January 7, 2010

Adam Fiddler named Wawatay Man of the Year PAGE 9 www.wawataynews.ca Vol. 37 #01

www.wawataynews.ca

Decade review: looking back at 2000-2009 PAGES 13-18 January 7, 2010

Sharing a mother and son’s story PAGE 3 9,300 copies distributed $1.50 Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice since 1974

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Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

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Olympics a month away

Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

A runner arrives in Thunder Bay with the Olympic flame Jan. 3. Ceremonies were held Jan. 3 in Thunder Bay with Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy involved. In the morning of Jan. 4, events were held at Fort William First Nation before the flame continued its journey to Vancouver.

Vote for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Vote Strategically. Vote for the Liberal Party of Canada.

Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission .FUDBMGF 4USFFU 4VJUF t 0UUBXB 0OUBSJP , 1 .

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Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

3

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Power of love helps to heal Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News

On July 5, 2006, the life of Kenina Kakekayash – a longterm employee of Wawatay – was forever changed.

On that fateful day, her son Clinton – who was 26 years old at the time --– suffered a severe brain injury.

The day had started out innocently enough when Clinton went grocery shopping with his girlfriend around 5 p.m.

Then he decided to go for a walk with a friend. He was gone for a couple of hours.

When he returned home, the family noticed that something about Clinton was not right.

His head was drooping awkwardly.

They debated whether to call 911.

Kakekayash made the call.

In the meantime, while the emergency call was being made, Clinton collapsed to the floor.

By then, the family was very worried about him.

He was taken to the emergency room in Sioux Lookout.

Ultimately, after six hours, hospital personnel had him airlifted to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

They had been waiting for him to show some sign of consciousness.

However, there was none.

Some 12 hours later, Clinton arrived at the regional hospital to get the urgently needed medical help.

“It was almost too late,”

Kakekayash said. “There was so much pressure inside, the swelling of the brain and bleeding was already very much there.

The left side of the brain was pretty much damaged.”

The Glasgow coma scale is used to measure the severity of brain trauma with numbers three to nine being the most severe.

At first in Sioux Lookout hospital, Clinton was at six.

In Thunder Bay, his condition deteriorated to number four.

In addition to the brain injury, Clinton also developed pneumonia while he was on life support.

“It was so scary – all the machines that he was hooked into,” she said.

Clinton was in a coma for about a month.

During that time, family members gave him loving massages and shared comforting words.

“We just believed that he is going to come out of it and he’s going to pull through,” Kakekayash said.

Clinton has been recovering at a remarkable pace.

At the regional hospital, the physicians have named him ‘Miracle.’

“We were told when he came out of it (the coma), that he is probably going to open his eyes and lay there or be in a wheel chair.

The power of love and devotion helped Clinton to heal.

“We soothed him with our voices and we brought in things

Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News

Kenia Kakekayash and her son Clinton in their home in Sioux Lookout, Ont. Nearly three years ago Clinton survived a coma and for the past three years has been recovering with the help of his friends and family.

The cause of Clinton’s brain injuries are still unknown. he liked to do – like his fishing rod.

“We played him sound effects of the bush, splashing water, and rain drops. We showed him pictures of his baby and other daughter to stimulate his memory.”

Clinton is a proud father of two daughters who are four and 10 years old.

Kakekayash is impressed with the efforts of the doctors caring for her son.

Green light given to class action lawsuit over mould Case could go all the way to Supreme Court: lawyer Rick Garrick Wawatay News

The green light has been given to a class action lawsuit over mould with Long Lake #58’s Diane Grant listed as the lead plaintiff.

“Mrs. Grant is a mother and grandmother,” said Victoria Paris, a lawyer with Kim Orr Barristers P.C., who are representing Grant in the lawsuit.

“She lived in a house infected with mould. She tried every year to clean the mould away from the walls. No matter what she did, the mould kept returning.”

Grant said the situation became so bad that they had to live on a bare cement floor.

“We only had the cement for a floor,” Grant said. “No matter what we did, it (mould) would just creep up.”

Grant said she didn’t realize how dangerous the mould was until she spoke with the men who were wearing white uniforms while examining her home for mould in 2001.

“You’re not going inside your home because it’s too dangerous – toxic,” Grant said. “I said I lived in that place for years.

Tears come to my eyes when I think about it.”

Grant said her father had cancer while living in the home, and she and her husband both have cancer now.

“I have lung cancer,” Grant said. “It’s all over.”

Grant said she and her husband were both working when they lived in the house and had plenty of household items they had to leave behind because of mould contamination.

“They told us to get out – leave it,” Grant said. “The backs of the furniture were mouldy. I had expensive stuff.”

Grant said they tried to get reimbursement for their losses through their home insurance, but the insurance company would not pay for losses due to mould.

“We only had the cement for a floor. No matter what we did, it (mould) would just creep up.”

– Diane Grant

Paris said the lawsuit, which alleges the federal government created the mould problem and related illnesses on the reserve when it relocated the band’s houses to an area across the highway which community members called a swamp, was started in 2004 in response to the mould crisis that hit Long Lake #58 in 2001 when the chief declared a state of emergency and evacuated the community.

