓇᔓᐧᐁᐧᐃ ᑲᓇᐧᐊᐸᒋᑫᐧᐃᓂᐠ ᒋᐃᔑ ᐸᐸᒥᓯᒪᑲᐠ ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓂᑫᐧᐃᓇᐣ.

MEDIA DIRECTOR Adrienne Fox MULTIMEDIA/NEWS COORDINATOR Brent Wesley

Commentary

The best things in life are free Brent Wesley WAWATAY NEWS

S

now started trickling down on the evening before we went to the hospital. During the night, the snow thickened and was starting to cover the earth in a light blanket.

For two days, the snow kept coming. I barely saw any of it – only catching glimpses from a hospital window as I waited for my first child to arrive.

Anxiously waiting, for hours on end. One day turned into two. And the snow kept falling.

Visitors would tell us how much shovelling needed to be done, how much winter had truly arrived.

Every so often, I’d get a look outside. A thick blanket of snow covered the ground and trees.

Still, I had no idea how much snow had dropped from the skies. My main concern was baby, who had yet to arrive.

It was going on 60 hours when it looked like baby would make its way into the world.

We did not know if it was to be a boy or girl. All the while, the snow kept falling.

They say the best things in life are free. On the night of November 26, I received life’s greatest gift – a child. A beautiful baby boy.

He didn’t rush into this world. It took him three full

days of labour. I don’t blame him. It was freezing as winter had fully descended upon our town.

His first day in this world, was beautiful. The snow stopped, the skies opened, revealing a winter wonderland.

His middle name is Winter.

It was pre-determined. But how ironic, his arrival brought so much snow. By all accounts, winter had already arrived, but there’s always an uncertainty if it will ever stay. But those days we spent in the hospital, waiting for baby, winter was no longer going anywhere. A deep cold settled in.

My mom calls him Piipoon.

Winter.

There are no words to fully describe the feeling of welcoming your firstborn. Life’s greatest gift indeed. This holiday season, I’m content with the gift we’ve been blessed with.

There’s a deep satisfaction that’s settled into my soul, a feeling of completeness.

As the days go by and baby continues to grow, each day becomes a gift. And there will be many more to come.

We named him Dolor.

My grandfather’s name. He passed on in 2007. His memory remains strong. So many good memories. So many good times.

I only wish there was more time. Distance prevented it. But now, I have every day with my child. To watch him grow, to see his life flourish.

Yes, we’re truly blessed. Life’s greatest gift. I’m thankful.

Happy Holidays everyone.

(Archives of Ontario, C 330-13-0-0-125 )

A Kasabonika hunter holding the head of a black bear, 1956

All the mornings of the world Richard Wagamese ONE NATIVE LIFE

T

here are moments here when the light comes to fill you. When the sun floods across the peak of the far mountain and everything is thrown into a veil of red you can feel it enter you, lift you, become you.

Or storm mornings when gray is the desolate cloak of the world you can feel it slip between your ribs, roil there, become your breath.

There are moments too, when the air inhabits you.

Times when clarity rules and the fine line between air and light vanishes so that when you close your eyes you can feel yourself drifting.

I don’t know what it is about this seamless blend of air and light that compels me, only that something in me understands that to stand in it, if even briefly, allows me grace enough to live one day. So I come here on these mountain mornings of the world to commune, assume and carry on.

For a long time there was a particular shade of gray, a

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Brent Wesley/Wawatay News

Dolor Winter Terry Wesley, born Nov. 26.

specific tone of light that perplexed me. It resided at the edges of mornings like these and I could feel it like a chill spearing its way inside me.

It sat there cold and desolate making me always a little afraid of mornings, always a little skittish over the gray of dawn, ever vigilant over aloneness.

It was never constant. I thought for a time that I was crazy. I’d heard of phengophobia, the fear of daylight, but it didn’t express the woe that certain shades of light struck me with.

Through therapy I discovered the root of it.

When I was small my family lived in the bush of northern Ontario. It was 1958 and I was two. They were struggling to hang on to a nomadic cultural way that time, change and the accumulated wounds of it had inflicted on them. They’d survived the residential schools but bore the sting of the whips in their hearts and minds.

The bush and bush living had become their hope.

But unhealed pain is toxic pain.

My family struggled with an awesome burden. They’d had the Indian stripped off of them, made to feel lessened, helpless, ignorant, savage, dumb and powerless. They were told their

way was dead and the new world had no room for Indians, only obedient servants of the white God. They were told that to live as a savage was an abomination and they needed to be cleansed of it. So they were washed in the blood of the Lamb, astringent, scouring, lethal.

They imagine of those days just as they were haunted by the parts of themselves that had atrophied, shrunk and died. If they drank to exorcise those demons, to drown the ache of whips and beatings and abuses, it’s understandable.

One day in February of 1958 it all came to a head. There was a load of furs to be sold.

The money was still good back then and there was plenty to go around. We were camped across the bay from Minaki, a tiny railroad stop along the Winnipeg River. They left us kids at camp to head to town for supplies.

My sister Jane says there was a good supply of firewood and food so at first it was okay. Then days passed. The firewood dwindled and the food was gone. I was crying from the cold and hunger. Still they didn’t return. The days stretched on and Jane and Jack, who were the oldest, got worried. It was deep winter in the north and without

MEDIA DIRECTOR Adrienne Fox adriennef@wawatay.on.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Matthew Bradley matthewb@wawatay.on.ca

MULTIMEDIA/NEWS COORDINATOR Brent Wesley brentw@wawatay.on.ca

SALES COORDINATOR Meghan Kendall meghank@wawatay.on.ca

FEATURE WRITER/EDITOR Bryan Phelan bryanp@wawatay.on.ca

SALES/MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE Saturn Magashazi saturnm@wawatay.on.ca

EDITOR James Thom jamest@wawatay.on.ca

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Steve Elliott stevee@wawatay.on.ca

WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Rick Garrick rickg@wawatay.on.ca

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Mark Kakekagumick markk@wawatay.on.ca

ART DIRECTOR Roxann Shapwaykeesic roxys@wawatay.on.ca

TRANSLATORS Agnes Shakakeesic agness@wawatay.on.ca

firewood we would freeze to death.

So one morning they piled Charles and me on a toboggan, covered us with furs and blankets and pulled us across the snow and ice. It took hours to cross that bay. It was a gray morning, cold and bleak and my sister says it was only the effort of pulling us that kept her and Jack alive.

When we reached Minaki they hauled us up to the railroad station. By the time the Ontario Provincial Police found us we were next to frozen.

They picked us up and turned us over to the care of the Children’s Aid Society.

The woe that was triggered by the pallid light of dawn was the despair of a toddler abandoned in the bush. When I touched it again I wept.

My family has never acknowledged the truth and they never will; that they got drunk and forgot about us.

Owning it hurts too much and dealing with hurt was something they were never taught in those schools.

Me? I wake up to the glory of all the mornings of the world. There is no room or time for blame, only forgiveness and this seamless blend of light and air filling me, lifting me, healing me, recovering me.

Vicky Angees vickya@wawatay.on.ca CONTRIBUTORS John Cutfeet Gail Duiker Steve Fobister Sr. Xavier Kataquapit Debbie Mishibinijima Peter Moon KI Telecom Jesse Terry Richard Wagamese Guest editorials, columnists and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of Wawatay News.

Wawatay News DECEMBER 23, 2010

Land-use plans include protected areas John Cutfeet NOOPEMIG

Continued from previous column published in the Nov. 12 and 25 and Dec. 9 editions of Wawatay News

B

ill 191 provides First Nations “through community-based land-use planning an opportunity to decide which lands in the Far North will be protected and which lands will be open for sustainable development.”

A “protected area” means an area of land that is designated as such by a land-use plan if it is approved as a communitybased land use plan.

A land use plan should designate one or more areas in the planning area as protected areas and requires joint approval from the minister and the First Nation.

It is the first time in Ontario’s history that there is a requirement under law for First Nations approval of a land-use plan.

However, a land use plan has no effect until the minister, by order, approves the parts of the plan that subsection (9) requires be included in the plan; and the council of each of the First Nations mentioned in subsection (6) passes a resolution approving a plan.

First Nations may contribute their traditional knowledge and perspective on protection and conservation for the purposes of land use planning under this Act. The Far North Act “provides

for orderly development in the Far North,” where “most major developments would require that a community-based land use plan be in place, with some exceptions.”

Bill 191 also provides “provisional protection prior to a community-based land-use plan being in based on criteria to be prescribed by regulation.”

In many parts of Noopemig, such as in the Ring of Fire, claims have been staked already without land-use plans being in place.

These claims will have been grandfathered and would not be impacted by the communitybased land use planning process.

In many parts of Noopemig, such as in the Ring of Fire, claims have been staked already without land-use plans being in place.

The provisional protection mechanisms outlined in the Far North could provide an additional mechanism for First Nations (on lands without mineral tenure) looking to use provincial laws to protect their lands now.

Another government initiative is the proposed Northern Growth Plan which will strengthen the northern economy.

One of the key actions identified in the 25-year plan is “building a new relationship with Aboriginal People to increase participation in the

future economic growth of northern Ontario and achieve better health status for Aboriginal communities.”

The Far North Act and the Northern Growth Plan (under the Places to Grow Act, 2005) would work together and if there is a conflict, the Far North Land Use Strategy and the Community-Based Land Use Plans would prevail.

There is also a provision in the Far North Act that would enable the creation of a joint body to oversee implementation of the whole land use planning initiative.

The functions of this joint body would include: advising on allocation of funding to support First Nations working with Ontario on land use planning, and appropriate dispute resolution processes for land use planning matters.

These are important matters and given the level of frustration among First Nations for the current way funds are being handed out, this may just be a better, more transparent process if communities wish it to be implemented.

It is modeled on initiatives from other parts of Canada that have worked in co-operation with First Nations such as in the Northwest Territories and Yukon.

While not perfect, these are some of the tools available to communities if they wish to take advantage of them to achieve their own goals.

The decision is up to them.

As the snow flies and blankets Noopemig, the sacred living lands continue their endless seasonal cycle, seemingly oblivious to these new efforts to provide a balance that only it can provide.

LETTERS Treaty relationship not working Open letter to Treaty 3, Booshoo Grand Chief Diane Kelly, chief and councils of all Treaty 3 First Nations, honoured Elders, friends, relatives and fellow Anishinaabeg.

I am writing to you to voice my concerns and aspirations for our First Nations.

First and foremost, I want to point out five words written into our treaty: first soldier and his messenger. Those five words ensure us the right to have our own standing army. Each and every one of the 28 governing councils within Treaty 3 have the power to restore the position of “first soldier and his messenger,”, as specified in the treaty. This would send a very powerful message to Ottawa and Toronto. It was back in 1895 when the Canadian government unilaterally abolished the rank of the “first soldier.”

I was heartened by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo’s words about the Indian Act, but we have to go a step further. We should not agree to any amendments to the Indian Act, promising more money for First Nations. I would view this money as golden chains, but chains nonetheless, binding us to the Indian Act. We would have to draft up our own written constitution so that we could emerge from the colonial shadow of the Indian Act. Our treaty relationship is not working because they are not abiding by the terms of the treaty. They are not into

resource revenue sharing. I do not like seeing our people living like paupers in our own resource-rich homeland. It is a matter of historical record that the Canadian and Ontario governments have systematically eroded our treaty and inherent rights, contrary to their own laws. A treaty is like a contract, if one party does not abide by the terms of the contract, then the other party would have every right to declare that contract null and void.

I hear the term “working towards self government” a lot these days, but that is the wrong term to use, since we never gave up our sovereignty.

That is what we have to do, declare our sovereignty. We have to take these initiatives to make this symbolic sovereignty into a concrete reality, with all the powers and responsibilities that come with it. We have to join together in a political and economic union, and if need be, a military union.

Only by speaking as one voice can we be heard, not only in Ottawa, but also around the world, where the Anishinaabe Nation can stand proudly amongst other nations. I am very positive that international law will agree with us. We will be like the state of Israel where every citizen, 18 years of age and over, male and female is a member of their armed forces.

They number less than 7 million and they are surrounded by millions and millions of their Arab

enemies who vow to destroy their nation. The very survival of their nation depends on the strength of their armed forces.

I am not advocating for warfare, but only to use our armed forces as a tool – a tool to be seen by the world as being able to exert our sovereignty over our own land. I am hoping our leaders can embrace that ideal of being a sovereign nation, where we can live again, under the rule of Anishinaabe law.

On the flip side of this sovereignty option would be our demands. We should demand that all of our treaty rights be restored and all of our land claims be settled as soon as possible, like right now. Every single one of these items would have to be restored with not one item missing.

Our Nation is at a crossroads.

We can either be a fully independent nation or we can stay within Canada with all our rights restored and honoured for as long as the sun shines.

That’s the hard choice Canada would have to make.

Start honouring all treaty obligations and fiduciary duties, and then Grand Council Treaty 3 stays within Canada. Say “No” and Grand Council Treaty 3 becomes a nation in every sense of the word. Negotiate from this position – a position of strength.

Larry Mandamin Treaty 3 Anishinaabe Nation Iskatewizaagegan #39 Branch

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

5

Your views from wawataynews.ca Re: Students battle drug addiction Mother battles addiction Anita, I am proud of you for getting help. I am a 2010 DFC grad. When a student, I’d walk around the halls. Students came up to me asking for money, a fix, where to score. I could see that many are suffering & the school had a lot of drugs going around. I am still suffering from an addiction.

I know how hard it is to open up to people, I want to open too, but I am a mother of one to a beautiful 2 year old. I’m just too scared to lose her.

Your doing a good job, you’ll get there, because I slowly am getting help for my addiction because my daughter deserves better.

- Anonymous Re: First Nation leaders’ salaries defended ‘Foolishness’ I think Mr. Beardy is right in saying NAN Chiefs are being paid respectively unlike our counterparts in the enriched areas like Alberta or Saskatchewan, however you spell that province. I know our C&C are below the tabled salary but they are still working for their people, not the other way around. They respect the people’s views and are not discarded or put on the shelf for further discussions or cast aside like trash, unlike the “White people” who cry and lament over why they don’t get new houses, cars or anything their neighbours have, they want also. Natives on the other hand just take life as is. Shame on this taxpayer inquest or witchhunt. Let them live on the rez and see if their minds are changed. Might be a lasting effect on them, not to have heat or hot water which some reserves don’t have the luxury of having. Foolishness is all I can say!! Plain ole foolishness!!!

- Anonymous Chiefs have many roles I think chiefs are getting what they deserve in terms of salaries, they have more than one duty to perform as leader of a First Nation. A chief can be a minister of defense, transportation, health, education, so many political roles a chief has to do, he also has to be on call 24/7 ... unlike the prime minister whereas he can call upon the ministers that work under him to make the decisions. A chief doesn’t have that luxury.

- Anonymous

Call for Tenders The Wawatay Native Communications Society (WNCS) herewith issues a “Call for Tenders” to perform annual Audit Services for the fiscal years of 2010 and 2011.

Services required include the following activities: • Audit of WNCS’s Balance Sheet as of March 31st of each fiscal year; • Audit of WNCS’s Statement of Revenue and Expense for each fiscal year; • Provide recommendation, where required, of appropriate adjusting journal entries in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards; • Examine, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements; • Assess the accounting principles used; • Provide WNCS with 10 bound copies plus one electronic copy of the final financial statements by June 30, 2010 for publication in WNCS’s Annual Report; • Present the Auditor’s report at the Annual General Meeting; • Prepare annual income tax returns to Canada Revenue and Customs Agency; • Review the annual return for HST recovery to Canada Revenue and Customs Agency prepared by WNCS; • Prepare annual Registered Charity Return for WNCS; and • Preparation of T4 summary and T4 supplementary.

Tenders must be received by WNCS no later than 4:30 PM CST on January 14, 2011. For further information regarding WNCS please contact Barney Turtle, Finance Director, at 1-800-243-9059 or (807) 737-2951 ext.

2224 or by e-mail at barneyt@wawatay.on.ca PLEASE MAIL TENDERS TO: Barney Turtle Finance Director Wawatay Native Communications Society P.O.Box 1180 16-5th Avenue Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B7 All tenders must be postmarked no later than January 14, 2011.

6

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

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Mishkeegogamang’s Gary Wassaykeesic wants to find out what happened to his mother who died in 1976. He believes she was murdered.

Wassaykeesic still looking into mother’s death Rick Garrick Wawatay News

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ONTARIO SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE NOTICE OF ACTION and STATEMENT OF CLAIM, and STATEMENT OF DEFENCE AND CROSSCLAIM OF LOBLAW COMPANIES LIMITED and WESTFAIR PROPERTIES LTD. TO: JAMES DOUGLAS BEARDY An Action has been commenced against you in which the Plaintiffs’ claim is for damages and injuries sustained

by Tetsuo (James) Saisho as the result of an incident which occurred on December 19th, 2007.

Mishkeegogamang’s Gary Wassaykeesic has been making some progress in his search into the 1976 death of his mother Sophie Wassaykeesic. “Right now it’s kind of important to either add some publicity to it or add pressure to this investigation,� said the construction worker who has lived in Toronto for about 17 years.

In an effort to gain more publicity about the issue, Wassaykeesic has shared his mother’s story with other media in the Torontoarea.

Wassaykeesic said while his mother’s death was recorded as a Wassaykeesic death by suffocation, due to alcohol, he believes there was more to her death than what was recorded, suggesting she may have been murdered.

He said he has talked to people who said they heard “a lot of banging� at the time she died.

Wassaykeesic has always wanted to find out what happened to his mother since he

found out about her death about six months after she died. “I was in residential school when it happened,� Wassaykeesic said. “I had to find out on my own. “When I did find out, they didn’t tell me the details either.

They just informed me that my mother was dead.�

Wassaykeesic began looking into her death more seriously after the residential school settlement was announced. He said the details will help with the psychological damages claim he is pursuing for not being told for six months that his mother had died.

Wassaykeesic said one of the major problems in his investigation is that the Ontario Provincial Police’s Central Patricia detachment burned down years ago along with all the information on his mother’s death.

Wassaykeesic recently met with an Ontario Provincial Police detective from the North West Region in Toronto about his mother’s death. “It went alright, but I really wasn’t satisfied with it because we had the meeting at the (Toronto) Reference Library at Bloor and Yonge,� Wassaykeesic said. “It was sort of a public place

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their end.�

Hutchinson said the investigation is on-going. “There are names that have come from Gary that we will conduct some follow up on and we will take the investigation where that information leads us,� Hutchinson said.

Wassaykeesic said he also talked with New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton and Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus about his mother’s death as well as with members of the Green Party. “I was able to give them information on my mother and how far I have gotten with it, up to detective level,� he said.

Wassaykeesic has been working with Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto to obtain more details in the case, including information on the police report into his mother’s death. “We’re going through the Freedom of Information Act right now with Aboriginal Legal Services to obtain that police report,� Wassaykeesic said. “We want to find out who signed it, so that’s the point we are at right now.�

Wassaykeesic said he also contacted the National AntiRacism Council of Canada about the case.

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and you couldn’t really get right into it.�

While the location was not ideal, Wassaykeesic said he and his brother did have an opportunity to talk to the detective about their mother’s death. “Each of us gave an interview,� Wassaykeesic said. “My brother was there that night (when his mother died), so he was able to give his version of what happened that night.�

Wassaykeesic said the detective told him and his brother she would take their information to her superiors and would get back to him within a week. “They are going to review it and then they are going to call back,� Wassaykeesic said. “From that point on they will see if there is an investigation.�

OPP Det. Staff Sgt. Mark Hutchinson said the case came to the OPP through the coroner’s office. “We are now following up on some of the information that Gary has provided,� Hutchinson said, explaining the officers initially involved in the case have retired. “We are going to provide a report to the coroner’s office and then the coroner will make a determination if there is anything further they can do from

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Wawatay News DECEMBER 23, 20010

7

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Rashes, nail fungus plague water-rationed community Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Constance Lake community members are blaming truckedin water for rashes and nail fungal infections.

“My community has been without clean water for months,” said Constance Lake Chief Arthur Moore.

“We need a long-term solution to resolve this crisis. People don’t have enough water for drinking and the water provided for bathing could possibly be causing infection.”

In the past couple weeks, Constance Lake has experienced an increase in the number of patients going to the health clinic showing similar symptoms: rashes and nail fungal infections.

Although there is no proof that these symptoms stem from water being distributed in the community, many in the First Nation believe they are related.

“Health Canada is responsible for monitoring water quality on reserve,” said Susan E. Bertrand, manager, communications north Indian and North-

ern Affairs Canada, in an e-mail message.

Bertrand said INAC has committed $203,000 to truck water from a local co-generation plant that filters and treats water drawn from the Kabina River.

“While the co-generation plant does not treat the water for drinking, once the water is delivered to Constance Lake’s water treatment plant, it is disinfected using a procedure developed by the plant operators and the Ontario Clean Water Agency,” Bertrand said.

“According to regular Health Canada analysis, the disinfected water meets both Canadian and Ontario guidelines. Because the water sometimes appears cloudy, a boil water advisory has been recommended to provide added protection.”

Bertrand said Constance Lake purchases and hauls water from the Town of Hearst when the water obtained from the cogeneration plant has very high turbidity levels.

“Tenders to connect the well to the water treatment plant and to repair the filtration system closed on Thursday Dec.

2,” Bertrand said. “Work is expected to begin shortly after the First Nation awards the contract.”

Constance Lake has been without a permanent water supply for about five months due to a blue-green algae buildup this past summer on the lake that was the community’s main supply of water.

The community’s water treatment plant was unable to filter the algae, so the community has since been relying on water that is trucked into the community from the local co-generation plant on a daily basis for bathing, toilets, laundry and dish washing, Moore explained.

The water is chlorinated at the water treatment plant before it is distributed, but a boil water advisory has remained in place as the quality of water arriving from the co-generation plant is uncertain at this time and cannot be assessed by the community.

“I am calling on the government to take responsibility and ensure that our community has enough drinking water,” Moore said.

“Right now, my people are not even receiving enough for basic health maintenance. INAC (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) has failed to accept accountability for our people, leaving the crisis and the rising costs to the First Nation.”

The community has been purchasing additional supplies of water for community members so they can still use 4.5 litres of bottled water per person. INAC has previously indicated it would reduce the supply of bottled water to 1.5 litres per person per day.

Moore said the bottled water shipment costs about $50,000 for a population of 900 onreserve band members for a period of about four months.

A recently drilled well should be connected to the community’s water distribution system by the end of January or early February so bottled water would no longer be needed.

Moore said in early December that INAC’s supply of 1.5 litres of drinking water per person is unrealistic when cooking and food preparation is considered.

Fuel oil drums left on the land Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Oil drums dating back to the 1970s remain on the land near Eabametoong.

Bill Shawinimash, a band member of the community, raised his concerns about the issue during the Oct. 27 Matawa Environmental Conference for Northern Ontario “At that small lake east of Fort Hope, there were five 45-gallon drums full of fuel oil left by some exploration company that was exploring for minerals in that area,” Shawinimash said.

“To date, nothing has been done about that. They’re still out there as far as I know.”

Lindsey Jupp, an environmental technologist with Matawa First Nations, said the situation has not changed since the conference.

“A lot of the barrels are not marked or identified so they can’t be tracked back to any company or ministry,” Jupp said.

“We’re speaking with a number of ministries, both provincial and federal, about how to

find out who might have been on the land at that time and where these barrels and equipment have come from and why it’s been deposited where it is.”

Matawa is also looking into funding to sample and remediate the sites.

“But right now we are just in the process of identifying whereabouts they are,” Jupp said.

Jupp said it is difficult to remediate remote sites because it is not possible to bring in heavy equipment for drilling and digging.

“It costs a lot of money to mobilize any equipment we would need,” Jupp said.

“The easiest form of doing it would probably be soil and surface water samples, but then again we are not at that stage.

“First we need to find out who was responsible because if you have a party that you know was responsible for the dump site, then they could potentially, if they are still in business, be responsible for cleaning it up.”

Jupp said Matawa is currently looking at developing permits within the new Mining Act so any companies taking on

land claims with abandoned fuel oil drums and equipment would have to clean up the sites before being allowed to proceed with their own exploration activities.

“And obviously clean up what they will be creating,” Jupp said.

“The majority are legacy issues and it is hard to find records of who was on the land at that time.”

Jupp said there are mining and exploration camps up north that no one knows anything about.

“The intention of the communities and Matawa is to not create any disturbance or create any problems,” Jupp said.

“Our first action is just the land. We’re concerned about everything living on the land, so we don’t want to create any trouble – we want to work together.”

Jupp said the government ministries are beginning to see the abandoned fuel oil drums and equipment are an important issue that needs to be dealt with.

“Some of them do have holes, they could be leaking,”

Jupp said.

“The residual effects could be long lasting.”

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, Ministry of Natural Resources, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Health Canada have been working on the issue, said a MNR spokeswoman.

“Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry is looking into the community’s concerns regarding the old oil drums and also batteries that have been found in and around the area,” said Emily Kirk, an MNR spokesperson.

“The focus of their work has been to broker cleanup agreements with exploration companies up there, also to look for more information to track down responsible parties and also to assess any environmental risk that (the oil drums and batteries) may pose and options for cleanup.”

Kirk said a meeting on preventing materials such as oil drums and batteries from being left on the land in the future is scheduled for December in Thunder Bay.

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

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2010/2011 HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSURES Please note the following Municipal Department office closures over the holiday season. Please note that the closures are reflective of changes in regularly scheduled hours – Departments that would normally be closed on weekends will remain closed on weekends during this period: Airport Administration Offices December 27th, 28th, 31st Community Services Department (Arena/Recreation Centre) December 24th at 4:00pm through December 26th and January 1st Emergency Services December 27th, 28th, 31st Municipal Administration Offices (25 Fifth Avenue) December 27th through 31st (inclusive)

Sgt. Peter Moon, Canadian Rangers/Special to Wawatay News

Municipal Child Care Centres December 20th through December 31st (inclusive)

Staff Sgt. Dan MacLeod, an OPP officer seconded to the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, teaches suicide prevention techniques to instructors with 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.

Public Works Department – Emergency contact (Roads, Water, Sewer): 223-4666 December 27th, 28th and January 3rd

Suicides across NAN reach ‘staggering’ numbers

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Peter Moon Special to Wawatay News

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The numbers of confirmed and attempted suicides in Nishnawbe Aski Nation have reached “staggering� numbers, a group of Canadian Forces instructors attending a suicide prevention course were told.

Staff Sgt. Dan MacLeod, an OPP officer seconded to the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, told the soldiers there have been at least 425 confirmed suicide deaths in NAN since 1986. “It’s staggering,â€? he said. “The number could very well be higher because not all confirmed suicides are recorded as suicides. Some deaths are listed as accidental‌ “In that same time period, since 1986, there have been thousands of attempted suicides. I think the last figure I looked at, up to 2004, was an estimated 4,000 attempts.

Some are not reported and that figure has not been updated in nearly six years, so I think it’s much higher.�

Youth were disproportionately represented in the suicide statistics he showed the soldiers, who were instructors with 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, which commands the 500 Canadian Rangers and 600 Junior Canadian Rangers in northern Ontario.

Of the 425 confirmed suicides, 57 were aged 10 to 14, 174 were 15 to 20, and 67 were 21 to 25 years old. In total, there were 298 confirmed suicides for youth aged 10 to 25.

They accounted for 73 per cent of the deaths – or three out of every four.

Hanging accounted for three quarters of the deaths, followed by gunshot and overdoses. Male victims outnumbered females by a ratio of two to one.

About two-thirds of NAN’s population of about 46,000 is under the age of 26, the age group that accounts for most of NAN’s suicides. “We face a huge problem with youth suicide,� said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “Our population is growing rapidly.

It could double or triple in 10 years time. That’s a lot of young people. There is the potential

for a lot more young people coming into our population in a little while.�

He said the main cause for the high suicide rate remains the effects felt from residential schools. “The greatest cause of suicides is when people feel unwanted, feel nobody cares,� he said. “It’s a direct result of parents and grandparents growing up in residential schools, where they never learned proper human interactions, they never learned coping mechanisms, they never learned how to communicate or body language.�

But loss of cultural identity is also a prime contributor, he said. “We need to reconnect our young people through their culture and through land-based training and teach them about the spirituality that has sustained our people for thousands of years.�

In addition, he said, workshops need to be established to develop parenting skills lost through the impact of residential schools. “We all need to know that somebody cares for us, that somebody loves us, that we are important,� he said. “The large body of our young people are lost psychologically because the parental bonding is not there between the parents and their children.�

MacLeod said communities with a strong connection to Aboriginal spirituality and traditional ceremonies often have lower suicide rates than communities that do not. Communities that adopt spirituality and traditional ceremonies frequently see a drop in their suicide numbers.

About 80 per cent of people contemplating suicide give direct and indirect signals that can be picked up. They include unusual comments about suicide, signs of extreme personal unhappiness and hopelessness and varieties of abnormal behaviour. “If you are not aware of those signs and what to look for they can pass unnoticed and the person may become a statistic of a completed suicide,� he said. “If

you recognize those signs the best thing to do is to ask the person if they are thinking of committing suicide. But it has to be a direct question.�

If the answer is yes, he said, then the correct thing to do is to get help from the appropriate person in the community – a mental health worker, a nurse at the nursing station, or, if the threat is imminent, from the police. “One secret you cannot keep is a serious disclosure that a person is going to commit suicide,� he said. “You cannot keep that secret. You must get them help. “If we can get people the help they need, get them working on a better life, raise their self esteem, bring back their pride in being a First Nations person, we can move them away from being suicidal and they can lead perfectly normal lives.�

Capt. Caryl Fletcher, the officer commanding the Junior Canadian Rangers in northern Ontario, said the soldiers who took the suicide prevention course, at a training site near the Muskoka village of Dorset, visit communities in NAN on a regular basis. “Our instructors were not being trained to be social workers,� he said, “but we want them to be able to assist when they need to. “They have already saved the lives of two Junior Canadian Rangers in the past year by getting them the help they needed and the two youth have thanked them for what they did. They are grateful for them saving their lives. “The suicide prevention training, we hope, will leave them better educated on all aspects of suicide and better able to assist and direct people with suicide issues to the proper personnel in the community who are better able to deal with it. We want them to be able to recognize the signals and to help get people help. We want to help save lives.�

Sgt. Peter Moon is the public affairs ranger for 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group at Canadian Forces Base Borden. See www.canadianrangers.ca

Wawatay News DECEMBER 23, 2010

9

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

New Wawatay CEO calls for quality of service Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Wawatay Native Communications Society’s new CEO is looking to implement a quality management system at the long-running communications organization.

“When I was working at the Royal Bank of Canada, their emphasis was on quality of service, so that is what I want to implement at Wawatay,” said David Neegan, who took over as chief executive officer Nov. 29. “We would put emphasis on servicing the communities.”

Neegan is planning to develop an ISO 9000 quality management system at Wawatay within the very near future.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9000 is a family of standards related to quality management systems and are designed to help organizations ensure they meet the needs of customers and other stakeholders.

“It ensures your advertisers, customers and communities that you are providing them a quality service,” Neegan said.

The Constance Lake band member has previously been employed with a wide variety of companies, organizations and communities, including most recently at Northern Nishnawbe Education Council where he was manager of technical services. He has also worked with Pikangikum, Wood Tech Group, Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area Management Board in Hamilton. During

his time at RBC, Neegan was employed as manager of personal banking in Thunder Bay. “I have always put my heart and soul into everything I have done,” Neegan said.

Neegan feels his background growing up on the land with his grandparents near Mattice, located along Highway 11 east of Hearst, provides him with a good perspective for leading Wawatay.

“My grandparents would spend hours talking about Wesakechak and his adventures,” Neegan said. “There’s one story that was shared with me about one of my greatgrandfathers from way back before contact.”

Neegan said the story involved his great-grandfather as a boy being so scared of a hairy creature that had wandered into the community while everyone else was away that he shot the creature with an arrow.

“Everyone came back into the village and he was as white as a ghost,” Neegan said. “All the men got together and they tracked this creature down for about a day and finally caught up to him. They found it sitting on a stump crying with an arrow in its leg.”

Neegan wants to focus on reviving the strong cultural component of northern Ontario’s First Nations people at Wawatay.

“That’s very important about who we are as a people,” Neegan said. “It’s very important to keep those stories alive.”

Neegan remembers spending most of his time as a youth canoeing, hunting, fishing and trapping along the Missinaibi River.

Brent Wesley/Wawatay News

David Neegan is Wawatay Native Communications Society’s new chief executive officer. Neegan, originally from Mattice near Hearst, Ont., lives in Sioux Lookout.

“We didn’t have computers or the TV,” Neegan said. “I would say about 95 per cent of my time, either summer, fall, winter or spring, I would be out in the bush.”

Neegan remembers going out into the bush while in Grade 5 and 6 to snare rabbits and hunt partridge for his grandparents to cook.

“In the summers I would

spend it on the river canoeing and fishing,” Neegan said.

“When I was a youth, I was taught how to canoe and how to navigate rapids and keep myself safe.”

Neegan also has a strong interest in astronomy that he developed while in university.

He studied political science at Lakehead University and community economic development

at the University of Guelph.

“I took a philosophy course that had to do with existentialism (individuals determine their own path through their own free will) and determinism (individuals have no free will and cannot be held morally responsible for their actions),” Neegan said. “I always believed that things are pre-determined in nature just because of way

we are constructed with atoms, electrons and so forth. It just grew from there.”

In addition to astronomy, trapping, hunting and canoeing, Neegan has a variety of other hobbies, including crosscountry skiing, weight lifting, running, golf, playing the guitar, reading, writing, world philosophy/religion, mythology and ancient history.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation 100 Back Street, Unit 200 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7J 1L2 For the complete consolidated financial statements visit www.nan.on.ca

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Wq[+ m= m?WA[] =R) ] BDO Dunwoody LLP 37 King Street Dryden, Ontario P8N 3G3

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT MARCH 31 2010 ASSETS CURRENT Cash and bank Accounts and grants receivable Prepaid expenses

$

Long-term investments Capital assets $

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS CURRENT Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred contributions

$

3,270,994 2,015,513 103,576

2009

$

3,903,334 1,772,565 35,631

5,390,083

5,711,530

1 409,869

1 383,956

5,799,953

4,500,393 576,001

$

$

383,956 1 108,223 179,605

723,559

671,785

5,799,953

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.

5,423,702

409,869 1 108,323 205,366

$

Booshoo! Wacheya!

We have audited the statement of financial position of Nishnawbe Ask Nation as at March 31, 2010 and the statements of changes in net assets, revenue and expenditures and changes in financial position for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the organization’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

4,542,421 881,281

5,076,394 NET ASSETS Investment in capital assets Investment in Nishnawbe-Aski Investments Ltd. Restricted assets Unrestricted net assets

To the Members of Nishnawbe Aski Nation

6,095,487

$

Message from the Grand Chief

Auditors’ Report

In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the organization as at March 31, 2010 and the results of its operations and changes in financial position for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

I am very pleased to present to you the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Summarized Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ending March 31, 2010.

As Grand Chief, I believe in transparency and accountability to NAN’s membership by the NAN organization.

The 2009/2010 fiscal year was very busy as there were a number of NAN Chief’s Assemblies, including the Annual Keewaywin Conference in the summer of 2009 in Chapleau Cree First Nation. There was also an election for NAN which saw two new Deputy Grand Chiefs added to the NAN Executive Council – Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin and Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit. Also in 2009, NAN began preparation for the 100 year commemoration of the Adhesion to Treaty No. 5 which took place in the summer of 2010.

We look forward to a productive and prosperous New Year.

Meegwetch!

Sincerely NISHNAWBE ASKI NATION

6,095,487

Grand Chief

Executive Director

Chartered Accountants, Licenced Public Accountants Dryden Ontario May 21, 2010

Stan Beardy, Grand Chief

Finance Director

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010

STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2009 2010

2009

Budget

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES Excess of revenue over expeditures for the year Items not involving cash Amortization of capital assets Loss on disposal of capital assets

$

Changes in non-cash working capital balances Accounts and grants receivable Prepaid expenses Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred contributions

INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of capital assets

51,744

$

127,560 -

222,022

189,384

(242,948) (67,945) (42,028) (305,280)

(122,558) (28,873) 866,999 (713,269)

(658,201)

2,299

(436,179)

191,683

(196,161)

(167,291)

-

(40,579) (119,874)

Decrease in cash during the the year

(632,340)

(136,061)

Cash And Bank, beginning of year

3,903,334

4,039,395

CASH AND BANK, end of year

$

3,270,994

REVENUE First Nations Institutions and Organizations Government of Canada Indian and Northern Affairs contributions and grants Indian and Northern Affairs flexible transfer payments Health Natural Resources Province of Ontario Attorney General Community and Youth Services Culture and Tourism Health Native Affairs Natural Resources Education Interest Amounts repayable (recoverable) to funders Other Transfers to Deferred Contributions

61,824

134,808 35,440

FINANCING ACTIVITIES Surplus recoveries Prior period adjustment

$

INVESTMENT IN NANIL

3,903,334

$

383,956

Correction of a prior period error

$

-

-

-

(119,874)

(119,874)

(119,874)

383,956

1

108,223

179,605

671,785

650,540

(170,248)

-

196,161

-

-

(196,161)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(40,579)

Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenditures for the year

$

Invested in capital assets Surplus recoveries BALANCE, end of year

$

409,869

$

1

1

$

$

$

108,223

100

108,323

$

$

$

299,479

221,922

205,366

$

$

$

791,659

51,774

723,559

$

$

$

770,414

61,824

671,785

$

543,998

2009 $

662,904

6,916,331

3,732,176

1,975,436 2,136,306 25,000

2,118,258 2,136,306 25,000

1,778,460 1,837,604 54,940

245,700 5,913,329 404,539 1,080,000 484,536 24,427 1,396,927 820,383

245,700 5,861,420 404,257 1,135,801 484,536 31,804 62,555 1,518,479 305,280

130,000 5,723,138 75,000 451,338 2,524,255 858,348 1,040 106,183 (152,647) 1,197,242 713,269

22,167,922

21,789,725

19,693,250

(8,810,593)

(8,928,541)

(6,168,511)

13,357,329

12,861,184

13,524,739

6,097 3,990,561 2,391,159 256,018 316,975 4,188,872 426,698 1,567,601 213,348

4,999 7,959 3,853,029 2,387,848 235,867 285,030 4,243,644 156,300 1,464,586 196,161

5,543 4,206,349 2,940,268 292,637 316,298 4,031,996 158,271 1,384,253 167,291

13,357,329

12,835,423

13,502,906

Excess of revenue over expenditures before other items

-

25,761

21,833

Other items Capital allocations Amortization of capital assets Loss on disposal of capital assets Revenue earned by restricted funds

-

196,161 (134,808) (35,440) 100

167,291 (127,560) 260

-

26,013

39,991

2009

BALANCE, beginning of year

Balance, beginning of year

$

2010

601,678

2010

7,059,661

PORTFOLIO EXPENDITURES Bad depts Bank charges and interest Conferences, workshops and reports Consulting and professional fees Public relations Rent and utilities Salaries and benefits Supplies and resources Travel Capital expenditures

TOTAL RESTRICTED UNRESTRICTED

$

Funds transferred for First Nations operations

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31 INVESTMENT IN CAPITAL ASSETS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2010

Excess of revenue over expenditures for the year

$

-

$

51,774

$

61,824

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Elected Officials and Senior Management The remuneration for the year of elected officials and senior management totaled $520,772 (2009 - $464,537). Amounts paid to elected officials and senior management for travel amounted to $83,331 (2009 - $107,518). The Grand Chief and Deputies are provided salaries of $99,000 and $93,000, (second term deputy) and $80,000, respectively plus 12% pay in lieu of vacation. Travel allowances include mileage reimbursed at $0.53 per kilometer and meals/incidentals at $66 per day. Specific salary, benefits and travel reimbursements were: Salary and Travel Benefits Reimbursements Grand Chief Stan Beardy

2010

2009

$ 110,776

$ 13,378

$ 124,154

$ 114,199

46,432

2,689

49,121

94,409

103,990

26,586

130,576

113,937

44,286

8,608

52,894

122,947

Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin (elected August 13, 2009)

55,828

6,732

62,560

-

Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit

55,828

4,104

59,932

-

103,632

21,234

124,866

126,563

Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler

(retired August 13, 2009)

Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose Deputy Grand Chief RoseAnne Archibald

(retired August 13, 2009)

(elected August 13, 2009)

Executive Director Flow Through Funding Agreements

The Organization receives funding for distribution to member First Nations and First Nation organizations for specific projects and initiatives. The First Nations and specific organizations report on the expenditure of these funds.

2010 2009 Total First Nation Allocations $8,928,541 $6,168,511

12

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

EDUCATION

Student successes hailed at FNSSP conference Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Ninety-two percent of Keewaytinook Internet High School students successfully passed their courses in the 2009-2010 school year.

While the KiHS is proud of its students’ successes to date, vice-principal Freda Kenny is aiming for higher success rates.

“We measure success by the number of students who would complete a full high school program (of) eight courses, so 52 per cent of our students right now are successful in obtaining those courses,” Kenny said Dec. 2 during the First Nation Student Success Program Conference. “If you translate those figures ... to a program of six courses, our success rate

jumps to a 75 per cent success rate, which we are quite proud of. But we want that rate to go much higher and that is one of the things we are currently working on.

“These are our successes and we are proud of them. But we recognize we have a long way to go as well.”

Kenny said literacy has always been one of the foundations of the KiHS program.

“Each of our students’ work is evaluated each day they come to school,” Kenny said. “Ten per cent of the grade is based on literacy. We evaluate spelling, punctuation, grammar and sentence structure. That is something we have stressed — we want our students to be able to express themselves with written language.”

The FNSSP is designed to improve literacy, numeracy and student retention, said Ron Marano, Nishnawbe Aski Nations’ FNSSP coordinator.

Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre, K-Net and NAN have been working together on the FNSSP. “We hired a literacy specialist, a numeracy specialist and a student retention specialist,” Marano said, explaining there are 24 communities involved in the FNSSP. “They try to help give resources and training to the teachers up north that are part of the project.”

The First Nation Student Success Program Conference was held Dec. 1-3 at the Prince Arthur Hotel in Thunder Bay with numerous presentations

including Developing Literacy in a First Nations Context; Evaluating Bilingual Learners; They are 14 and They Can’t Read Yet; High School Lessons Learned; Not Just Another Math Book!

(Jump Math); How We Can Use Assessment to Improve School Outcomes; Intermediate and Senior Level Assessments; Student Retention & Parental Involvement and Sharing Our Success.

Pelican Falls First Nations High School FNSSP teacher Desta Buswa stressed the importance of literacy in teaching students.

“We looked at our literacy results (in year one) and we went from a 50 per cent pass rate before FNSSP ... to a 37 per cent pass rate after a year of FNSSP,” Buswa said, explaining

that anytime a new initiative is implemented there could be an anticipated implementation drop. “That’s obviously not the direction we are aiming to go, so we asked what can we learn from that. What can we do differently?”

Buswa said Pelican Falls is now targeting their Grade 9 English classes to improve their students’ literacy skills so they will achieve better results in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.

“That literacy test is a test of Grade 9 completion, not a test of Grade 10 completion,” Buswa said. “That’s just when we do the test.”

Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre has developed a number of curriculum and student retention initiatives

under the FNSSP. “Our program has been extremely successful,” said Roy Morris, director of Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre.

“Our staff have been visiting communities, doing presentations and engaging teachers and principals and the communities.”

Morris said Kwayaciiwin has completed the school reviews and has engaged schools in developing their school improvement plans.

“Our program also identified resources to help them implement some of the recommendations that the school improvement plans identified,” Morris said. “We are trying to provide resources directly to the communities so they can use those resources for their needs.”

Kwayaciiwin curriculum reflects First Nation way of life Wawatay News

Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre’s curriculum reflects the way people live in the Sioux Lookout district’s 24 First Nation communities.

“It is culturally appropriate,” said Kwayaciiwin director Roy Morris, explaining Kwayaciiwin’s curriculum is different from the provincial curriculum.

“What we did with our curriculum planning is that we have expectations that are ... more

applicable to our northern communities.”

Morris said the curriculum focuses on the communities’ way of life, whether it is the mainstream way of living or the cultural way of living.

“We live a mixture of lifestyles,” Morris said. “You enjoy the benefits of modern living but at the same time we go out on the land and live off the land. So they are complementary in that sense.”

Morris said mainstream resources, supplies and food

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“We have to go out on the land in order to survive. So the curriculum reflects that.”

Kwayaciiwin’s curriculum was adopted as the official curriculum in the Sioux Lookout district in September.

“We have been implementing since seven years ago, but on a volunteer basis,” Morris said.

“But since the resolution from the chiefs saying it will be the official curriculum, we

“We have to go out on the land in order to survive. So the curriculum reflects that.”

– Roy Morris

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Morris said Kwayaciiwin has almost doubled its community visits since the chiefs’ resolution was passed.

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The Kwayaciiwin curriculum reflects and promotes the learning skills and grade level, subject-specific skills that are presented in the Ontario curriculum, with a year-long framework of units developed for kindergarten to Grade 6, he said.

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Wawatay News DECEMBER 23, 2010

13

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Education funding letting students down More funding won’t close education gap: INAC James Thom Wawatay News

First Nation education funding is like buying a car.

In the same way power windows or a remote car starter makes life easier but will cost more, so do second level education services on- and off-reserve students need to ensure their success says Murray Waboose.

“INAC (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) funds First Nation education like a basemodel of a car,” said Waboose, education manager for Matawa First Nation Management.

He said adding “extras” like speech language pathologists, psychologists and special education services all cost more.

“We don’t get funding for those services,” he said.

However, these are services available under the provincial school board system, explaining the funding gap between First Nation and provincial schools.

Recognized learning disabilities like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are funded as second-level services in the provincial system. But in the federal system, funding for specialists to work with ADHD students comes from the base funding, Waboose said.

“First Nations or their regional organizations have responsibility for managing and delivering education programs and services in schools on reserve,” said Geneviève Guibert, media relations officer with INAC. “INAC provides funding to First Nations for the provision of educational services based on a number of elements required to deliver those services rather than on a per capita basis.

“Funding is used for teachers’ salaries, instructional services, and student support services such as transportation, counseling, accommodation and financial assistance.

“Funding is also used for education management, curriculum and language development, teacher recruitment and retention strategies, engagement of parents and the community in education and for technological and other resources and supplies, including computers.”

However, Waboose said access to specialists is limited.

“Speech language patholo-

gists and other specialists, we have very little access to these services as First Nation educators,” he said.

It is not because schools don’t want them, they simply can’t afford such luxuries, he said.

Education funding for First Nations schools is capped at annual increases of two per cent.

Not at a time when these increases don’t keep up with inflation.

Terry Waboose, deputy grand chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, said a human rights case could open the door to improved funding levels, but at this time, it’s not being considered.

“Some people have looked at that,” he said. “But we are mostly looking at lobbying.”

Murray Waboose said it costs Matawa’s First Nations an average of about $11,800 to have a student enter the provincial system under tuition agreements with local Thunder Bay high schools. This amount covers only basic tuition services. Any extra services will cost more.

“INAC is telling our children they are not as important as other children in the provincial school system.”

– Goyce Kakegamic

By comparison, Northern Nishnawbe Education Council executive director Jennifer Manitowabi said per pupil funding rates at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School are $11,474. At Pelican Falls First Nations High School, the rate is $9,403.

On-reserve schools receive about $7,000 per student, said Goyce Kakegamic, Keewaytinook Okimakanak education coordinator.

However, Guibert said in 2009-2010, INAC’s total investments in First Nation elementary and secondary education equated to approximately $11,500 per eligible student.

“INAC invests (about) $1.4 billion annually for elementary and secondary education for about 118,000 First Nation students living on reserve,” Gilbert said. About 60 per cent of onreserve students attend school

in their communities.

Kakegamic said Aboriginal students are being let down by INAC nearly from the moment they walk into their First Nation community schools as five-yearolds.

Citing a 2001 study of Sioux Lookout-area First Nation students by the University of Western Ontario, 88 per cent of youth in Grades 2-8 were at least two grades behind the norm when they were tested.

“That’s shocking,” Kakegamic said.

The same study found 50 per cent of on-reserve students and 10-15 per cent of Aboriginal students in the provincial system met the criteria for special needs.

“We need to evaluate our educational programs,” Kakegamic said.

Students are dropping out because of their lack of success but they are not getting the help they need he said.

“Instead of just passing them on, we need to start looking for answers,” he said.

Manitowabi said her teachers aren’t able to access the same professional development programs as teachers in the provincial school boards.

“It is hard to find supply teachers to cover ... because the rate INAC pays supplies is about half of what the school boards pay,” she said.

When the provincial report cards were changes this summer, NNEC teachers weren’t given professional development to learn about the changes, she said.

“We’re being held accountable to the same documents but we’re not getting professional development for that,” she said. “We had to scramble to find professional development.

Often, it is not pre-thought out.

“It does affect the students. It trickles down to them.”

To compare the current federal system to that of the province is unfair, Murray Waboose said.

“It is hard to compete with the system that is very well funded,” he said. “If you want us to compete with the provincial schools for performance and on standardized tests, fund us and we will compete. If you want parallel results, you need parallel resources to be part of that process.”

The problem starts with on-

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Wawatay News file photo

First Nation educators are using less resources than their mainstream counterparts because of differences in funding formula’s between provincial and federal governments. First Nation education is a federal responsibility, while provinces oversee education for its residents. “It is hard to compete with the system that is very well funded,” Murray Waboose, education manager for Matawa First Nations, said. reserve funding levels, Waboose said.

“First Nation schools are given an allocation of band council funding,” Waboose explained. “There is not a distinction between elementary and high school funding levels.

It costs a lot more to operate a high school with specialized classes and classrooms.”

Guibert also said comparisons are unfair.

“Making direct comparisons between INAC’s funding and provincial funding is difficult because there are significant variations in per student spending,” she said.

“Comparisons need to take into account important differences such as geographic location of the school and its relative size, which are factors that determine how much funding a school receives.

“In addition, each level of government may account for education funding differently.

For example, the $1.4 billion for elementary/secondary education does not include what INAC also provides for band employee benefits (such as teachers’ pensions), for local government and administration, or for school construction, maintenance and operations.”

Under the provincial system, about 30 per cent more funds are allocated for high school than elementary school, Kake-

HD

gamic said.

The types of schools youth attend are also impacted by funding, Terry Waboose said.

He said students need access to gymnasiums and full libraries.

“These can’t be absorbed into the school for more teaching space or cut from plans to save costs in construction,” Terry Waboose said.

Kakegamic said he always encourages students to dream and strive for success.

“The unfortunate reality is for many students, it just remains a dream,” Kakegamic said.

“Each province has a minister of education who has a background in education. INAC just has a minister.

“I don’t think INAC is taking education seriously. INAC is telling our children they are not as important as other children in the provincial school system.”

The funding issues have left First Nation students in a position where Auditor General Sheila Fraser said in 2004 it will take 28 years for First Nation students to catch up to their non-Native counterparts.

That number may have grown even larger since, Kakegamic said.

Kakegamic said it goes beyond simple funding issues, calling it a policy issue that is holding First Nation students

back.

“The provincial government sees education as an investment in the youth,” Kakegamic, a former teacher, principal and education director, said. “INAC considers education as a cost.”

He said the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students won’t be closed until the discrepancy in funding is addressed.

Terry Waboose agrees.

“In order to close the gap, a major investment will have to be made,” he said. “It can’t just be a financial investment. There has to be growth and jobs and commitments to the future. The youth need to see they can participate in the future.”

Guibert said simply increasing funding for First Nation education without achieving greater comparability between band-operated and provincial school systems will not necessarily lead to comparable outcomes.

“Comparability is about making it possible for students to transition without academic penalty between First Nation and provincial schools,” she said. “It is also about enabling First Nations to deliver a quality education on par with publicly funded schools in the same province.

“The status quo will just grow the divide,” Terry Waboose said.

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14

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Panel to look at First Nation education Rick Garrick Wawatay News

The federal government and the Assembly of First Nations are creating a panel of experts to look at improving on-reserve education.

“This is a positive development that responds directly to what First Nations leaders, citizens and students have been calling for,” said National Chief Shawn Atleo. “We do not need or want a lengthy study. We need action now and, by working together as partners, we can ensure success for our learners, the youngest and fastest growing segment of the population.”

“For too long, education policy has been imposed on our people and it has failed.”

– Shawn Atleo

The panel will explore and advise on the development of options, including legislation to improve elementary and secondary education outcomes for First Nation children who live on-reserve.

“By working collaboratively we are taking the right steps towards providing First Nation students with the quality education they require for success,”

said Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister John Duncan. “The panel will travel across Canada to hear views and opinions on how best we can improve and reform the governance and accountability of the First Nation education system. I am confident that through this process, we will be able to make concrete and positive changes for First Nation students.”

The panel will engage First Nation leaders, parents, students, Elders, teachers, provinces and all those with an interest and a view on how to enhance the education system and outcomes of First Nation learners.

“Improving First Nation education is a top priority for First Nations leadership right across the country as affirmed at our assembly almost exactly one year ago,” Atleo said.

“We are pleased that the Government of Canada is committing to work with us and to focus on the fundamental improvements urgently needed that will support all of our children and generate hope and opportunity.”

Atleo said First Nation people have been leading the way since the 1970s in education policy and innovation focused on the success of the student.

“We know the importance of our language and culture and the critical role of our com-

munities and parents in the success of our children,” Atleo said. “This is an opportunity to bring forward these ideas and to consider with the Government of Canada a fundamental transformation in First Nation education.”

The panel will present a progress report to Duncan and Atleo following the engagement process, with the final report and recommendations to be delivered in mid-2011.

The appointment of members to the panel and details of the engagement activities will be made available early in 2011.

“Today, we have an opportunity to begin to look forward, to look towards affirming hope and opportunity for our children,” Atleo said.

“For too long, education policy has been imposed on our people and it has failed. The tragic history and legacy of the residential schools stands in vivid testimony.

“There is much difficult work ahead but I know that our people, our leaders and our educators are more than ready to meet the challenge.

“Our work begins right away and this will be an important area for discussion at our Special Chiefs Assembly next week.

I look forward to these discussions. This is about nothing less than a better future for First Nations and a stronger Canada for all Canadians.”

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

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RIGHT: Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School FNSSP teacher Kevin Kakegamic spoke about establishing partnerships with the Thunder Bay Public Library and the Lakehead Public Schools board during the First Nation Student Success Program Conference, held Dec. 1-3 at the Prince Arthur Hotel in Thunder Bay.

Toulouse calls for concrete education plan

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TOP: Matawa Learning Centre student Levi Yellowhead takes a break while studying at the new education centre in the Matawa First Nations building on Court Street in Thunder Bay.

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse is calling for a concrete plan to improve onreserve education, not just recommendations.

“We must replace an antiquated system of isolated and under-resourced schools with a systematic approach that links support, ensures capacity including the ability to plan and effectively manage this essential service – this basic right of our children to a good education,” Toulouse said Dec. 14 during a presentation on First Nations education challenges and opportunities to the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples.

“The way forward must be centered on our students, must

respect our rights, and must confirm a First Nation education system. Both of these elements are critical to achieving progress and to guarantee results for our students.”

The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples is currently undertaking a nation-wide study to examine potential strategies to reform primary and secondary education so that it can better support and improve the education outcomes of First Nations learners.

In his opening remarks, Toulouse stressed Canada’s recent endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is “an ideal springboard for bringing national and international attention to the fundamental treaty right that First Nation young people have to an equi-

table, quality education.”

Toulouse noted the Nov. 30 introduction of Bill C-599 by the Bloc Québécois, which calls for the development and implementation of a First Nations education-funding plan to replace the outdated formula currently used to fund First Nations schools.

AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo said Dec. 1 that First Nation education is currently funded under an outdated policy and practice and has been capped at only a two per cent increase for more than a decade.

The government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations announced Dec. 9 the creation of a panel of experts to lead engagement on First Nation elementary and secondary education.

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Wawatay News DECEMBER 23, 2010

NEWS

15

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

1JDL VQ

IN BRIEF

Moose Cree banks hopes on housing fund Moose Cree First Nation has signed on with the First Nations Market Housing Fund.

“The First Nations Market Housing Fund has provided us with an excellent opportunity for better housing along with the capacity development needed to sustain employment for our people,” said Moose Cree Chief Norm Hardisty.

“Our hats go off to the government of Canada and CMHC (Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation) in creating a partnership between Moose Cree First Nation and the fund. This partnership can only improve living conditions for the people

of Moose Cree and address the housing backlog we have experienced for decades.”

Moose Cree and Serpent River First Nation, which also signed on to the fund, will be using the fund to help community members buy or build homes on their reserves.

They will also offer members the chance to renovate their homes with access to loan financing on their communal lands.

“These communities are quite different in location, size and population, yet they are similar in their drive to strengthen their housing and

indeed their communities, with the support of the fund,” said John Beaucage, chairman of the First Nations Market Housing Fund. “This is further demonstration of the fund’s wide appeal to First Nations across Canada, including those in rural and remote locations.”

The First Nations Market Housing Fund was established by the Government of Canada through CMHC to give First Nation members greater access to housing loans on reserve and on settlement lands, where appropriate. The $300-million fund became operational in May 2008. –RG

NAPS officer commended for lifesaving assistance A Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service officer was honoured by the Municipality of Sioux Lookout for aiding a man in a medical emergency Nov. 17.

Const. William Michalchuk was at the Hidden Lake Landfill when he and the landfill attendant observed a man standing nearby showing signs of pain

and discomfort, according to the NAPS release.

Michalchuk began to assist the man by asking questions about what symptoms were being experienced. He lost consciousness while being transported to the hospital for assessment.

The quick actions of the

officer and landfill attendant resulted in the man’s recovery at the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre, according to police.

Matthew Stewardson, Public Works manager for the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, later presented Michalchuk with a letter of appreciation. –JT

30 new Aboriginal housing units to be built in Dryden The waiting list for affordable housing in Dryden will drop by 30 according to Dec. 2 announcement.

Eighteen units will be created in an existing building on Duke Street for Elders and singles or couples, while 12 new units will be constructed in new buildings and will be available for fami-

lies and singles or couples.

“This development will assist existing community members in their search for safe, affordable housing,” said Don McBain, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services executive director.

“Furthermore, the waiting list for housing in Dryden

maintained by the Kenora District Social Services Administration Board will be positively impacted without any cost to KDSSAB.” Construction will begin in the new year and will be ready for occupancy in stages through the summer and fall of 2011. – JT

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16

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

NAPS officers let down by lack of standards: NDP James Thom Wawatay News

There should be one standard for all police officers in the province, according to Timmins-James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson.

Bisson, speaking in the House of Commons about Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, said officers off-reserve follow strict regulations – standards which don’t apply on reserve.

“In the case of NishnawbeAski policing, I’m being told that the Police Services Act does not apply, which means to say that police officers are having to go into situations of domestic calls, as far as domestic disputes, into various investigations, where they have to be alone and don’t have to have a partner with them, as is mandated under the Police Services Act for municipal police forces or the Ontario Provincial Police,” Bisson said.

NAPS Sgt. Jackie George confirmed NAPS does not fall under the Police Services Act.

“The Police Services Act does not apply to First Nations Policing, it only applies to the Ontario Provincial Police or municipal police services,” George said. “The mission of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service is to provide a unique, effective, efficient and culturally appropriate service to all the people of the NishnawbeAski area that will promote harmonious and healthy communities.”

George is happy Bisson is working on behalf of NAPS raising concerns.

“It is very good to see the work being done by TimminsJames Bay MPP Gilles Bisson with regard to our officer safety concerns,” said NAPS Sgt. Jackie George.

Bisson said NAPS officers are being placed in vulnerable positions.

“I wonder why in a province as rich as Ontario, a province that puts itself out to be one of the best places in Canada to live, that we have a situation where people living on reserve

have one standard when it comes to the services provided by the province of Ontario and a second standard for everybody else living off reserve,” he said. “That is beyond me. We know that the fire code does not apply on reserve.

“Why is it that the life of a person living on reserve should be deemed any different than a person living off reserve? We have learned, certainly, from the Kashechewan fire that that should not be the case, and I call upon the government to make sure that we have the same standards applied to the citizens of Ontario no matter where they live.”

Bisson referred to a 2006 fire in a NAPS detachment that claimed the lives of two Kashechewan residents who were being held in custody.

In the past year, a commitment has been made to replace more than half the buildings in need of repairs.

These include Mattagami, Wunnumin Lake, Fort Severn, Cat Lake, Webequie, Peawa-

Wawatay News file photo

A NAPS is vehicle parked outside the Niska Inn in Fort Severn First Nation. Currently NAPS officers working in the community are living and working out of the hotel. A new NAPS building is under construction with expectations to be fully functional by March. nuck, Fort Albany, Kasabonika Lake and Sandy Lake.

Most of the detachments featured in the 2008 film Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service: A Sacred Calling have since been replaced.

The 18-minute documentary short film portrayed the deplorable working and living conditions of NAPS officers and detachments, resulting from an accumulation of severe provincial and federal

NATIONAL ®

funding shortages. It was written, produced and directed by then-Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief RoseAnne Archibald.

No one else spoke to the issue in the House of Commons.

BRIEFS

NWAC honours women, girls The Native Women’s Association of Canada honoured women and girls on Dec. 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

“The nation was profoundly affected by the senseless violence against these 14 women and we are proud to honour them this Monday,” said Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, NWAC’s president.

While NWAC honoured the 14 women murdered 21 years ago at the l’École Polytechnique de Montréal, the group also noted that Aboriginal women are three-and-a-half times more likely to experience violence and eight times more likely to be victims of spousal homicide than non-Aboriginal women.

Aboriginal women are also the most at-risk group in Canada for issues related to violence, and complex issues linked to intergenerational impacts of colonization and residential schools.

“The Assembly of First Nations is committed to working together with the federal, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous and women’s groups and organizations to develop a national action plan, focused on prevention, to end violence against all women in Canada,” said AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo.

“Ensuring collaboration with First Nations and the victims of

violence must be a priority for the federal government and all Canadians.

“This includes ensuring support for initiatives that work for our people, like Sisters in Spirit and other community-based efforts.”

AFN continues to advocate strongly for action that will ensure the safety of Indigenous women across Canada and support for the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women. In October, AFN joined the call by the Native Women’s Association of Canada for all levels of government to engage Indigenous and women’s groups on the development of a national action plan that would both support families of victims and address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women.

As of Dec. 6, there were about 600 missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls in Canada.

“There are now almost 600 unresolved cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in this country,” said AFN Women’s Council chairwoman Kathleen McHugh. “We will be persistent in our work to examine the root causes that put too many Indigenous women in vulnerable situations and to ensure government support for the initiatives and programs focused on public awareness and prevention.”

Minister for Status of Women

Rona Ambrose said ending violence against women should be the shared responsibility of all Canadians: government, citizens, police, the justice system, media, non-profit groups, the private sector and community organizations.

“The call to action must extend to men and boys, along with women and girls, if we are to achieve progress and lasting change,” Ambrose said in a Dec. 6 statement. “Men have the opportunity to be leaders in their communities and speak out against acts of violence that we find intolerable in Canada.”

Ambrose said Status of Women Canada has invested more than $30 million for projects to end violence against women and girls in communities across the country since 2007.

“We have increased penalties for violent crimes and introduced legislation that would increase penalties for the sexual abuse of children, ended house arrest for violent crimes, and taken action against human trafficking that results in the exploitation of women,” Ambrose said.

“We recently announced a strategy to address the alarming rate of missing and murdered Aboriginal women. The initiative will improve tools for law enforcement, enhance victims’ services and provide support for community-based public safety and awareness efforts.” –RG

INAC spends $40,000 in Europe Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare is wondering why Indian and Northern Affairs Canada spent more than $40,000 in Europe since 2006.

“They’re supposed to be representing our interests – we’re not aware of any First Nations in England,” Hare said. “We have plenty of funding problems in our own back yard. We don’t need INAC dollars spent in Europe.”

The Toronto Sun posted a story on its website (last updated Nov. 24) detailing INAC’s spending expenses of $12,409 for a trip to Belgium, $6,700 to the U.K, $11,459 for airfare to Norway and $15,560 to the Russian Federation.

Welland MP Malcolm Allen uncovered $125,384,600.67 in

hospitality spending over four years from 2006-2010 by INAC. “This is a government that has talked a lot about cutting waste in its departments, but these numbers don’t lie,” Allen said. “I’m shocked to see hard working Canadians having to pick up the bill for Conservatives to take their pals out.”

Hare called the expenses “jaw-dropping” at a time when First Nations education funding has been capped at two per cent for the past 13 years.

“Just keeping up with inflation and our growing population would require annual funding increases of 6.5 per cent,” Hare said. “This is discrimination against our young people.”

Hare said the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – which

Canada recently endorsed – says Indigenous peoples have the right to all levels and forms of education.

An INAC spokesperson said departmental employees travel internationally to advance Canada’s agenda at appearances before international bodies such as the United Nations, circumpolar meetings, ceremonies involving Aboriginal veterans and international meetings on Indigenous and northern issues.

“Consistent with Treasury Board policies, all travel expenses of senior officials (senior employees at the assistant deputy minister level and above) are reported quarterly on the department’s website,” said Geneviève Guibert, media relations public affairs INAC, in an e-mail reply.

Wawatay News DECEMBER 23, 2010

17

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

LU aiming to double Aboriginal students Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Lakehead University’s new president is aiming to double the number of Aboriginal students within the next 10 years.

“Right now we have more than 1,000 Aboriginal students — I’d like to double that amount of students at least,” said Brian Stevenson, the newly installed president and vicechancellor at Lakehead University. “One of the challenges we have in bringing more Aboriginal students to university is the high school dropout rate among Aboriginal students, which is very high.”

Stevenson is looking to develop a program to approach Aboriginal students in the fourth and fifth grades to engage them with the university so they aspire to go university.

“Once we have students who are in high school, we can recruit them for university at about the same rate as students in the general population,” Stevenson said. “The problem is

a lot of the students we could have recruited have already dropped out, so the first mission is to help the school system to help families with encouraging the students not to drop out of high school so they can aspire to go to university.”

Stevenson’s second challenge is to help adult students who have dropped out of high school but since completed their high school equivalency to attend university as adult learners.

Stevenson said his first goal is to set up a scholarship fund for both types of students similar to the Opportunity Fund at the University of Winnipeg, where he was a professor in the Faculty of Business and Economics and served as provost and vice-president (academic) from 2006-2010.

“So both of these kinds of students are going to be able to set up a scholarship fund,” Stevenson said. “They can see once they are in the fourth and the fifth and the sixth grade that there will be a scholarship in their name to go to university if they want to. And on the other

hand to help the adult students with the financial support that they need to come to university.”

Stevenson said the program at the University of Winnipeg brings students, starting with the fourth and fifth grades, onto the university campus to participate in activities during the summer and on weekends.

“For every year they participate in those programs and hand in their grades, there is a certain amount of money that is put in their name as a tuition fee credit when they go to university,” Stevenson said.

“So by the time they finish high school they could have one to two years of tuition fee already as a scholarship in their name because they have been participating with the university.”

Stevenson is also looking to develop an outreach program that encourages Aboriginal youth to “see the university as their own, to see it as a university they can aspire to be a part of.”

Stevenson said it is relatively

straightforward to bring students from Thunder Bay and the surrounding area to the university, but it is more challenging to reach students from further away.

“I’m working on a number of ideas to try to reach out to those students as much as we can with the resources we have,” Stevenson said. “Part of it will have to be through distance learning or telepresence systems that will help us engage the students.”

Field trips to the university may also be a possibility, Stevenson said.

“I’m going to be visiting a number of First Nation communities in the northwest over the next eight or 10 months and these are some of the questions I am going to ask,” Stevenson said.

“How is it that we can engage their youth in the university when they are younger and they are more impressionable so they begin to feel normal about university – that this is something they can achieve and they can do.”

Check out Wawatay’s

WINTER ROAD SPECIALS on page A 20

Former prime minister’s education project gets RBC boost Rick Garrick Wawatay News

The RBC is donating $300,000 to the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative to support the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship program and to encourage youth to stay in school.

“This innovative partnership will allow more Aboriginal students to have the opportunity to set long-term education and career goals,” said Paul Martin, founder of MAEI.

RBC’s funding will provide teacher training, program materials and development to current and new locations.

“We are proud to support MAEI and help provide Aboriginal students with the tools and resources they need to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in life,” said Shari Austin, vice-president and head, Corporate Citizenship at RBC. Students from Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School have been active participants in

MAEI, which was founded in 2006.

MAEI is operating in seven locations across Canada and plans to add six schools over the next three years.

The Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship program is designed to improve students’ proficiency in all subject areas including business, math, English, accounting, marketing and information technology.

Students learn how to create a product- or service-based business through the program,

which involves hands-on activities, guest speakers and mentors.

On-reserve Aboriginal students have a higher drop-out rate (60 per cent) for high school than non-Aboriginal Canadians (9.5 per cent), according to MAEI figures. Only nine per cent of Métis people, seven per cent of First Nations people and four per cent of Inuit people have obtained a university degree, compared to 23 per cent of non-Aboriginal Canadians.

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COMMUNITY YOUTH JUSTICE WORKER 1 Full-Time Position – Sioux Lookout Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (NALSC) is a unique legal services office that provides legal, paralegal and law-related services to the members of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN).

The Restorative Justice Program provides an alternative to the mainstream justice system which incorporates traditional Aboriginal cultural components. NALSC is seeking a Community Youth Justice Worker to service the communities of: Kingfisher Lake, Wunnumin Lake, Kasabonika, Wapekeka and Wawakapewin First Nations.

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• Educate, train all front-line workers in communities in CAC and actively seek their involvement in circle facilitations and meetings of the local justice committee.

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Closing Date: Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 5:00pm Eastern Please send resume and cover letter including three (3) references to: Celina Reitberger, Acting Executive Director Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation 86 South Cumberland Street Thunder Bay, ON P7B 2V3 Tel: 807-622-1413 Fax: 807-622-3024 Toll Free: 800-465-5581 Email: jrae@nanlegal.on.ca For more information and/or a copy of the job description, please contact Jocelyn Rae, Restorative Justice Assistant at 1-800-4655581 ext. 7081. Email applications are acceptable – send to jrae@ nanlegal.on.ca Please note: Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

18

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Shy-Anne still eligible for Juno Aboriginal Album of the Year James Thom Wawatay News

Shy-Anne Hovorka

Shy-Anne Hovorka has successfully appealed a Juno Awards committee decision to disqualify her album Pseudo from consideration for Aboriginal Album of the Year.

“It was the opinion of the screening committee that your album Pseudo does not fit into the Aboriginal Album of the Year category and must be disqualified,” Laura Bryan, senior coordinator of tickets and awards for the Junos wrote in a Dec. 1 email.

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Eligible music, includes traditional drumming, singing and “fusions of all genres of contemporary music that ... reflect the unique Aboriginal experience in Canada, by virtue of words or music.”

Hovorka was stunned to read the email.

“I didn’t understand their decision,” Hovorka, a Métis originally from the Red Lake area, said. “To say my content was not Aboriginal enough, it didn’t make sense to me. Other musicians with less Aboriginal content have not been disqualified and have in fact been nomi-

nated for the award.”

In response to her disqualification, Hovorka emailed a rebuttal.

“The song Fire is all based on the ancient Ojibwe prophecy of the eighth fire,” she said in an email. “The song Ancient Voices is a reflection of us losing our connection to spirit, land, and our culture. The song Can’t Change the World is a song dealing with all the things we are dealing with as Aboriginals, especially our youth.

It was my way of showing what needs to change here

in Canada in regards to our youth ... suicide, drugs, gangs, alcohol and politics.”

Hovorka wasn’t the only person upset by her disqualification.

When her fans found out, the Junos were flooded with emails and phone calls questioning the committee’s decision.

“It got a little out of hand,” she said. “I feel bad for the Juno people ... having to deal with that.”

The Juno nominations will come out in February. Given the issues she’s faced with just keeping herself eligible, Hovorka is not optimistic of her

chances to be nominated as a finalist for Aboriginal Album of the Year.

Having the decision reversed, Dec. 3, was just the first step.

There could be hundreds of nominees in the category and the judges may hold her to a higher standard if they remember the original disqualification.

They could easily not name the album a finalist, she said.

“I tell all my students they need to stand up for themselves and follow their dreams,” she said. “I wouldn’t be able to say that to them if I didn’t stand up for myself either.”

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Wawatay News DECEMBER 23, 2010

19

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

  

                                  

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

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

                                       Wawatay News file photo

The airport at Eabametoong First Nation.

Open house

Hello, I would like to introduce to you the Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) Ontario and speciÀcally, my role in North-Western Ontario.

CPA Ontario is a charitable organization that provides services to people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities across the province.

CPA Ontario has two northern-based Regional Service Coordinators. One coordinator, Darren Lillington, is based out of Thunder Bay and covers the surrounding region. I work in Sioux Lookout, covering Dryden, Kenora and their surrounding areas.

I have worked in the past with individuals with various disabilities. I have also worked in the area of mental health and with Child & Family Services for the last 15 years. I was born and raised in North-Western Ontario. I am Áuent in my First Nations language oji-cree. I am excited to now be working with people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities providing practical help, information, resources, and advocacy support.

Darren Lillington

Regional Service Coordinator (for North- Western Ontario)

Some common areas where people have asked for assistance from me include: housing, Ànancial help, health, sexuality, assistive devices, equipment and transportation. However, we are willing to work with you on any disability-related issue if you need support.

Another part of my role is to encourage and assist individuals in Ànding ways to live independently by helping them navigate through the system, advocate for change, and adjust to life with a disability. CPA Ontario provides consistent, holistic, individualized help, through telephone, e-mail, or in person. So, please do not hesitate to be in touch if you would like some assistance.

For Lydia Sherman please contact toll free 1-888-737-7195 or 807-737-7195 The days and hours of availability are: Monday – Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m..

For Darren Lillington in the Thunder Bay Region please contact toll free: 1-866-344-4159 or 807-344-3743, Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Meeg-wetch, Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Sgt. Jackie George was one of many people who attended Oshki-Pimache-O-Win’s annual Christmas open house Dec. 8 at the Centennial Square campus near Victoriaville Centre in Thunder Bay.

Lydia Sherman Regional Service Coordinator (for North- Western Ontario)

In Partnership with Wawatay Native Communications Society

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

WAWATAY NEWS presents

WINTER ROAD SPECIALS Purchases worth millions of dollars will be made during northern Ontario’s winter road season by first nations and first nation shoppers.

Promote your goods and services by taking advantage of specially discounted advertising prices in wawatay news!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL A SALES REPRESENTATIVE IN YOUR AREA TODAY! Saturn Magashazi

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minimum size of quarter page Offer ends April 1, 2011 HST applicable to all ads Not valid with any other offer

Issue Dates: January 6 January 20 February 13 February 17

March 3 March 17 March 31

saturnm@wawatay.on.ca Thunder Bay Bureau 2nd Floor Royal Bank Building Suite 202 Victoriaville Centre, 620 Victoria Ave. E Thunder Bay ON P7C 1A9 Ph: 807-344-3022 Fx: 807-344-3182 Toll Free: 1-888-575-2349

Meghan Kendall meghank@wawatay.on.ca Sioux Lookout Bureau P.O. Box 1180 Sioux Lookout ON P8T 1B7 Ph: 807-737-2951 Fx: 807-737-2263 Toll Free: 1-800-243-9059

Steve Elliot stevee@wawatay.on.ca Timmins Bureau 135 Pine Street South Timmins, ON, P4N 2K3 Ph: 705-360-4556 Fx: 705-360-1601 Toll Free: 1-877-929-2829

section B

December 23, 2010

from Wawatay Native Communications Society BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mike Metatawabin, president Nick Day, vice president Mike Hunter, treasurer Harvey Yesno, director Genevieve Kakekaspan, secretary Saul Fiddler, elder

Left to right: Mark Kakekagumick, Brent Wesley, Matthew Bradley, Evange Kanakakeesic, Grant Chisel, Meghan Kendall, Bill Morris, Jeff Hindy, Adreinne Fox, Kenina Kakekayash, David Neegan, Barney Turtle, Agnes Shakakeesic.

Not Present: Vicky Agnees, Lewis Wesley, Mike Dube, Victor Lyon, Bryan Phelan and Jerry Sawanis.

Left to right: Roxann Shapwaykeesic, Chris Kornacki, Saturn Magashazi, Joyce Hunter, Rick Garrick, Bryan Davis, James Thom.

we Left to right: George Witham, Craig Koostachin, Jules Spence, Trish Crawford, George Nakogee, Margaret Scott, Steve Elliot.

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Promoting literacy

submitted photo

Sioux Lookout Rexall Pharmacy and Pelican Falls First Nation High School’s Grade 11 Leadership Class partnered to promote the value of literacy continuing in the home, by buying one magazine or comic book, which was included in the December report card mail out.

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

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Little Drummer Boy – an Anishinabe Christmas tale Steve Fobister Sr. Special to Wawatay News

I have often been asked by non-Aboriginal friends how Aboriginal people long ago used to spend Christmas or what Christmas meant to them.

Most Indian reservations were located way up north in remote wilderness and often cut off from the rest of the world. What we knew about Christmas came through a Sony transistor radio powered by an Eveready battery.

The most popular radio station at the time was CKRC out of Winnipeg and the most famous radio announcer was a man by the name of Porky Sharp. He played all the Christmas carols you could ever want to hear.

My first introduction to Christmas was when my grandparents took me to the Hudson Bay store which was located on an island. I was fascinated to see a cardboard cut out Coca Cola advertisement, which pictured Santa helping himself to a pop from a refrigerator and being caught in the act by a little boy.

That was one of the old familiar paintings by Norman Rockwell, admired by everyone.

Coke or any soda was only 10 cents then.

I would go through the

Eaton’s Christmas catalogue for hours and long for the toys pictured there. We never did order anything from the catalogue. I guess, because we had very little use for money back then as we had all we needed living off the land.

We only bought certain provisions from the Hudson Bay store, like flour, tea and sugar.

Toys of any kind were not stocked by the Hudson Bay at the time and mostly we carved up our own toys from wood.

Bows and arrows were popular and little boats in the summer.

I had this thought – perhaps if I made a Christmas tree ...

Santa would bring all these things for me. That’s when I started collecting all the candy wrappers I could find to decorate my Christmas tree with.

I started sizing up our wood stove pipes and I couldn’t convince myself Santa would fit coming down through those little pipes. I figured he was a little too fat for them.

That’s when I decided to put my tree outside in the snow... just to make sure he would not miss it when he went by.

That Christmas Eve, I went to bed early assuming Santa would come soon and feeling really assured he would see my tree ... and leave all those presents for me!

Early the next morning, even

before I had breakfast, I headed outside to see what Santa put under my tree. Much to my disappointment, there was nothing there. I dug around the tree almost to the ground, figuring it may have been covered up by the snow. But no, there was nothing there. I was very disappointed and sat there crying, secretly hoping my grandmother would come out to the rescue.

But she didn’t and I think the cold got me before I finally, reluctantly, went inside. I was offered food to eat by my grandmother but I was too frustrated to swallow a bite.

My grandmother never said anything, not even to comfort my sadness or anger. I remember pestering her while she was sitting on the floor sewing. My grandfather was also working on something across from her and he paid no attention either.

My grandmother just made one comment, something in the order of, “What is wrong with this one?”

I cried and I cried and in the end I began to accept my tears were of no use. I began to simmer down and just sat watching what my grandmother was doing.

It was at that point my grandfather set aside his project (it was a snowshoe he was working on). “Are you finished,” he

asked? “Come here. Come on.”

Reluctantly, I went over to him. He told me to sit down.

“Let me tell a story,” he said.

A long time ago, there was this orphan boy who had no mother or father. He had no grandparents, nor any brothers and sisters. He lived in this certain village with people who looked after him. Orphans then were treasured by our people because they had favour with the Creator.

One day this little boy had a vision. There was a child to be born who would be the chief of all chiefs somewhere out there and he didn’t know exactly where, but all he knew was he was to go.

He told his chief and the Elders about his vision and that he had somehow been chosen by a spirit and powerful force to set in search of a baby who was to be great for all.

The Elders had already been foretold before the boy approached and they all knew he had to go.

So the boy went, not really knowing where he was going except that he would be guided by a certain star and a spirit.

He traveled for many days, through hills, bushes, crossing rivers, mountains and valleys.

It was not easy. There was this certain time he was faced with terrible weather. It was raining

and turned to a freezing rain.

He was very cold and he just couldn’t go on anymore. Finally he had to stop, very weak, hungry and frozen.

He started crying out to his mother and grandparents. He finally fell to his knees saying, “I give up.”

But after a few thoughts, he said, “No. I’m not going to die here, where I will be eaten.”

With the last of his energy, he crawled over to what he could make out up ahead was a stump, where a tree had fallen.

He could see a dry place underneath and he crawled in as far as he could.

He did not know how long he was in there when, all of sudden, he could feel someone touching him and heard a voice saying, “My grandchild, I found you.”

He could see a very beautiful woman, more beautiful than anyone can look like in this life.

He was so weak and halfasleep, but he knew he had been rescued and was now safe.

He could also sense there were two other young women standing outside.

Before he went to sleep he felt taken in the arms of these women, cuddling him and nursing him and singing him to sleep.

He didn’t know how long he slept. Coming awake, he could

still feel someone touch his face. He opened his eyes and there was a big bear licking him! He crawled so fast out of there, yelling and panicking! He ran off as fast as he could. Then, at a safe distance, he looked back.

A mother bear and her two cubs were standing by the tree as if they were waving at him.

Apparently, he had crawled into a bear den. What amazed him was that he was not tired anymore, or hungry and he continued his journey, his quest.

On his journey, he came to many nations and at times he thought this is where the search for the chief of chiefs or king of kings would end.

But no, his search always took him further on until he came to this certain village, a much bigger nation by a big lake, a lake so large he could see no land beyond. The chiefs and Elders came out to meet him as soon as they saw him.

“We were expecting you,” they told him. “Come sit with us by the fire.”

He noticed there were two other boys like him. The chiefs and elders said that one of the boys is to be chosen to cross this great lake and represent our nation to this newborn great leader.

See YOU page B20

Best wishes to you and your family on this festive season. Have a safe and happy holiday!

From everyone at the Native Nurses Entry Program

WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR NAPS Headquarters 309 Court St. South Thunder Bay, ON P7B 2Y1

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Elders enjoy breakfast, bowling in Sandy Lake Tom Terry Special to Wawatay News

More than 40 community Elders packed Sandy Lake’s Nishtum Head Start Centre for the Annual Elders Christmas Breakfast Dec. 7, complete with all the holiday decorations, games and gift-giving.

The community’s Home Care and Long Term Care program staff hosted the event, cooking a myriad of breakfast foods and overseeing the three hours of eating, activities and holiday cheer.

Program coordinator Donna Fiddler said Christmas events for the Elders have been celebrated annually for many years, but in recent years program staff have combined a number of separate events into the

Christmas breakfast.

Breakfast included pancakes, Anishinabe toast, fresh fruit, bacon, roast ham, sausage, fruit juices, and coffee and tea by the gallon. Leftovers were non-existent as staff finished their meals and everyone prepared plates to take home.

The heavy competition began after breakfast, with the tables cleared to the side and the bowling pins set.

Everyone had a go at taking down the plastic pins. Winners were rewarded with special prizes and hearty applause.

The Elders breakfast followed the chief and council’s Christmas radio address and a number of other activities as the ‘kick-off’ events for Sandy Lake’s 2010 Christmas season.

A packed schedule of holiday

events filled the entire month of December.

Both the Nishtum Head Start Centre and the Home Care and Long Term Care program are also preparing to celebrate related program improvements this year.

The Nishtum children’s program, located near the nursing station, will be moving into their brand new Children’s Centre in the new year.

Once that move is complete, the Home Care and Long Term Care programs will be moving into the old Nishtum facility, the site of this year’s Elders breakfast. Larger and better facilities for both programs will mean improved services and activities for Sandy’s most important residents – the Elders and children.

Tom Terry/Special to Wawatay News

ABOVE: Elder Ken Meekis displays his award-winning bowling technique to awed spectators at Sandy Lake’s Elders Christmas Breakfast Dec. 7.

TOP RIGHT: Folks at Sandy Lake’s Elders Christmas Breakfast eagerly chow down on some of the event’s fine foods.

Seated, from left, are Maida and Ken Meekis, Fabian Crowe, Maudi Meekis and Pauline Meekis.

RIGHT: Bowling champ Ken Meekis shows off his winnings, much to the delight of his wife, Maida.

LEFT: Sandy Lake Elder Annie Mamakeesic models the new hat she received from Santa at the community’s Elders breakfast held early in December.

The Lawyers and staff of Beamish MacKinnon would like to wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Our office will close at 12:00 noon on December 23rd and resume normal business hours on Monday, January 3, 2011.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Place Your Business Ad Here

1-800-2439059

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

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Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.

Thunder Bay Police Service

submitted photo

Three-year-old Wahbun Peters-Turtle is improving after numerous surgeries to deal with a brain tumour. The Pikangikum youth has been up agains the odds since he fell ill in February, yet he continues to persevere. He was nicknamed Lil’ Warrior for the strength he has shown.

Pikangikum youth recovering from brain cancer James Thom Wawatay News

The Lil’ Warrior could be much closer to home by Christmas.

Wahbun Peters-Turtle, a three-year-old from Pikangiklum, has been in and out of a London, Ont. hospital since the end of March.

He is battling a type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive type of brain tumour in humans. “We’re not sure of the date, but we’re hoping to be a lot closer to home soon,� said his father Vincent Turtle, from the hospital room Dec. 15. “It would be nice to be closer to home, so more people can come and visit my son, come and visit and support all of us.�

Wahbun was nicknamed the Lil’ Warrior because of the strength he’s displayed in the face of his situation.

His ordeal began in February when he fell ill.

He began having fevers, headaches and vomiting.

He was diagnosed in the community as having an ear infection, though in hindsight, each is a symptom of the cancer.

After several courses of antibiotics and no improvements, he was medivaced to Thunder Bay March 29.

That night and the following day, all his major organs were tested. “They basically tested him from head to toe,� Turtle said.

On March 31, doctors performed an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) on the youth’s head and discovered a tumour the size of a golf ball on the right side of his head. It was also creating pressure in his head.

He was airlifted to a London hospital so a specialist could perform emergency surgery, Turtle said. “It was so scary not knowing what was going to happen,�

Turtle said.

After a four and a half hour

procedure, in the wee hours of April 1, a portion of the tumour was removed.

He was discharged from the hospital April 9 with a follow-up MRI scheduled for April 15.

But, the youth soon fell ill again with the same symptoms he orginally had.

When the time came for his MRI, the doctors found the tumour had completely regrown and had actually increased in size to almost double its original size.

A portion of the tumour was once again removed during emergency surgery that day. “We couldn’t believe this was happening,� Turtle said. “We just wanted our son to be healthy.�

The doctors started Wahbun on a 60-week course of chemotherapy, which should be complete in August or September of next year.

Through the summer, Wahbun kept going into the hospital for tests.

The chemo was working and

the tumour was shrinking, Turtle said.

MRI results provided to the family Sept. 17 found more steady improvement. “It was nice to nice to hear some positive news,� his dad said.

With things improving, doctors were prepared to remove the entire tumour Oct. 18 during a seven-hour surgery.

But Wahbun fell ill prior to the surgery so it was postponed.

The surgery finally went ahead Dec. 6, two days after his third birthday. “He’s been recovering really well,� Turtle said. “He’s much more himself now.�

Turtle said he is unsure about his son’s prognosis going forward because of the type of cancer Wahbun has.

But for now, he’s enjoying every moment he can with his son.

God Cares for You

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.�

--Hebrews 1:1 and 2 May God bless you and your household this Christmas.

Your friends at

You can follow Wahbun’s recovery online at wahbunpetersturtle.myknet.org.

Ojibway Cree Cultural Centre 273 Third Avenue, Suite 204 Timmins, Ontario www.occc.ca

Wishing you peace and understanding for the New Year!

WRN is broadcast on 89.9 FM in Sioux Lookout and 106.7 FM in Timmins to 38 community-based affiliated radio stations.

WRN is also distributed nationally on Bell TV Channel 962.

May the Spirit of Christmas be with you and your family throughout this holiday season and into the New Year!

From the Board & Staff of Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre

Mayor, Council and Staff of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout extend Season’s Greetings to our friends and neighbours.

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Five Nations Energy Inc.

wishes everyone a very safe and happy Christmas season

May this New Year bring newly found prosperity and happiness!

De Beers Canada Victor Mine 310-119 Pine Street South, Timmins, ON P4N 2K3

The partners associates and staff at the law \rm of Racicot, Maisonneuve, Labelle, Gosselin wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

1- 705-264-2385.

Timmins ON

Seasons Greetings

Away in a manger, No crib for His bed The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky Looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay The cattle are lowing The poor Baby wakes But little Lord Jesus No crying He makes I love Thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky And stay by my side, ‘Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever And love me I pray Bless all the dear children In Thy tender care And take us to heaven To live with Thee there

Davidson de Laplante Insurance Brokers Ltd.

100 Third Ave.Timmins

1- 800-461-7860

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KA-NA-CHI-HIH

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We wish you health, comfort, and prosperity this holiday season and for the New Year.

Season’s Greetings.

Toll Free: 1-888-863-1560 Phone: (807)623-5577 Fax: (807)623-5588 E-mail: info@kanachihih.ca

Head OfÀce: 100 Anemki Drive, Suite 102 Fort WIlliam Fist Nation, Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1A5

Mission Statement: In keeping with the sacred teachings of the Creator, Ka-Na-Chi-Hih will provide a nurturing and supportive environment for First Nation Youth who are embarking on their Healing Journey to Wellness of Body, Heart, Mind, and Spirit

JOY TO THE WORLD

AWAY IN A MANGER

Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled” Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem” Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ by highest heav’n adored Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come Offspring of a Virgin’s womb Veiled in flesh the Godhead see Hail the incarnate Deity Pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings Ris’n with healing in His wings Mild He lays His glory by Born that man no more may die Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”

GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN God rest ye merry, gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember, Christ, our Saviour Was born on Christmas day To save us all from Satan’s power When we were gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy In Bethlehem, in Israel, This blessed Babe was born And laid within a manger Upon this blessed morn The which His Mother Mary Did nothing take in scorn O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy From God our Heavenly Father A blessed Angel came; And unto certain Shepherds Brought tidings of the same: How that in Bethlehem was born The Son of God by Name.

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy “Fear not then,” said the Angel, “Let nothing you affright, This day is born a Saviour Of a pure Virgin bright, To free all those who trust in Him From Satan’s power and might.”

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy The shepherds at those tidings Rejoiced much in mind, And left their flocks a-feeding In tempest, storm and wind: And went to Bethlehem straightway The Son of God to find.

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy And when they came to Bethlehem Where our dear Saviour lay, They found Him in a manger, Where oxen feed on hay; His Mother Mary kneeling down, Unto the Lord did pray.

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All other doth deface.

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love.

IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold: “Peace on the earth, goodwill to men From heavens all gracious King!”

The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come, With peaceful wings unfurled; And still their heavenly music floats O’er all the weary world: Above its sad and lowly plains They bend on hovering wing, And ever o’er its Babel sounds The blessed angels sing.

O ye beneath life’s crushing load, Whose forms are bending low, Who toil along the climbing way With painful steps and slow; Look now, for glad and golden hours Come swiftly on the wing; Oh rest beside the weary road And hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on, By prophets seen of old, When with the ever-circling years Shall come the time foretold, When the new heaven and earth shall own The Prince of Peace, their King, And the whole world send back the song Which now the angels sing.

SILENT NIGHT RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER Rudolph the red nose reindeer, had a very shiny nose, and if you ever saw it, you would even say it glowed.

All of the other reindeer, used to laugh and call him names.

They never let poor Rudolph, join in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say: “Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”

Then all the reindeer loved him, as they shouted out with glee: “Rudoph the Red Nose Reindeer, you’ll go down in history!”

Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Saviour is born Christ, the Saviour is born Silent night, holy night Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Wawatay News

THE FIRST NOEL The First Noel, the Angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay In fields where they lay keeping their sheep On a cold winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star Shining in the East beyond them far And to the earth it gave great light And so it continued both day and night.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star Three Wise men came from country far To seek for a King was their intent And to follow the star wherever it went.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;er Bethlehem it took its rest And there it did both Pause and stay Right oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;er the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men three Full reverently upon their knee And offered there in His presence Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord That hath made Heaven and earth of nought And with his blood mankind has bought.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Where the treetops glisten, and children listen To hear sleigh bells in the snow I'm dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white I'm dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white

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LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love O morning stars together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God the King And Peace to men on earth How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven.

No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us, we pray Cast out our sin and enter in Be born to us today We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell O come to us, abide with us Our Lord Emmanuel

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL O Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

WHITE CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 23, 2010

O Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all that hear in heaven Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holy word.

Give to our Father glory in the Highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Let There Be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me.

Let There Be Peace on Earth, the peace that was meant to be!

With God as our Father, brothers all are we.

Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me.

Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry breath I take, let this be my solemn vow; To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally!

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!

Wishing you all the happiness of the season and peace and prosperity in the New Year From Mayor, Council and Staff of the Township of Pickle Lake

Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board

WE THREE KINGS OF ORIENT ARE

Wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2011

We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy Perfect Light Born a King on Bethlehemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plain Gold I bring to crown Him again King forever, ceasing never Over us all to rein

Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season and all the best in 2011

O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to Thy perfect light Frankincense to offer have I Incense owns a Deity nigh Prayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;r and praising, all men raising Worship Him, God most high O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to Thy perfect light Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume Breathes of life of gathering gloom Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying Sealed in the stone-cold tomb O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to Thy perfect light Glorious now behold Him arise King and God and Sacrifice Alleluia, Alleluia Earth to heavâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n replies O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding

SIOUX LOOKOUT FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY

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Wishing you and your family a joyous Holiday Season and all the best in 2011 ~Sioux Lookout Firststt Nation Nations ns H Health ealth A Authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uthority s boar board members and staff~ w w w. s l f n h a . c o m

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Wawatay News

Letters to

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Santa Dear Santa,

Dear Santa, For christmas 2010 i was a DSI XL and a nerd stampeed / nerf long strike gun, i also want the Robin costumes, and the shreder costume from ninja turtles. thats all i want .

THANK YOU !

MERRY CHRISTMAS SANTA ! FROM KASHUIS i love you santa!

HO HO HO ! kashuis condo 5 years old

I have prayed for help, since you only come once a year, maybe this year you can help all the parents and communities with our drup problem!

All I want for christmas is a set of happy parents! Sober guiding grandparents! understanding siblings! warm fed pets! good grades and happiness for all the children of the North!!!

God Bless you Santa and everyone!!

Alotta Hurtz Same as every other Community

Dear Santa, Hi, my name is Wahbun Peters-Turtle and Ive been good this year. I wanted an Xbox360 with Kinect for Christmas. and a fur hat. and lots of other things, but what i really wanted the most is that, I could get better and be home for Christmas. I think that would’ve been just awesome, so everyone that misses me could’ve seen me. ok, tty next year from me, Lil’ Warrior aka Wahbun.

Wahbun Peters-Turtle Pikangikum, Ont.

Happy holidays

Wishing you and yours a New Year of health, happiness and prosperity

www.debeerscanada.com Moose cow and calf photographed near the Victor Mine site

Wawatay News

Christmas greetings from around the world Maori (New Zealand) Meri Kirihimete

Spain Feliz Navidad

United Arab Emirates I’d miilad said oua sana saida

Finland Hauskaa Joulua

Afghanistan De Christmas akhtar de bakhtawar au newai kal de mubarak sha

France Joyeux Noel

Antigua and Barbuda Merry Christmas

United Kingdom Happy Christmas, Nadolig Llawen (Wales)

Austria Frohe Weihnachten

Greenland Glædelig Jul, Juullimi Ukiortaassamilu Pilluarit

Belgium Zalig Kerstfeest

Greece Eftihismena Christougenna

Switzerland Fröhlichi Wiehnacht, Joyeux Noel

Haiti Jwaye Nwel

China Sheng Tan Kuai Loh Czech Republic Vesele Vanoce Germany Frohliche Weihnachten Egypt Mboni Chrismen

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute Governing Council, Management & Staff wish you and yours a healthy, safe and wonderful Christmas Season

Italy Buon Natale Japan Merii Kurisumasu Philippines Maligayang Pasko Sweden God Jul Singapore Sheng Tan Kuai Loh Thailand Ewadee Pe-e Mai

Happy Holiday’s

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Annual Christmas craft fair attracts artisans, shoppers

Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Beaded moccasins and mitts were once again a major element of the 8th Annual Aboriginal Fine Art and Crafts Christmas Gift Show, held Dec. 8-11 at the Victoriaville Centre in Thunder Bay.

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

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ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

May the joy and spirit of this festive season fill your hearts and homes with blessings and good tidings.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year NADF Board and Staff

Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

TOP: Three chiefs, Constance Lake’s Arthur Moore, Fort Albany’s Andrew Solomon and Chapleau Cree’s Keith Corston, check out crafts at the 8th Annual Aboriginal Fine Art and Crafts Christmas Gift Show during a break in the NAN Chiefs Dec. 7-9 meeting in Thunder Bay. LEFT: Wikwemikong’s Martina Osawamick displays a variety of porcupine quill and sweetgrass containers during the 8th Annual Aboriginal Fine Art and Crafts Christmas Gift Show, held by the Aboriginal Artworks Group of Northern Ontario Dec. 8-11 in Thunder Bay.

Although Richard Barkman couldn’t make it to the arts and craft show, his tamarack geese still made the flight down for the event.

Supporting the Success of Aboriginal Business • Loans • Equipment Leases • Grants • Business Counseling • Head Office: Head Office: 106 Centennial Square - 2nd Floor 106 Centennial Square - 2nd Floor Thunder Bay, ON Thunder P7E 1H3Bay, ON P7E 1H3 (T) 807-623-5397 (T) 807-623-5397 1-800-465-6821 1-800-465-6821 (F) 807-622-8271 (F) 807-622-8271

Timmins: Timmins: 251 Third Avenue - Suite 9 251 Third ON Avenue - Suite 9 Timmins, Timmins, P4N 1E2 ON P4N 1E2 (T) 705-268-3940 (T) 705-268-3940 1-800-461-9858 1-800-461-9858 (F) 705-268-4034 (F) 705-268-4034

Helping You and Your Business Since 1984.

Helping YouCommunity and Futures Your Business Since 1984.

Development Corporation www.nadf.org www.nadf.org

Wishing you all the best in 2011

Tikinagan Child & Family Services Wishes You, Your Family and Your Community

a Joyful Christmas Season

w w w. t i k i n a g an . org

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Little bundle Joyce Hunter/SEVEN Youth Media

Nishawbe Aski Nation Elder Greg Koostachin and Fort Albany member Kayci Edwards, 1, at the airport in Timmins.

Christmas trivia: Did you know?

The word Christmas originated as a compound meaning “Christ’s Mass”. It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038. «Cristes» is from Greek Christos and “mæsse» is from Latin missa (the holy mass).

In Greek, the letter (chi), is the first letter of Christ, and it, or the similar Roman letter X, has been used as an abbreviation for Christ since the mid-16th century.

[15] Hence, Xmas is sometimes used as an abbreviation for Christmas.

– Wikipedia

Season’s Greetings

From all of us at Ontario Power Generation.

Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in most countries of the world, even in many whose populations are mostly non-Christian. In some non-Christian countries, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (e.g. Hong Kong); in others, Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe the holiday.

Countries such as Japan and Korea, where Christmas is popular despite there being only a small number of Christians, have adopted many of the secular aspects of Christmas, such as gift-giving, decorations and Christmas trees.

Notable countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include People’s Republic of China, (excepting Hong Kong and Macao), Japan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Thailand, Nepal, Iran, Turkey and North Korea. Christmas celebrations around the world can vary markedly in form, reflecting differing cultural and national traditions.

-Wikipedia

opg.com

Christmas tree facts Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since about 1850.

May Peace, Joy, Hope & Happiness Be Yours During This Christmas Season From

Moose Cree First Nation

The tallest living Christmas tree is believed to be the 122foot, 91-year-old Douglas fir in the town of Woodinville, Washington.

Christmas trees generally take 6-8 years to mature.

Christmas trees are grown in all 50 U.S. states including Hawaii and Alaska.

98 percent of all Christmas trees in the U.S are grown on farms.

77 million Christmas trees are planted each year.

You should never burn your Christmas tree in the fireplace.

It can contribute to creosote buildup.

Other types of trees such as cherry and hawthorns were used as Christmas trees in the past.

Thomas Edison’s assistants came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas trees.

In the first week, a tree in your home will consume as much as a quart of water per day.

Tinsel was once banned by the U.S. government. Tinsel contained lead at one time, now it’s made of plastic.

Chief Norman Hardisty Jr. Deputy Chief Charlie Cheechoo Council & Staff

34 to 36 million Christmas trees are produced each year and 95 percent are shipped or sold directly from Christmas tree farms.

The best selling trees are Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, and White Pine. www.thehistoryofchristmas.com

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

Healthy Lifestyles Book Submissions welcome to promote culturally appropriate nutrition and life choices! Send us your teachings, legends, stories, artwork, traditional lifestyles and healthy recipes!

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Video Promotions Campaign will address Misiwe Minoyawin’s 5 target issues through awareness videos that will be available online and distributed across northwestern Ontario.

“Share your healthy holiday recipes with the Misiwe Minoyawin’s Healthy Lifestyles Book!

Looking for submissions for healthy Christmas meals and also the stories behind them! Have a safe and happy holidays!”

Submissions welcome! For more info or to submit to the Healthy Lifestyles Book contact: Chris Kornacki, Project Co-ordinator chrisk@wawatay.on.ca 807-344-3022 (phone) 1-888-575-2349 (toll free) 807-344-3182 (fax) Funding provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion through the Healthy Communities Fund

Ambassadors Of Health

Key Sharing Via Media

Campaign will select one representative for each of Misiwe Minoyawin’s 5 target issues. The Ambassadors will be available online in videos and forums to offer guidance to the youth and to promote a holistic healthy lifestyle.

Community driven healthy lifestyles awareness ads developed around Misiwe Minoyawin’s 5 target issues.

Ads will be judged and winners will be awarded prizes and used in Wawatay’s communication services!

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Annual Elder’s gathering brings friends and family online

submitted photo

More than a dozen sites took part in the annual Keewaytinook Okimakanak Elders Christmas gathering online Dec. 9. The gathering was streamed online allowing friends, neighbours and families to reconnect prior to the Christmas holidays.

Wishing all our Northern students a great Christmas vacation and time home with family.

Looking forward to your return in the New Year.

Queen Elizabeth District High School Bearskin Lake

Kasabonika

Muskrat Dam

Sandy Lake

Weagamow

Tara Hudson

Brandon Anderson

Kayla Beardy

Brittney Paisley Fiddler

Wabun Quequish

Keewaywin

North Spirit Lake

Kirsty Anishinabie

AtayaÀe Campbell

Jarrett McKay Cat Lake Kyra Oombash

KingÀsher Lake

Chantal Wesley

Gerald Aganash

Deer Lake

Chantal Beardy

Alicia Koostachin

Brandon Mamakwa

Lyanna Meekis

Kelsey Campbell

Osborne Kakepetum Slate Falls

Destiny Meekis

Gerald Bunting

Jordan Meekis

Latisha Crane

Brandon Rae

Deidre Desnomie

Trevor Thompson

Claudia Loon

Christina Mamakwa

Kyle Spence

Rhona Miles

Mishkeegogamang

Nicole Stoney

Delaney Kakekayskung

Sachigo Lake Kyla Barkman Samantha Barkman Christian Bruce Jake Bruce Kezia Harper Destiny Tait Geralynn Tait

Cheryl Thomas

Corey Masakeyash

Lovena Tait

Anthony Meekis

Jane Thomas

Tom Masakeyash

Eva Whiskeyjack

Shaun Meekis

Natasha Meekis Gunnar Moskotaywenene Ezekiel Schaerig Fort Severn:

Claudia Mamakwa Leah Mamakwa Michelle Singleton Andrew Suggashie Jamie Tait

Lesley Spence Randall Whiskeyjack Wapekeka Sasha Nothing Wawakapewin

Wunnumin Jocelyn Angees Roberta Mamakwa Thomas Mamakwa

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

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James Thom/Wawatay News

TOP: In Thunder Bay, retired teachers Jim and Mary Keesic sang Away in a Manger and Silent Night in Cree.

ABOVE: The Keesics sang from a Cree-translated book of Christmas carols.

RIGHT: Wesley McKay, KO Telemedicine scheduler, connects the sites for Keewaytinook Okimakanak’s Elders Christmas gathering online Dec. 9. submitted photo

FAR RIGHT: Santa Claus joined a group of Elders in Balmertown for the online gathering.

Overnight accomodation at the Landmark Inn with all out of town purchases

Carproof Available

H A P P Y N E W Y E A R! = )FxN? A %= = )&#

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Making Christmas ‘Our mother was an uncommon Cree woman who worked to learn things’ Gail Duiker Special to Wawatay News

During this special time We wish you, your family and loved ones Joy, happiness, and season’s greetings And Best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year From the Board of Directors and the staff of Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation Happy Holidays! htu bnixpnb

Happy Holidays!

Wawatay Offices will be closed from Friday, December 24th closing at 12:00 noon through to Monday, December 27th.

Reopening Wednesday, December 29th.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy New Year!

We will close doors on Friday, December 31st at 12:00 noon and reopen on Tuesday, January 4th, 2011.

See you in the new year!

Saturn Magashazi

Meghan Kendall

Steve Elliot

saturnm@wawatay.on.ca Thunder Bay Bureau 2nd Floor Royal Bank Building Suite 202 Victoriaville Centre, 620 Victoria Ave. E Thunder Bay ON P7C 1A9 Ph: 807-344-3022 Fx: 807-344-3182 Toll Free: 1-888-575-2349

meghank@wawatay.on.ca Sioux Lookout Bureau P.O. Box 1180 Sioux Lookout ON P8T 1B7 Ph: 807-737-2951 Fx: 807-737-2263 Toll Free: 1-800-243-9059

stevee@wawatay.on.ca Timmins Bureau 135 Pine Street South Timmins, ON, P4N 2K3 Ph: 705-360-4556 Fx: 705-360-1601 Toll Free: 1-877-929-2829

I

t seems like a lifetime ago and perhaps it was. In the 1950s, if our parents had to figure out things like money, they never talked about it. Indians worked where we could.

You could see them out there as we travelled in summer.

The men’s and women’s skin was turned to nut-brown as they worked in the sun. The women had their hair in bright scarves sometimes, working too. As you travelled across Alberta or Saskatchewan, you could see them. Men in summer, moving rocks with a prying pole or making hay stacks.

They were stringing barbed wire and making fences.

“Our bed would be set up by the window and on the floor with lots of wool blankets. Mostly, these blankets were made up with old wool coats cut into squares that made them warmer. Our mother was efficient.”

But we were no different than most Indian families on the reserve except that our parents travelled more and this is also another reason my sister, Bernie and I stayed in the convents.

On holidays, our parents came for us, most times. Travelling back in the car at night, the Saskatchewan fields stretched far off into a wide expanse.

Sometimes, a hill rose surprisingly in the flat land. It always seemed colder in Saskatchewan.

There were fewer houses then and so you travelled into the darkness. Before you got to a town, you could see its lights, fireflies. But if you awoke as the sun arose, you would know nothing is so beautiful as the

Saskatchewan prairie. Gold glinted off the cropped winter wheat. There was something steady to awake and hear your parents talking quietly.

If we got to the reserve at night, there was the edgy feeling of driving in and half-riding the rutted roads. Branches were so close that they scraped at the car. But it was daytime, when we came in so the reserve dogs came to outrun the car.

This one time, we came home for Christmas and that’s the time I want to tell you about.

We stayed at my Kokum’s house, a log cabin. It was there with the windows boarded up for she been gone already some years.

“Lyle. The coal-oil lamp and the blankets are in the box.”

My mother was practical in most ways. It didn’t take her long to get things set up in the cabin. Soon, we were in the cabin listening to dad’s axe cutting fire for the stove. And the coal oil lamp was lit and casting shadows while we covered up with blankets and waited for the fire.

In that time, darkness was heavy indigo blue. So the halo of light was our circle where we watched as our mother made sandwiches and waited for dad to fire up the wood stove.

Our bed would be set up by the window and on the floor with lots of wool blankets.

Mostly, these blankets were made up with old wool coats cut into squares that made them warmer. Our mother was efficient. She was also an uncommon Cree woman.

One time, she had decided she wanted a two-storey house on the reserve. She either ran out of money or there were no architectural plans and the men she hired didn’t know how to proceed. Either way, the wooden frame with the steeple stayed there for a long time.

Where had she learned to do things? It must have been when she had to leave school in Grade 3 to take care of her mother. There was a comfort in knowing how to do things well.

Wherever we went, there was a routine because the way that she took things from the grub box or the boxes of stuff. Dad was the one who was more outgoing. He was older and knew more of the world.

We were on the reserve that time at Christmas. Mom didn’t yet have a tree but had some garland strung up. It didn’t seem out of the ordinary.

Things were like that. Dad went out to snare rabbits and if we were quiet then we could go too. There was something about the way the way that the light made shadows and the free air.

Perhaps, it was freedom and it made it more difficult to leave when the time came for school.

“What are you learning?” dad would ask us. And Bernie and I would do our counting for him.

“Are you still the fastest runner?” he would ask my sister who was tall and could run fast.

“What kind of work do you do?” he would ask. And we would list the things we did, polishing shoes or washing stairs as these chores were the usual stuff for the little kids at the convent.

“Do you have time to play games?”

And then, we told him that we did Skip to Maloo and played ball sometimes.

“Well. It is good you are home with us. And maybe, we could have our own game of baseball for Christmas. ” Back at the cabin, there were a few boxes still under the bed back at the cabin. But no box that looked large enough to hold a baseball bat.

T

he next day, we asked about the baseball game.

“Tomorrow and if it’s nice then we will play baseball.”

“But we looked under the bed. And there is no bat in the boxes that are under the bed.”

Bernie said.

“That is okay. I will make a bat. I have a piece of wood picked out.” see next page

Wawatay News from previous page Dad laughed.

As it turned out, when it warmed up, dad brought out a piece of wood.

It wasn’t just like the kind that there was in the convent.

But it had roughly the same shape though it had whittle marks, one could see it could be a bat.

“Come on kids. Lets go make a diamond.”

So we were out there spreading wood chips on the home and first base, and finally on second and third. We trampled the snow down and then dad called. “Come on, Claudia.

Bring the ball out. It is time to play.”

When mom came out of the house, she was wearing dad’s extra parka. And she had on extra mittens. In her hand, there was something round.

It was a ball. She looked like she was serious and ready for baseball. Uncle Paul’s hat that he had given her was on her head and with the earflaps, she looked like one of the Air Force flyer guys we had seen in films at the school.

“Play ball.”

Dad sounded like it was a

serious game.

“Okay. I will be the pitcher and Gail you are on second and third. Bernie you can watch first.”

“Okay, Claudia, youre up. Go up, now. Over there.”

Mom walked to where dad was pointing. And then he said, “Okay let it fly.”

As he threw the ball, it didn’t go far and he had to go closer to really throw it.

“Okay now, nicimoose (girlfriend). Hit it!”

Mom had both hands on the bat and she hit it.

“Now run, Claudia. Run!” he said, pointing to first.

So she ran to first. And then, she turned and ran back to home base.

“Hey, no fair.” Bernie was yelling. ”Hey! Why you running that way? You got’ta run there and there?”

So mom holds up the bat and dad swings back just like it is a real ball and heavy. He come closer and throws the ball. Mom laughs and then she swings and hits the ball and runs to first and home. She does this a few times and all the while she is laughing.

Dad shrugs. “Well. Bernie.

B 17

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

DECEMBER 23, 2010

Seasons Greetings!

Your turn to bat.”

I could see that mom was watching as dad threw the ball and Bernie hit it. Then, we tagged Bernie out. Soon, the game was going like it was supposed to. But the ball was soft and didn’t go far.

We were eating supper later.

Dad asked, “So Claudia, how come you didn’t sew that ball of binder string into the ball, then?”

“Why, it could fly and then it could hit somebody in the head.

When you told me, you were going to hit it, I just put in an old rag.”

Our mom was like that, she was always thinking of things.

Both of them were like that.

They made things, made do.

Where our father came from a farming family, he knew certain skills.

Our mother was an uncommon Cree woman, she would work to learn how to do things that she did not know.

I did not figure out until years later that she had never (before that game) played baseball.

But even so, at that time both of them took the time to make a Christmas.

It was like that.

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B 18

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Gifts for KI

James Thom/Wawatay News

Aaron Kakepetum, left, RBC commercial account manager First Nation Banking, Gordon Keesic, RBC Dominion Securiies investment advisor, and Herb ZoBell, RBC senior account manager First Nation Banking, display some of the 443 gift boxes collected by the bank for youth under age 16 in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug. The bank’s Royal Eagles Ontario Gift Box Program has collected gifts for First Nation youth for the past nine years. The boxes were trucked by Gardewine to Pickle Lake where they were flown by Wasaya to the community for distribution Dec. 16.

photo courtesy of KI Telecom

More than 100 youth visited with Santa in Kitchenuhmaykoosib, Dec. 6. The youth also took photos home as keepsakes. Santa has been making appearances at all kinds of community functions.

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C

hristmas is a stressful time of the year. It has always been that way for me.

From the time I was a child I have more or less endured the coming and going of Christmas.

Back home in Attawapiskat in the 1980s when I was a kid, Christmas revolved around a lot of alcohol, drugs and general tragedy. My family did their best to make this time of the year happy but it was never easy.

On one hand there was all the hype about what we should be getting for Christmas in terms of the latest new toys and gadgets and this information came to us through the television and local store.

Like all the kids my age I put on a pasted smile and did my best to climb on the Christmas high express. But I also knew it was mostly just a bunch of baloney and the climax of this ride would be terrible. This is the time of the year when people use the excuse of Christmas to party hardy.

Sure, in many cases families get together around good food, they open gifts around the Christmas tree and some might head off to church. Still, for most kids on remote First Nations, this is a time of year that is a fantasy. It is not real.

The sentiments are thin and masking and most of the celebration has nothing to do with making little kids happy. It has to do with getting drunk and high.

I have seen too much tragedy at Christmas. People try to buy into this fake reality that somehow buying a lot of presents and giving and receiving them is going to make somebody happy. For many poverty-stricken families in First Nations, children end up disappointed because they did not get their dream gift. On top of that there is so much stress and

anxiety leading to Christmas day that most people seem to just end up running around in circles trying to figure out where the happy place is.

My experience has shown me that in communities and families that don’t have huge alcohol and drug abuse issues people squeeze by but still they have to deal with a lot of pressure in meeting all kinds of deadlines that mostly revolve around duty and spending money. Even the most sane people go kind of crazy this time of the year and spend more money than they have trying to keep up with everybody else and making somebody happy with a gift. In the worst case scenarios where communities and families are not functioning well, mostly due to poverty, alcohol and drugs this time of the year is dangerous and tragic.

Perhaps in many cases the best Christmas gift anyone could give their child would be to just take a break from all the insanity and honestly ask themselves if they have a problem with alcohol or drugs. Visit www.aa.org online and go to the link “Is A.A. For You?” and fill out their questionnaire to find out if you have a problem with alcohol or drugs.

If your honest answers show that you have a problem with alcohol or drugs then maybe the very best gift you could give yourself, your family and friends is to come out of denial and reach out for help.

You can start with your nearest alcoholics anonymous or narcotics anonymous group in your area or contact your local drug and alcohol addiction centre.

It is not hard to find since the information is in your local phone book or can be found through a quick search online.

Many First Nations have Native drug and alcohol abuse workers that you can talk to.

This could be your best Christmas ever or it could be another hellish merry go round.

I have paid an enormous cost to be able to give these words as a gift to you, so Merry Christmas. www.underthenorthernsky.com

visit us online at www.wawataynews.ca

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

B 19

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Entertain your kids by baking a new house (NC) â&#x20AC;&#x201C;The kids are out of school, at home, excited about the holiday season and full of energy. Instead of letting their enthusiasm get the best of you, funnel it in to some positive and artistic projects. Baking is one of the best ways to create some lasting (and messy) holiday memories with your kids.

Tie on the aprons, turn on the festive music and let the magic begin with â&#x20AC;&#x153;kid-friendlyâ&#x20AC;? holiday recipes that will inspire creativity and bring a smile to every family member. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A classic recipe to make with your kids during the holidays is a gingerbread house,â&#x20AC;? says Trish Magwood, chef and mother of three. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because the recipe is traditionally precarious, I have a great suggestion to keep spirits up (as well as the roof). By substituting a Rice Krispies Square mixture for the wall and roof, you can avoid caved-in houses and unhappy cooks!â&#x20AC;?

After the base is built, let the creativity flow and watch a fantasy house unfold with colour-

Rice Krispies Holiday House Ingredients 125 mL (1/2 cup) margarine or butter 500 g (2 pkg) (about 80) regular marshmallows or 10 cups miniature 5 mL (1 tsp) vanilla (optional) 3 L (12 cups) holiday Rice Krispies cereal Prepared frosting Gumdrops Candy coated milk chocolate pieces Red cinnamon candies Powdered sugar Candy sprinkles

ful decoration. You can find other creative holiday recipes like this one online at www. ricekrispies.ca.

Preparation: 1. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons margarine and 5 cups marshmallows and stir until completely melted. When marshmallows have melted, increase heat to medium and cook for

two minutes longer or until mixture starts to boil. Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla. Add 6 cups of cereal, stirring until well coated. Quickly press into 32 cm x 22 cm pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. While mixture is cooling repeat step one, pressing mixture evenly into a 40 cm x 26 cm pan lightly coated in cooking spray.

3. Assemble House: Turn

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the first pan of squares onto a foil lined tray with right side up. This will be the base of the house.

4. Cut the second pan of squares into six 12.5 cm x 9 cm rectangles while still in pan.

5. Remove the six cut pieces from the pan. Set aside the remainder of the mixture for chimney doors and windows.

6. Cut front and back walls.

Angle sharp knife from left side wall to centre of front side wall and cut off corners. Repeat cut back wall.

7. Preheat oven to low heat.

Place all cut pieces about 3 cm apart on a cookie sheet covered with cooking spray. Cook for 25 minutes. Remove from oven. Reshape pieces with knife or spatula. Cool completely.

Remove pieces from cookie sheet.

8. Generously pipe prepared frosting on each end of the side walls. Stand the front wall on the centre of the house base.

Attach right side wall. Then attach the back and left side

photo by Trish Magwood

walls.

9. To attach roof, place prepared frosting around the top edges of the front and back wall. Attach remaining pieces to form the roof. Use reserved pieces to make chimney, a door

and window. Use prepared frosting to attach pieces to house. Decorate with candy as desired. Use powdered sugar to resemble snow. www.newscanada.com

B 20

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

‘You are chosen’

Have a

From page B3

and Happy New Year! From Sandy Lake First Nation

The Council & Staff of Sandy Lake First Nation wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

CHIEF Adam Fiddler DEPUTY CHIEF Bart Meekis COUNCILLORS Russell Kakepetum Robert Kakegamic Harvey Kakegamic Joe Kakegamic Fabian Crow Allan Rae Dennis Kakegamic ELDERS COUNCIL John Kelly Fiddler Mary Linklater Saul Fiddler Katie Fiddler Jonas Fiddler YOUTH COUNCIL Kelly Morriseau Brennen Fiddler Lance Kakegamic Steffany Meekis Connery Beardy EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Joe C. Meekis FINANCE Delores Kakegamic Jeannie Monias Marlene Mawakeesic Chastain Fiddler HUMAN RESOURCES Eli Sawanas SUPPORT SERVICES Monias Fiddler Ken Goodwin Jr. Michelle Crow Ellen Rae Frankie Crowe Danny Linklater Lisa Meekis Kennedy Fiddler Roy Fiddler Daniel Kakegamic CUSTODIANS –FN OFFICE Kelly Anishinabie Joyce Goodman RADIO STATION Espit Crowe Roxanne Linklater WELFARE ADMINISTRATION David B. Fiddler Gabby Kakegamic Ann Meekis Iona Linklater Crystal Mandamin Marlon King Michael Meekis Lisa Rae JUSTICE PROGRAM Morris Fiddler Peter Goodman

Evangeline Meekis Ken M. Meekis HOUSING ADMINISTRATION Sam Fiddler Laurent David Valarie Fiddler Eddie Meekis LONG TERM CARE Frank Fiddler Mary Kakegamic Debbie Anishinabie Roberta Kakegamic Rita Meekis Lily Kakegamic Errol Kakegamic Elton Meekis Danny Harper Connie Kakepetum Jaqueline Fiddler Elton Crow Sandra Rae Ronnie Kakegamic SECURITY Charlie Linklater Ricky Rae Tammy Fiddler Terrance Meekis Chantal Crowe Margaret Kakepetum Chris Kakegamic Carlean Keno Gary Dixon Leslie Kakegamic Anne Meekis Michelle Kakegamic Richard Keno Lorianne Goodman POWER PLANT Bobby Kakegamic RECREATION Jamie M. Rae Chris Crow Frank G. Fiddler Norris Meekis CAPITAL PROJECTS Harry Meekis Karen Fiddler O+M Willy Stoney David Linklater Jamie Rae Clarence Rae Stuart Mamakeesic Peter Rae Irvin Kakegamic Noah Anishinabie Wilfred Fiddler Tommy Goodman Sarah Fiddler Percy Ballantyne John Goodman Elton Kakepetum WATER TREATMENT Jackie Rae

Alvin Meekis Claude McPherson Lance Kakegamic HEALTH ADMINISTRATION Joan Rae Ambrose Fiddler DENTAL ASSISTANT Ilean Linklater BRIGHTER FUTURES Cherish Kakegamic Bradley Fiddler WOLF SPIRIT/GIRL POWER Steffany Meekis CRISIS PROGRAM Lindsay Meekis Nancy Fiddler HOME CARE Donna Fiddler Dorothy Kakegamic Maria Harper Sharon Meekis HEALTH SUPPORT Charles Kakegamic Eliat Rae NURSING STATION Darlene Kakegamic Danielle Rae Sandra Meekis Harriet Fiddler David Kakegamic Greg Linklater Agnes Kakepetum April Kakepetum Yvonne Fiddler John Loonfoot Leonard Mamakeesic NISHTUM HEADSTART Caroline Kakepetum Denise Stoney Margaret Kakepetum Robert Linklater John Mawakeesic Annie Kakepetum Brandon Goodman TELEHEALTH Malissa Rae NNADAP Tina Rae Clovis Meekis FAS/HEALTHY BABIES Irene Goodwin Gail Anishinabe PRENATAL NUTRITION Rayanne Fiddler DIABETES PROJECT Mary Mamakeesic Gary Manoakeesic CHR Edith Kakepetum Connie Kakegamic

MENTAL HEALTH Jeff Meekis Sandra Day Maudie Meekis Moria Kakegamic CHILD WELLNESS Jennifer Meekis MATERNAL HEALTH Leslie Crowe Raven Fiddler HOUSING CREW David J. Fiddler J.R. Fiddler Michael Goodman Brian Crowe Vernon Mamakeesic Harry Rae Lonnie Fiddler Joe McKay Chris Ballantyne Danny Meekis Rex Mamakeesic Jim Kakegamic Chris Kakekaspan Larry Rae Harry Kakegamic Gerald Rae William Munroe Bello J. Kakegamic Darryl Crowe Michael Linklater Howard Mamakeesic Charlie Kakepetum Elijah Kakegamic Mike Kakegamic Fraser Meekis Chad Fiddler Ken Goodwin Melvin Kakegamic Salio Mamakeesic Fontaine Fiddler Jim Meekis Jackie Goodman Draper Anishinabie Ronald Kakepetum Nylan Meekis Scotty Fiddler Lambert Kakegamic Adrian Fiddler Kyle Goodwin Curran Fiddler Sanadius Jr. Fiddler Adam Fiddler Trevor Kakegamic Sandra Fiddler Tony Fiddler Harry Fiddler Morris Meekis Jamie Meekis Mitch Kakegamic Elaine Meekis Jackson Goodman

They were told that they would have to sing and drum before the people.

The boy thought to himself, “I can’t even sing, nor drum.

How ... how am I supposed to do that?”

He began to worry until he heard a voice saying, not to worry, that he is here to help him sing. He looked all around for where this voice was coming from until finally, he looked down and saw a turtle. “Who are you?” the boy asked. “I am your guidance and the spirit is within me,’’ the turtle said.

“Trust me.”

They were all taken to this powwow circle and all the dancers were gathering.

One of the other boys sang first. He sang a very good song and everyone danced to his song without missing a beat.

Then the next boy sang, and he was even better. Eagle whistles blew and people danced to his song until they could dance no more.

Wow, the boy thought, I can’t do that. However, his turn had come. He started singing and not really knowing how his song came. All the people just got up gathered around him because they were amazed by his song. His singing and drumming echoed throughout the forest and the animals stopped what they were doing, and they all came to him too. Many eagles were flying above.

After he finished, all the orcas, dolphins and whales in the big lake could be seen jumping out of the water. Then the Elder spoke.

“You are the chosen one to represent our nation. Tomorrow you will journey out there,” pointing out into the ocean.

The next day he was given a canoe. He started paddling until, in every direction, all he could see was water.

He paddled until he could do no more. He was too tired and sleepy to go on and he just collapsed inside the canoe.

The last thing he heard was the voice of the turtles telling him they would take over for him. And the sound of the whales and the orcas, they too were guarding him.

He slept until he was awakened by his canoe pounding on land. He got up and all he could see was sand.

The voice of the turtle came again, telling him he would have to travel at night and follow the brightest star.

He traveled many nights and met very strange tribes he had never met before. He was able to communicate with sign language which is universal for us all.

Then finally he came to this town. Something was very different about it. The light of the stars seem to shine to a certain place.

When he came there, he found it was a small place with people lined up holding all kinds of gifts.

He knew then he had found this child he had been sent to seek.

He wondered, “I have nothing to give?” Then when he got up to the door, the keeper asked him. “What nation do you represent?”

“The Turtle Island,” the boy said. “And what gifts do you bring for the newborn child?

You must have a gift for him to enter.”

Near to tears, the boy pleaded, saying that he had travelled the furthest to be here, and was sent by his nation to represent them.

Then the voice of a woman came from inside, saying to let the boy come in.

Nervously, he entered and saw a baby laying on a cushion of grass in a cradle.

Softly he spoke and said, “I have no gift that is fit for you, I’m just a poor boy too. All I have is my drum. Shall I play my drum for you?”

The baby looked intently at him and nodded. The boy played his best for him. Even the ox and lambs kept time with the beat of his drum. His drum could be heard throughout the land. When he finished, the baby smiled.

Then the boy picked a clump of grass that lined the cradle where the baby lay and said, “I will take this back to my people as proof I was here to honour you.”

The grass smelled sweet. To this day we burn sweetgrass for purification.

It seemed as if he could hear voices coming from the baby child.

“You are Anishnabe, children of Creation. You are blessed with a great land, to share forever. Your drums will speak and bring all nations together. Drum and sing always.”

“You see,” my grandfather said, “it is not about receiving, it is all about giving. Not just one day out of a year, but four seasons and 365 days a year.

“He who gives, brings about the greatest for all creation.

Many have lost sight of that reality. Look at the birds and animals, the lakes and rivers and streams. He is here all the time, he talks to us through the sound of winds and he is the breath of all things.”

“Grandfather,” I asked, “where is this baby now who was born to be king of all kings?” He touched my chest and said, “Here.”

“Yes,” he continues. “He became a man. You see, he never owned a home. He never had anything or luxury of any kind, he never held any high position, yet he healed the sick, he made the blind see and the crippled walked again.

“You can take all the kingdoms from every corner of the world and stack them all together, all the famous people that ever walked on earth. No one ... no one will ever equal the impact that this one little baby child had on us all. When he became a man, he died for all, they say, and he was buried in a borrowed grave through a pity of a friend.”

“What for, grandfather?”

“Because he spoke the truth, the truth was in him. So there could be a new beginning. That is the thrill of hope and the world to know he lives in everyone. That’s the spirit.”

I don’t know when my grandmother got up, but all of sudden I heard a noise and I turned to look.

My grandmother was walking towards me and in her arms was a little puppy.

“Here,” she said.

“Where did he come from?” I questioned.

“He was tied to your tree outside and we brought him in because he was cold.”

In a flash, I understood.

“He came, didn’t he?” I asked. “Santa Claus?”

My grandfather grinned, nodding his head.

I was the happiest kid on earth that day. The radio played on. I played my best for him, bah rom ba bom ra ba bom.

Then he smiled at me… On my drum… me and my drum...

To this day, I can hear the song that played at that moment. It was called The Little Drummer Boy. Yes, this was one version that I know from a Christmas ... long ago ... my time.

Awsa. Merry Christmas to all!

SECTION C

December 23, 2010 Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice since 1974

Food is life for Ryan Morris KI member working as head chef for Thunder Bay restaurant James Thom Wawatay News

When times were tough, the only thing that kept Ryan Morris going was his job in a kitchen.

“When I lost my aunt to cancer, I started drinking,” he said. “I didn’t know where my life was going. The only thing that kept me going was my job.”

Morris, a Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug band member, has channelled that drive and passion into a position as executive chef at Thunder Bay’s Ruby Moon Restaurant.

“I’ve always loved food, working with food,” Morris said during an evening in his honour where his recent promotion to executive chef was celebrated Dec. 6.

“It started when I was young. I watched my grandma fillet fish and prepare moose. I knew I would eventually work in a kitchen and find a career in food. I wanted to handle plates, multi-task and take responsibility.”

That’s exactly what he’s done at Ruby Moon, said owner Lori Paras.

“Ryan has such a high standard of work,” she said. “He has the passion and compassion for this job. I knew if someone didn’t show up or quit, I could count on Ryan to help me.”

Paras saw something special in Morris and began training him for greater responsibility early on.

“I started to teach him more skills ... and he was a natural,” she said. “If he watches you do something once, he can repeat it. The second time he repeats it, it is well done and the third time, he does it with his own flair and makes it special.”

Paras has now depends on Morris.

“I couldn’t run this restaurant without him,” she said.

While she sees the restaurant as a family legacy, because her own children are away working on their own careers, Ruby Moon could one day be Morris’.

“I could see myself leaving it to him

James Thom/Wawatay News

ABOVE: Kitchenuhmaykoosib’s Ryan Morris, right, is living his dream, working in the culinary field as executive chef for Ruby Moon Restaurant in Thunder Bay. BELOW: For an evening in his honour, Morris prepared a variety of food including these miniature pizza appetizers. one day,” she said, fighting off tears.

“He’s earned it, my respect, my admiration and my trust.”

Morris, 24, began his culinary career at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino in Minnesota, as a breakfast cook.

It was then, at age 20 that cooking was no longer a job for Morris.

“It was a career,” Morris, a father of three, said.

He would eventually move on to a new kitchen in Thunder Bay, serving a full menu at two restaurants out of one kitchen. He did that for three years in a Port Arthur establishment that later went under.

Needing a job to support his family, Morris applied for a job at Ruby Moon and starting working for Paras Feb. 13.

C2

Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

ᕑᐊᔭᐣ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑭᒋᓀᐣᑕᐣ ᑲᔭᓄᑲᑕᐠ ᒥᒋᒥᓂ ᑲᑭᔑᑌᐳᐨ ᒉᒥᐢ ᑕᐧᑦ ᐊᐧᐊᐧᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐃᐧᓇᐣ

ᑭᐡᐱᐣ ᑫᑯᐣ ᑲᓇᓇᑭᐡᑲᐠ ᑫᐅᒋ ᐊᔭᓂᒥᓭᐨ ᐅᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᕑᐊᔭᐣ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ, ᐊᒥᐦᐃᒪ ᐃᓀᑫ ᐁᐃᔑᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑎᓱᐨ ᐅᑕᓄᑭᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑲᒋᐸᑫᐧᐃᐧᓂᓂᐃᐧᐨ. ᐊᐱ ᑲᑭᐊᐧᓂᐦᐊᑭᐸᐣ ᐣᑐᓯᐢ ᑲᑭᓂᓯᑯᐸᐣ ᑲᔭᓂᒪᓂᐠ ᐊᑯᓯᐃᐧᓂ, ᐊᒥ ᑲᑐᑕᒪᐣ ᐁᑭᔭᓂᒪᐦᒋᒥᓂᑫᐧᔭᐣ, ᐃᑭᑐ. ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐣᑐᒋᑭᑫᑕᓯᐣ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑫᐃᓯᓭᐠ ᐣᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᐣ. ᒥᑕᐡ ᐃᑯ ᐁᑕ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐣᑕᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᑭᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑯᔭᐣ. ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ, ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐠ ᐅᐣᒋᑎᐯᐣᑕᑯᓯ, ᑭᒪᒋᑕᒪᓱ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐃᔑ ᑭᒋᓀᐣᑕᐠ ᐁᑐᑕᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐁᐃᓇᓄᑭᐨ ᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᓂᑲᓂᐱᒧᑐᐨ ᑭᔑᑌᐳᐃᐧᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑕᐣᑐᕑ ᐯ ᐅᑌᓇᐠ ᐃᐧᓯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᓂ. ᑲᐯᐦᐃ ᐣᑭᐱᓴᑭᑐᐣ ᒥᒋᑦ, ᐁᓄᒋᒥᒋᒣᔭᐣ, ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᐃᑭᑐ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑲᐅᓇᑯᔑᓂᐠ ᑲᑭᒪᑯᔐᐦᐊᑲᓄᐨ ᓄᑯᒥᑫ ᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᑭᐅᑕᐱᓇᑲᓄᐨ ᒋᓂᑲᓂᐡᑲᐠ

ᑭᔑᑌᐳᐃᐧᓂ ᒪᑯᔐᑭᔑᑲᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 6. ᐁᐧᑎ ᐱᑯ ᑲᐱᐅᐡᑲᑎᓯᔭᐣ ᐣᑭᐅᒋᒥᓀᐧᑕᐣ ᒥᒋᑦ ᐁᓄᒋᑐᔭᐣ. ᐁᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒪᑭᐸᐣ ᐊᑯ ᓄᑯᑦ ᐁᐅᔑᐦᐊᐨ ᑭᓄᔐᐣ ᒥᓇ ᒧᓱᐃᐧᔭᓯᓂ ᐁᐅᔑᑐᐨ. ᐣᑭᑭᑫᐣᑕᐣ ᑕᐡ ᐱᓂᐡ ᒋᔭᓂ ᐊᓄᑭᔭᐣ ᒋᐸᑫᐧᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᐅᐣᑎᓇᒪᐣ ᒥᒋᑦ ᑲᑕᓇᓄᑲᑌᐠ. ᐣᑭᐃᔑᓇᑕᐁᐧᑕᐣ ᐅᓇᑲᓇᐣ ᐁᐃᐧᓄᒋᑐᔭᐣ, ᒥᔑᓇᐧᔦᐠ ᒋᐱᒥᑐᑕᒪᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐱᑯ ᑲᐧᔭᐠ ᒋᐃᔑᓇᑯᑐᔭᐣ ᐣᑕᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ. ᒥᑕᐡ ᑌᐯᐧ ᑲᑐᑕᐠ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐧᓯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᑲᑕᓇᓄᑭᐨ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᑲᑎᐯᐣᑕᐠ ᓫᐊᕑᐃ ᐯᕑᐊᐢ. ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃ ᐅᓇᑯᑐᐣ ᐁᑭᒋᓀᐣᑕᐠ ᐅᑕᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ ᕑᐊᔭᐣ, ᐃᑭᑐ. ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᑯ ᐁᑭᒋᓀᐣᑕᐠ ᑲᐃᔑᐱᒥᑐᑕᐠ ᐅᑕᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ. ᐣᑭᐃᔑᑭᑫᐣᑕᐣ ᑲᔦ ᑭᐡᐱᐣ ᐁᑲ ᐊᐃᐧᔭ ᑲᐱᔭᓄᑭᐨ ᓇᐣᑕ ᑲᓄᑌᐳᓇᓄᑭᐨ, ᐣᑭᓇᒋᐸᐦᐃᐊᐧᓇ ᕑᐊᔭᐣ ᒋᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᔑᐨ. ᐯᕑᐊᐢ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᑭᓂᓯᑕᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧᐣ

ᒉᒥᐢ ᑕᐧᑦ/ ᐊᐧᐊᐧᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐃᐧᓇᐣ

ᕑᐊᔭᐣ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ

ᒪᐧᕑᐃᓱᐣ ᐁᑭᒋᓀᐣᑕᑯᓯᓂᐨ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᐱᐣ ᔐᒪᐠ ᐅᑭᔭᓂ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᐊᐧᐣ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᐃᓇᓄᑭᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᐱᒥᑐᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐧᓯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐠ. ᐣᑭᔭᓂᒪᐦᒋ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᐊᐧ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ

ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᑫᔭᓂᔑ ᑲᐡᑭᐦᐅᐨ, ᑌᐯᐧ ᑕᐡ ᐃᑯ ᒥᑐᓂ ᑭᓇᐦᐃ ᑲᑭᔭᓂᔑᐊᓄᓇᐠ ᒋᑐᑕᐠ, ᐃᑭᑐ. ᑭᐡᐱᐣ ᐯᔑᑲᐧ ᐁᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒥᐠ ᑫᑯᐣ ᑲᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ, ᒥᐱᑯ ᐁᑲᐡᑭᑐᑦ ᒋᔭᓂᑐᑕᐠ. ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᐊᐱ

ᑲᔭᓂᑐᑕᐠ, ᒥᑐᓂ ᐱᑯ ᐅᑲᐡᑭᑐᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᓂᐦᓴᐧ ᑲᔭᓂᑲᑫᐧᒋᑐᐨ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᑯ ᐅᑲᐡᑭᑐᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐅᒥᓄᓇᑯᑐᐣ ᑲᑐᑕᐠ. ᐯᕑᐊᐢ ᒥᑐᓂ ᐱᑯ ᐅᑕᐯᓂᒧᐣᑕᐊᐧᐣ ᐅᑕᓄᑭᓇᑲᓂᒪᐣ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᓱᐣ. ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐣᑕᑭᐅᒋ ᑲᐡᑭᑐᐣ ᓂᓀᑕ ᒋᐱᒧᑐᔭᐣ ᐅᐁᐧ ᐃᐧᓯᐃᐧᑲᒥᐠ ᑭᐡᐱᐣ ᐁᑲ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᔑᐸᐣ, ᐃᑭᑐ. ᐅ ᑎ ᔑ ᑲ ᓇ ᐊ ᐧ ᐸ ᑕ ᐣ ᐃᐧᓯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᓂ ᑲᐱᒧᑐᐨ ᐅᐊᐧᑯᒪᑲᓂᐠ ᐁᑭᐅᒋ ᐊᓂᑫᓇᑲᑕᒪᐃᐧᐨ, ᐅᑕᐊᐧᔑᔑᒪᐣ ᓂᑲᑌ ᐊᔭᐊᐧᐣ ᐸᑲᐣ ᐁᑕᓇᓄᑭᓂᐨ, ᔕᑯᐨ ᑕᑭᐃᔑᓇᑲᐧᓂ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᐯᔑᑲᐧ ᑭᔑᑲᓂᐠ ᒋᔭᓂᑌᐯᐣᑕᐠ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᐃᐧᓯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᓂ. ᐣᑎᔑᐊᐧᐸᐣᑕᐣ ᐃᑯ ᐯᔑᑲᐧ ᑭᔑᑲᐠ ᒋᓇᑲᑕᒪᐊᐧᐠ, ᐃᑭᑐ, ᐁᒧᔑᐦᐅᐨ. ᐊᓂᐡ ᑭᔭᓂᑌᐱᓇᒪᓱ, ᐁᑭᑌᓂᒪᐠ, ᐁᑭᒋᓀᓂᒪᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐁᑌᐸᑫᓂᒪᐠ. ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ, 24 ᑕᓱᔭᑭᐃᐧᓀ, ᑭᒪᒋᑕ ᑭᔑᑌᐳᐃᐧ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᓂ ᐁᐧᑎ ᑯᕑᐊᐣᐟ ᐸᐧᕑᑎᐨ ᓫᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓇ

ᑲᓯᓄ ᒪᓂᓱᑕ ᑭᒋᒧᑯᒪᐣᐊᐦᑭᐠ, ᓂᐢᑕᑦ ᑭᐃᓇᓄᑭ ᐁᑭ ᑭᔐᐸᓀᑫᐧ ᑭᔑᑌᐳᐃᐧᓂᓂᐃᐧᐨ. ᒥᑕᐡ ᐊᐱ ᐅᐁᐧ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 20 ᑲᑕᓱᔭᑭᐃᐧᓀᐸᐣ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᑯ ᐁᑕ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐃᔑᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᑕᐠ ᑲᑭᔑᑌᐳᐃᐧᐊᓄᑭᐨ. ᒥᐦᐅᐁᐧ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᒥᓀᐧᐣᑕᒪᐣ ᐁᑐᑕᒪᐣ, ᐃᑭᑐ, ᓂᐦᓱᐊᐧᐣ ᐅᓂᒐᓂᓴᐣ. ᐱᓂᐡ ᑭᔭᓂᐃᓯᓭᓂ ᒋᐊᐣᑕᓄᑭᐨ ᒋᑕᔑᑲᑌᐳᐨ ᐃᒪ ᑕᐣᑕᕑ ᐯ, ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᐱᑯ ᑲᐃᓇᐣᒋᑲᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᐃᔑᑲᑌᐳᐨᐃᒪ ᓂᔑᐣ ᐃᐧᓯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᐃᒪ ᐯᔑᐠ ᒋᐸᑫᐧᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐠ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᐡ ᓂᐦᓱᔭᑭ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑭᐱᒥᑐᑕᑦ ᐃᒪ ᐸᐧᕑᐟ ᐊᕑᑎᕑ ᐱᓂᐡ ᐊᐱᐣ ᑲᑭᔭᓂᐳᑯᐡᑲᒪᑲᑭᐸᐣ. ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᑭᓇᓇᑕᐊᐧᓄᑭ ᐃᒪ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᓄᑯᑦ ᑲᑕᓇᓄᑭᐨ ᐁᐃᐧᐅᒋ ᐱᒪᒋᐦᐊᐨ ᐅᑎᐯᓂᒪᑲᓇᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᐡ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑭᔐᐱᓯᑦ 13 ᑲᐃᓇᑭᓱᓂᐨ ᐊᐱᐣ ᑲᑭᒪᑕᓄᑭᑕᒪᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᒣᐧᑲᐨ ᓄᑯᑦ ᑲᐅᑐᑭᒪᒥᐨ.

Information Centre Review of Kenogami Forest 2011 - 2012 Draft Contingency Plan The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), GreenForest Management Inc. (GFMI) and the Geraldton Area Natural Resources Committee (GANRAC) invite you to attend a public information centre to help us in the development of the 2011-2012 Contingency Plan for the Kenogami Forest.

The purpose of this notice is to ask you to review and comment on the planned areas for harvest, renewal and tending operations; the proposed corridors for new primary and branch roads; and the proposed operational road locations for the 1-year term of the plan.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is collecting comments and information regarding this contingency plan under the authority of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act to assist in making decisions and determining future public consultation needs. Comments and opinions will be kept on file for use during the operating term of the Contingency Plan and may be included in study documentation which is made available for public review.

How to Get Involved To facilitate your review, three information centres will be held at the following times and locations: January 10, 2011 Geraldton French Club 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

January 11, 2011 Terrace Bay Community Centre 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

January 12, 2011 Nakina Curling Club 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

The following information may be obtained at the information centre: • Summary of the Ministry of Natural Resources Regional Director endorsed Long-Term Management Direction for the 2011-21 Kenogami Forest FMP; and • Summary maps of: - Planned areas selected for harvest, renewal and tending operations; - New primary and branch road corridors and operational road boundaries; - Existing roads and access controls.

In addition, the following information will be available for inspection at the information centres: • Summary of public and Aboriginal consultation to date; • Silvicultural Ground Rules; • Conditions on regular operations and road use; • Compliance strategy and other monitoring programs; • Operational prescriptions for Areas of Concern.

To assist in your review and comment of the planned operations for the Kenogami Forest, other information and maps will be available at the information centre for you to examine, or can be obtained upon request. Values maps, with information such as fish and wildlife habitat features (e.g., lake trout lakes, heronries), parks and protected areas, tourism facilities as well as many other features on the Kenogami Forest are available on request. These maps will be useful for anyone with a general or specific interest in this management unit.

The draft Contingency Plan will be available for review and comment at the GFMI office and at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Nipigon District, Geraldton Area office, at the locations shown below, during normal office hours for a period of 30 days (from January 10, 2011 to February 9, 2011). Comments on the draft contingency plan for the Kenogami Forest must be received by Charlotte Bourdignon of the planning team at the Ministry of Natural Resources Geraldton Area Office, by February 9, 2011.

Meetings with representatives of the planning team and the local citizen’s committee can be requested at any time during the planning process. Reasonable opportunities to meet planning team members during non-business hours will be provided upon request. If you require more information or wish to discuss your interests and concerns with a planning team member, please contact one of the individuals listed below: Charlotte Bourdignon, R.P.F. Deanna Hoffman, R.P.F. Toni Moroz and Louis Garon Area Forester - Kenogami Forest Plan Author G.A.N.R.A.C. Ministry of Natural Resources GreenForest Management Inc. c/o Ministry of Natural Resources 208 Beamish Ave. W. Birchcrest Road 208 Beamish Ave. W. P.O. Box 640 P.O. Box 188 P.O. Box 640 Geraldton, ON P0T 1M0 Longlac, ON P0T 2A0 Geraldton, ON P0T 1M0 Tel.: 807-854-1826 Tel.: 807-876-9554 During the planning process there is an opportunity to make a written request to seek resolution of issues with the plan author, the Ministry of Natural Resources District Manager or the Regional Director using a process described in the Forest Management Planning Manual (2009).

Stay Involved The tentative scheduled date for submission of the final Contingency Plan is February 25, 2011. There will be one more formal opportunity for you to be involved during the Inspection of the Ministry of Natural Resources-Approved Contingency Plan, from March 16 to March 31, 2011.

If you would like to be added to a mailing list to be notified of public involvement opportunities, please contact Charlotte Bourdignon at 807-854-1826.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is collecting your personal information and comments under the authority of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. Any personal information you provide (address, name, telephone, etc.) will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, however, your comments will become part of the public consultation process and may be shared with the general public. Your personal information may be used by the Ministry of Natural Resources to send you further information related to this forest management planning exercise. If you have questions about the use of your personal information, please contact Peggy Bluth at 807-854-1829.

Renseignements en français : Doug Haldane, (807) 854-1824.

BDC’S FIRST-HAND ABORIGINAL EXPERTISE HELPS YOU GROW YOUR BUSINESS.

Cheryl K. Watson Aboriginal Banking Representative 204 983-3993 cheryl.watson@bdc.ca

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

Debbie Mishibinijima

Special to Wawatay News

Wunnumin Lake Elder Chris Cromarty was born at Big Trout Lake in the spring of 1937 to Eila and Isaac Cromarty. That is where he called home until he was eight years old.

He came from a large family of 11 children and two parents.

A few of his siblings died in the infant stage, unable to cope with the new diseases brought on by contact.

With the signing of the adhesion treaty in 1929, Cromarty’s father worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources, then known as Lands and Forests.

“After that treaty was signed, they surveyed and measured out trap lines or reserve boundaries,” said Cromarty.

Twenty sets of hockey equipment were recently donated to Marten Falls (Ogoki Post) First Nation through the DARE program.

Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service Const. Marc Beauparlant worked with KidzCanHelp.ca honourary chairman Peter Ing, a former Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman, and OPP Const.

Paul Harrison, also a former Leaf, to secure the equipment.

“I attend the school on a regular basis with my DARE presentations and many of the discussions with the children had focused on the long awaited arena and the opportunity to play hockey,” Beauparlant said.

“School attendance is a problem in Ogoki Post, to improve this I made a challenge to the children to attend classes and have a good attendance record, the reward for those who beat the challenge would be getting the donated hockey equipment so they could skate and play hockey. End result: this year’s attendance is significantly higher than last year and I can say that the promise of hockey equipment is a major reason.”

Part of the reason the students were so eager, Beauparlant said, is that the community’s new arena is scheduled to open any day now.

The equipment came from St. Catharines and was delivered by NAPS. “After speaking with Paul about the work Beauparlant was doing and the opportunities the arena presented the community, the team at KidzCanHelp.ca all agreed this was a great opportunity to help before the holidays,” Ing said.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) has been around since the early 1980s.

The DARE program gives kids the life skills they need to avoid involvement with drugs, gangs, and violence.

His father would be gone for long periods of time. There was always a sense of excitement and anticipation when he came home. A bonus for the family was the leftover groceries that MNR staff would give away.

“We always looked forward to that; whenever he came home, especially the cookies.”

Eventually, the family moved to a small mining town when his father began a job at Pickelcrow Gold Mine, just north of Pickle Lake, which became his home for many years.

When he looks back on his childhood, Cromarty saw a lot of religious practices, and not a lot of Indian traditions.

He remembers the freedom of being a carefree child, of being mischievous. The children would tease the goats that

DARE to make a difference

James Thom

Wawatay News

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“This year’s attendance is significantly higher than last year and I can say that the promise of hockey equipment is a major reason.”

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belonged to the church minister and the goats would chase them.

In the years 1945-1952 and 1952-56, he attended Indian residential school. For seven years, he was at Pelican Falls near Sioux Lookout. He spent another four years at Shingwauk near Sault Ste. Marie.

“I believe children are so precious. They have a purity of heart. They can show us how to love.”

– Chris Cromarty

Cromarty shared his story about going to residential

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school with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The commission is gathering stories of residential school survivors from across Canada.

Cromarty eventually graduated with a high school certificate.

Once a store manager, Cromarty ended up working in the health field by coincidence.

The health department was created at Wunnumin in 1987.

Seven years later, Cromarty found himself as acting health director.

He eventually became the first board chair of the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre when it was amalgamated in the late 1990s.

He worked in the area of health until his retirement.

Since retirement, Cromarty and his wife have focused their energies on foster parenting.

They currently have two children in their care.

Each Christmas, other foster children come home to celebrate life – a yearly event he looks forward to.

He reflects upon how young people are losing touch with the spiritual side of themselves.

He notes how the church pews have become devoid of children beyond the age of nine or 10 years old.

Unlike his childhood days when Indian traditions were rarely practiced, Cromarty sees a positive change with young people returning to the ancient traditional teachings. Some young adults are encouraged to take up powwow dancing to attain spirituality.

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Wawatay News

C3

Leader with a heart of purity, Cromarty keeping busy in retirement Josias Fiddler of Sandy Lake makes frequent visits to Wunnumin to bring traditional spiritual practices.

“They started drumming and dancing and sweat lodge,” Cromarty said. “Those that are taking it up are quite pleased with it.”

His one wish is for the future generations of children to be loved and cared for.

“The most important things I would like to see happen is we should be caring for them more closely. I believe children are so precious. They have a purity of heart. They can show us how to love – they draw that out of us.

We should care for our kids and not discard them.”

Cromarty keeps busy with helping his wife, caring for children and sharing history.

12/17/10 12:18 PM

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Dog sled, trapping adventures in Lac Seul

Jesse Terry/Special to Wawatay News

TOP LEFT: A group of Lac Seul youth taking part in a 20-week outdoor and job training program participate in dog sledding. Organized by Jesse Terry, the group was guided by Burton Penner of Borealis Sled Dog Adventures from Vermillion Bay. Penner took the group to his cabin to set traps. Joey Lac Seul, left, and Dylan Quezance, wait for the group to get started after a short break.

TOP RIGHT: Terrence Angeconeb, in back, Harry Quezance, seated, enjoy the ride on the frozen lake.

ART COMPETITION: $500 PRIZE FROM EACH CATEGORY

BOTTOM LEFT: Making their way along the frozen lake. The group is taking part in the first phase of a three phase program that involves land-based activities, job readiness training and a job placement. The group starts the next phase in January. Participants also learned to make snowshoes during the landbased activites phase (see next page for photos).

BOTTOM RIGHT: Sled dogs anxiously wait to get started as the group gets prepared for the run.

Boozhoo! The Ministry of the Attorney General is looking for local artists to submit artwork to be incorporated in the new Thunder Bay Consolidated Courthouse.

We are looking for submissions in 1 or all of the 4 categories: 1) Your interpretation of the meaning of justice. Our Elders Advisory Committee has suggested ‘Gagiigimigo’isiwi’ning’: “A place where; positive, constructive, direction is provided to guide people through their journey of life”.

2) Your interpretation of the clan system (bear, caribou, sturgeon, blue heron etc). Specifically, clans in Northwestern Ontario.

3) Symbols that reflect Anishnawbe and Metis culture.

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

C5

The art of making snowshoes

Jesse Terry/Special to Wawatay News

TOP: Terrance Angeconeb of Lac Seul works at putting rawhide lashing on a snowshoe. Guided by Lac Seul Elder Paddy Kenny, the group of Lac Seul youth was able to complete the work of making a snowshoe.

RIGHT: Harry Quezance, left, Joey Lac Seul, right, and Terrance Angeconeb, back, gather black ash to be used for the snowshoes.

ABOVE: A group of Lac Seul youth gather at the SahKatchEway Access Centre in Kejick Bay to carve down the black ash so it’s ready to form into a snowshoe.

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

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

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Save Our Languagesâ&#x20AC;?

Fundraising Campaign Wawatay Native Communications Society is a self-governing, independent community-driven entrepreneurial Native organization dedicated to using appropriate technologies to meet the communication needs of people of Aboriginal ancestry in Northern Ontario, wherever they live. In doing so, its founders intended that Wawatay would serve their communities by preserving, maintaining and enhancing Indigenous languages and culture.

THE CAMPAIGN: The Campaign helps support the continued delivery of the many valuable Aboriginal language services and programs that Wawatay continues to provide including bi-weekly newspaper production and distribution, daily radio programming, television production services, regularly updated website, print services, translation services, and SEVEN Youth Media Network.

How You Can Help: Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Treaty #3 First Nation communities are members of Wawatay Native Communications Society and are urged to send in their Annual Membership Fees of $500.00 to our Sioux Lookout Bureau to the attention of Grant Chisel and note the payment is for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Membership Feeâ&#x20AC;?.

We are looking for volunteers for our radio-a-thon which we are hoping will garner support in the following ways: a) b) c)

membership drive (member First Nations to pay their annual membership fee) generate donations from individuals, businesses and organizations create awareness of our products and services and generate support.

Contact Evange Kanakakeesic at our Sioux Lookout Bureau or e-mail her at evangelinek@wawatay.on.ca. We are seeking volunteer hosts, musical talent, storytellers, comedians, etc.

If you would like to make a donation, please send it to our Sioux Lookout Bureau to the attention of Grant Chisel or check out our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donateâ&#x20AC;? button on www.wawataynews.ca Please make any cheque or money orders payable to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wawatayâ&#x20AC;? and note it is a donation for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Save Our Languagesâ&#x20AC;? Campaign or for â&#x20AC;&#x153;SEVEN Youth Media Networkâ&#x20AC;? (if you would like to support our youth initiatives). Wawatay is a charitable organization and can provide receipts. Unless requested, a receipt will not be issued for donations of less than $20.00.

WAWATAY RADIO NETWORK Box 1180, 16 Fifth Avenue, Sioux Lookout, ON, P8T 1B7 â&#x20AC;˘ 1.800.243.9059 toll free â&#x20AC;˘ (807).737.2951 phone â&#x20AC;˘ (807).737.3224 fax

Wawatay Native Communications Society

www.wawataynews.ca

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

C7

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

submitted photo

Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service Const. Kyle Grudniski is one of seven officers trained to deliver the DARE program.

Grudniski brings DARE to Slate Falls James Thom Wawatay News

Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service is offering a ‘DARE’ing new program to combat drug abuse in First Nation youth.

Slate Falls Const. Kyle Grudniski is one of seven NAPS officers trained to deliver the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. This is the first year NAPS has offered DARE in any of the communities it polices after officers went through training in the spring.

“I’ve had so much fun speaking to the students and teaching them the program,” Grudniski said. “They’ve really taken to it. The students come up to me and tell me ‘I’m going to go home and tell my dad to stop smoking.’ The students get what the program is all about.”

DARE teaches kids the life skills they need to avoid involvement with drugs, gangs, and violence. The program goes beyond traditional drug abuse and violence prevention programs.

Grudniski said the program gives children the skills needed to recognize and resist the subtle and overt pressures that cause them to experiment with

drugs or become involved in gangs or violent activities.

“The program is good because it coincides with our drug enforcement strategies,” Grudniski said. “It helps teach children about the harmful effects of drugs and substance abuse.”

Grudniski is working with both a Grade 4-6 class and a Grade 7-8 class.

He said it is even more important for the older students to take part in the program.

“We often hear from youth after they leave for high school that they were unprepared for the challenges they faced,” Grudniski said. “They say they didn’t know what they were walking into in the city. The program helps teach them about what drugs are and what they can do.”

DARE also promotes an antibullying message and how to avoid peer pressure. Grudniski said the program also helps opens lines of communication between law enforcement and youth.

The classes will graduate in March.

NAPS is also offering the DARE program in Attawapiskat and Marten Falls.

Review Review of Long-Term Management Direction Pic River 2012 -2022 Forest Management Plan The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), GreenForest Management Inc. (on behalf of Great West Timber Ltd.) and the Pic River Public Consultation Committee (PRPCC) invites you to review and comment on the proposed long-term management direction for the 2012 – 2022 Forest Management Plan (FMP) for the Pic River Forest. The Pic River Forest is formed from the current Pic River Ojibway Forest (Northwest MNR) and Black River Forest (Northeast MNR) through an amalgamation process.

The Planning Process The FMP takes approximately 2 years to complete. During this time, five formal opportunities for public and Aboriginal involvement are provided. The first opportunity (Stage 1) for this FMP occurred on August 15, 2008 when the public was “Invited to Participate” in the development of the plan. This “Stage 2” notice is: • To invite you to review and comment on: - The proposed long-term management direction for the forest; - The areas which could reasonably be harvested, and the preferred areas for harvest operations, during the ten-year period of the plan; - The analysis of alternative one kilometer wide corridors for each new primary road which is required for the next 20 years.

• To request your contribution to background information and previously unmapped values information to be used in planning.

How to Get Involved

BOARD MEMBERSHIP VACANCY NADF is a non-pro¿t Aboriginal owned and operated ¿nancial institution, providing business and ¿nancial services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and businesses in northern Ontario, including Treaty #9, Treaty #5 (Ontario portion), Treaty #3 and Robinson-Superior 1850.

NADF’s Board of Directors is representative of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation and consists of 12 members (9 Directors and 3 Members). A vacancy currently exists within our membersip and NADF is seeking to ¿ll the vacancy from the Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) area.

NADF is inviting interested candidates from the KO area to submit their resume highlighting education, work history and experience related to business and economic development.

A strong ¿nancial background is an asset.

To facilitate your review, a summary of the proposed long-term management direction for the forest, and a summary map(s) of the preferred and optional harvest areas for the ten-year period of the plan and primary road corridors for each new primary road which is required for the next 20 years can be obtained from the company and Ministry of Natural Resources locations listed below.

In addition to the most current versions of the information and maps which were available at Stage 1 of the public consultation, background information and sources of direction that are available includes the following: • • • •

Summary of public comments and submissions received to date and any responses to those comments and submissions; A summary report of the results of the desired forest and benefits meeting; Environmental analysis, including use management strategies, of the alternative corridors for each new primary road; Maps that portray past and approved areas of harvest operations for the current forest management plan and the previous ten years; • Criteria used for the identification of areas that could reasonably be harvested during the ten-year period of the plan; • Summary report of the activities of the local citizen’s committee to date.

The summary of the proposed long-term management direction and as well as the supporting information described in this notice, will be available at the GreenForest Management Inc. office and at the Ministry of Natural Resources Manitouwadge Area office, at the locations shown below, during normal office hours for a period of 39 days (December 24, 2010 – January 31, 2011).

Comments on the proposed long-term management direction for the Pic River Forest must be received by Ryan Murphy of the planning team at the Ministry of Natural Resources Manitouwadge Area Office, by January 31, 2011.

Meetings with representatives of the planning team and the local citizen’s committee can be requested at any time during the planning process. Reasonable opportunities to meet planning team members during non-business hours will be provided upon request. If you require more information or wish to discuss your interests and concerns with a planning team member, please contact one of the individuals listed below: Ryan Murphy, A/Management Forester Ministry of Natural Resources 40 Manitou Road, Postal Bag Service Manitouwadge, ON P0T 2C0 Tel.: 807-826- 3225, ext. 233

Nominations for membership are also accepted.

Candidates holding a political leadership position are not eligible for membership.

DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2011 Please mark all submissions ‘CONFIDENTIAL’ Submit nominations and/or resumes to: MAIL:

Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund Attn: Harvey Yesno 106 Centennial Square, 2nd Floor Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1H3

FAX:

(807) 623-1224

EMAIL:

hyesno@nadf.org

Community Futures Development Corporation

Jeffrey Cameron, Plan Author GreenForest Management Inc. P.O. Box 22004 470 Hodder Avenue Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A8 Tel.: 807-343-6418

Grant Goodwin PRPCC Chair Manitouwadge, ON Tel.: 807-826-3875

Anytime during the planning process you may make a written request to seek resolution of issues with the plan author, the Ministry of Natural Resources District Manager or the Regional Director using a process described in the 2009 Forest Management Planning Manual (Part C, Section 6.1.4).

Stay Involved There will be three more formal opportunities for you to be involved. These stages are listed and tentatively scheduled as follows: Stage 3 - Information Centre: Review of Proposed Operations Stage 4 - Information Centre: Review of Draft Forest Management Plan Stage 5 - Inspection of MNR-Approved Forest Management Plan

March 2011 September 2011 February 2012

If you would like to be added to a mailing list to be notified of public involvement opportunities, please contact Ryan Murphy at 807-826-3225, ext. 233.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is collecting your personal information and comments under the authority of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. Any personal information you provide (address, name, telephone, etc.) will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, however, your comments will become part of the public consultation process and may be shared with the general public. Your personal information may be used by the Ministry of Natural Resources to send you further information related to this forest management planning exercise. If you have questions about the use of your personal information, please contact Paul Gamble at 705-856-7401.

Renseignements en français : Faye Konopelky-Pelletier au (705) 856-4748.

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Wawatay News

DECEMBER 23, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

SPORTS

Shirley Wood running for greater good James Thom Wawatay News

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT Terms of Reference for a Class Environmental Assessment A Class Environmental Assessment for Activities of the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry under the Mining Act The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry has initiated a study under the Environmental Assessment Act to develop a class environmental assessment for its activities under the Mining Act. THE PROCESS This study will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. The first step in the process is the preparation of terms of reference. The terms of reference will set out the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry's framework and work plan for addressing the Environmental Assessment Act requirements when preparing the class environmental assessment, including the alternatives that will be considered and the public consultation activities that will be carried out. If approved by the Minister of the Environment, the terms of reference will provide the framework and requirements for the preparation of the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry’s class environmental assessment.

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry’s activities under the Mining Act that are subject to the Environmental Assessment Act will be grouped into classes. The proposed Class EA will comprise two classes of activities: discretionary decisions related to surface rights, mining rights and chattels; and Ministry-administered mine rehabilitation activities.

The Rome Marathon in March will likely be Shirley Wood’s last.

“This is my last run,” Wood, a former Sandy Lake resident who now lives in St. Theresa Point, Man., said. “I’m tired of running.”

But for her last marathon, she wants it to be a big one.

Running the Rome Marathon, as part of Team Diabetes Canada, fits the bill nicely, she said.

“Team Diabetes Canada asked me to run,” she said. “So I decided to. I’m fighting for the people. So many Aboriginal people have diabetes. I want to help them so I will run.”

The disease is personal for Wood.

“I lost my first husband (Angus Wood) to diabetes and cancer,” she said. “I know what it can do.”

One of her daughters also has diabetes.

“I think it is important to raise awareness about diabetes,” she said. “People need to get tested and get healthy.”

Wood has been running for as long as she can remember.

“This was my hobby,” she said. “I started when I was young in residential school. I wanted to run away from the school.”

As she grew older, Wood,

now 51, continued to train and started running longer distances, eventually starting to run marathon.

She has completed the St. Theresa Point Marathon and Manitoba Marathon more than two dozen times each.

She’s also run the Twin Cities Marathon in St. Paul, Minn., Cross Lake Marathon, Thompson, Man. Marathon, Norway House Marathon, Wassagamach Marathon, Garden Hill Marathon and the Sandy Lake Marathon.

Training for this marathon has been a bit challenging for Wood.

“I can’t un on the roads anymore,” she said. “It is too cold.”

Instead, she’s riding a bike indoors to improve her leg strength and running around the hallways of the community school in St. Theresa Point.

By running the marathon, Wood hopes to raise money for diabetes awareness, a cure and prevention of the disease.

Wood has until Jan. 10 to receive pledges. She still needs to raise about $3,000.

The Northwest Company has set up an account on her behalf where pledges can be made. It is account number 5355-Shirley C. Wood.

Donations can also be made through Scott Munn at 800782-0391 ext. 1379 or Denise at ext. 3710.

Looking for the ace

CONSULTATION Members of the public, agencies and other interested persons are encouraged to participate in the planning process by attending consultation opportunities or contacting staff directly with comments or questions. Consultation opportunities are scheduled throughout the planning process and will be advertised in regional newspapers, on the Ministry’s Class Environmental Assessment website at www.ontario.ca/minesgroup, on the Environmental Registry, by direct mail-out and at ministry field offices throughout Ontario.

For further information, or to be added to the mailing list for the proposed study, please contact: Jenn Lillie-Paetz Environmental Assessment Coordinator Mineral Development and Lands Branch Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry 933 Ramsey Lake Rd., 6th Floor Sudbury, ON P3E 6B5 Tel.: 705-670-5918 Toll-free: 1-888-415-9845, ext. 5918 Fax: 705-670-5803 E-mail: Jennifer.Lillie-Paetz@Ontario.ca Please note that personal information provided in a submission, such as name, address, telephone number, and your views and opinions, is being collected by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act, for the purpose of engaging in public consultation as required by sections 5.1 and 6 of that Act. The personal information may also be shared with the Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch of the Ministry of the Environment under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act, section 6 as part of the approval process for the terms of reference. The collection, use and disclosure of this information are governed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Questions about this collection should be directed to Jenn Lillie-Paetz at the contact information listed above.

Paid for by the Government of Ontario.

Visit Wawatay News online at

www.wawataynews.ca for the latest photo galleries, video & photo blogs

James Thom/Wawatay News

First Nation youth and police officers serving in Thunder Bay gathered at Superior Collegiate and Vocational Institute in Thunder Bay Dec. 11 for the Community Cup volleyball tournament. Dozens of youth from area high schools were teamed with police officers to play and gain greater respect for one another in an informal and fun setting, according to organizers. Thunder Bay Police Service, Anishinabek Police Service, Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and CN Rail Police participated.