Grant said her mother didn’t want to be relocated to the new community site back in the 1960s.

“My mom didn’t want to move,” Grant said. “She was the last one out of there (original community site). She said the place they are putting us is swamp.”

Ontario Superior Court

Justice Maurice Cullity gave the class action lawsuit the go ahead Dec. 4 in a certification decision.

“This case could go all the way through the court system all the way up to the Supreme Court of Canada,” Paris said.

“This case may take a long time to reach a conclusion.”

Paris said the government could offer a settlement to settle the lawsuit out of court, but there has been no indication of such an arrangement to date.

“This decision has a potential to impact other reserves across Canada,” Paris said, noting many other First Nation communities also have mould problems.

Paris said the Long Lake #58 community was relocated from a higher site on rocky land near the community’s church in the 1960s due to overcrowded conditions to reserve land across the highway that had a lower elevation and a higher water table.

“There was no electricity or sewage at the (original site),” Paris said. “The government said they would put in electricity, sewage and running water.”

Paris said many of the houses in Long Lake #58 were demolished after the 2001 mould crisis, including Grant’s home.

“The court will look at which decisions were made and whether decisions made by the Crown contributed to the mould problem that developed on the reserve,” Paris said.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada said they were studying the decision and appealing the decision and would not offer any further comment.

The federal Department of Justice would not comment, passing questions on to INAC.

There was a surgeon, physical therapist, psychiatrist and neuorologist.

They helped Kenina and her husband Gaetan understand the injury.

“The therapist amazed me at first at the Regional Hospital neuro-ward.

There was no doubt about Clinton being able to sit up, stand up and walk again.

In September 2006, Clinton was transferred to St. Joseph

Care Group in Thunder Bay for further therapy until March 2007.

“The therapists at St. Joseph’s, they are young and did a fantastic job.”

Kenina is amazed the people who work in brain injury know of her and Gaetan.

It is due to commitment and patience to Clinton’s healing.

With the progression of his healing, plans were made for Clinton to leave the hospital.

The only long-term care facility they could find was for him was at Birchwood Long Term Care in Kenora.

They refused for him to go to Birchwood.

They felt Clinton needed to be around younger people in his own age group.

There were meetings with different agencies to prepare for Clinton’s return home.

A new challenge faced Kenina and Gaetan – Clinton started having seizures.

“The seizures were ranging from three to 11 per day.

“Some of those seizures were very scary to look at. I have never seen anyone going through that before,” Kenina said.

Sometimes the seizures would happen while Kenina was driving Clinton home.

However, the paramedics in Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout are always willing to provide help.

Once Kenina got Clinton home to Sioux Lookout, she endured many sleepless nights because of the seizures and his weakness while walking.

Kenina was exhausted, and is still in a constant state of exhaustion.

She found out that there is a lack of respite care for herself and her husband.

“We faced a lot of challenges, but we are managing and looking after him. We are completely exhausted. see IMPROVEMENTS page 5

ᑭᔕᐳᓭ ᒋᐅᓇᑯᓂᑲᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭᒪᒋᑐᑕᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭᐊᑲᐧᑯᔑᑕᒪᑲᓂᐠ ᕑᐃᐠ ᑲᕑᐃᐠ

ᐊᐧᐊᐧᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐃᐧᓇᐣ

ᐊᔕ ᑭᔕᐳᓭ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᒋᐱᑎᑫᐃᐧᒋᑲᑌᓂᐠ ᐅᒪᒥᔑᑫᒧᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᓄᑲᒥᐠ #58 ᐁᐅᒋᑎᐯᐣᑕᑯᓯᐨ ᐃᑫᐧ ᑕᔭᐣ ᑯᕑᐊᐣᐟ ᐁᐃᔑᓂᑲᓱᐨ. ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᐃᑫᐧ ᐅᒪᒪᒥᒪᐃᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐅᐦᑯᒥᒪᐃᐧ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᐱᑐᓂᔭ ᐸᕑᐃᐢ, ᑲᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧ ᐊᔭᒥᑕᒪᑫᐨ ᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᑲᐊᔭᒥᑕᒪᐊᐧᐣ ᑯᕑᐊᐣᑐᐣ ᑲᑭᒪᒥᔑᑫᒧᓂᐨ. ᑭᑲᐯᔑ ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᐁᐊᑲᐧᑯᔑᐊᐧᓂᐠ. ᑕᓱᔭᑭ ᐅᑕᓇᑭᑲᑫᐧ ᑲᓯᓇᐣ. ᐊᓂᓂᑯ ᐅᑕᓇᑭᑲᑫᐧᑐᑕᐣ, ᒥᐱᑯ ᑲᐃᔑᑭᐁᐧ ᐊᑲᐧᑯᔓᐊᐧᓂᐠ. ᑯᕑᐊᐣᐟ ᐃᑭᑐ ᐱᓂᐡ ᐃᑯ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ ᑭᔭᓂ ᐊᔭᒪᑲᓂ ᒥᐱᑯ ᐁᑕ ᑲᑭᔭᓂᔑᓇᑲᐧᓂᐠ ᒋᑕᓇᐱᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐃᔑᐊᓯᓂᐃᐧᓴᑲᓂᐠ. ᒥᐁᑕ ᑲᐃᔑᓇᑲᐧᐠ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᑲᐯᔑᔭᐠ ᐃᒪ ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᐁᑭᐊᓯᓂᐃᐧᓴᑲᐠ, ᐃᑭᑐ, ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᓂᑕᓇᑭᐊᐃᑐᑕᒥᐣ, ᐊᐣᒋᑯ ᐱᑯ ᑭᑭᐁᐧ ᓂᑕᐃᐧᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐊᑲᐧᑯᐡ. ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᑯᕑᐊᐣᐟ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᑐᒋᑭᑫᐣᑕᓯᐣ ᐁᐱᒋᑯᑕᑎᑲᐧᐠ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐊᑲᐧᑯᐡ ᐸᓂᒪ ᐊᐱ ᑲᑭᐊᔭᒥᐦᐊᐸᐣ ᓇᐯᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑭᑲᐱᓱᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᐱᒪᒣᒋᑲᑐᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐊᑲᐧᑯᔑᓂ ᐅᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 2001 ᑲᔭᑭᐊᐧᓂᐠ. ᑲᐧᓂᐣ ᑲᑭᐱᑎᑫᓯᐣ ᑭᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᐅᓴᑦ ᐁᑯᑕᑲᐧᐠ, ᒥᑐᓂ ᐱᒋᐳᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ, ᐣᑭᐃᑯᐠ ᐃᑭᑐ ᑯᕑᐊᐣᐟ, ᒥᑕᐡ ᑲᐃᓇᑲᐧ ᐊᔕ ᒥᔑᓄᔭᑭ ᐅᒪ ᐣᑐᒋᐃᔑᑕ. ᐊᒥᐱᑯ ᐁᔑᐅᐣᒋᑲᐊᐧᐱᔭᐣ ᑕᓴᐧ ᑲᒪᒥᑐᓀᑕᒪᐣ. ᑯᕑᐊᐣᐟ ᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᑕᑕᒪᐣ ᑲᐊᒧᐁᐧᒪᑲᓂᐠ ᐊᑯᓯᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᑭ ᑭᑭᐡᑲᑯᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐁᑲᐯᔑᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᓄᑯᑦ ᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐅᐃᐧᒋᐊᐧᑲᓇᐣ ᐅᑭᑭᐡᑲᑯᓇᐊᐧ ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᐊᑯᓯᐃᐧᓂ. ᓂᐦᐸᓂᐠ ᐊᔭᒪᑲᐣ ᑲᐊᒧᐁᐧᒪᑲᐠ ᐊᑯᓯᐃᐧᐣ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᑯᕑᐊᐣᐟ, ᐊᔕ ᐊᐱᐣ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᐃᔕᒪᑲᐣ. ᑯᕑᐊᐣᐟ ᒥᓇ ᐃᑭᑐ ᑕᐱᐡᑯᐨ ᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐅᐃᐧᒋᐊᐧᑲᓇᐣ ᑭᐱᔭᓄᑭᐸᓂᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐁᑲᐯᔑᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᒥᓇ ᒥᔑᐣ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᐅᑭᐊᔭᓇᐊᐧ ᐱᐣᑎᑲᒥᐠ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᐊᐸᒋᒋᑲᓇᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᐱᐣ

ᐊᒥ ᑲᐃᔑᓇᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐱ ᑲᓇᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐊᐧ ᐁᐧᓴ ᐁᑭᔭᓂᐊᑲᐧᑯᔑᐃᐧᓯᓂᑭᐣ. ᐣᑲᓄᓂᑯᒥᐣ ᒋᓴᑲᐦᐊᒪᐠ, ᑲᑭᓇ ᑫᑯᐣ ᒋᓇᑲᑕᒪᐠ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᑯᕑᐊᐣᐟ. ᑲᑭᓇ ᐱᐣᑎᑲᒥᐠ ᐊᐸᒋᒋᑲᓇᐣ ᒋᐊᑲᐧᑯᔑᐃᐧᓯᓄᐣ. ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᔦ ᑭᐊᑭᐣᑌᐊᐧᐣ ᑲᑭᐊᔭᔭᐠ. ᐃᑭᑐ ᒥᓇ ᐊᓇᑭᑲᑫᐧᑌᐧᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᑭᐁᐧᓇᒪᐃᐧᑕᐧ ᒥᓂᑯᐠ ᑲᑭᐊᐧᓂᒋᑫᓭᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᑲᐅᒋ ᑭᐁᐧᓇᒪᑲᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ ᑲᐊᐧᓂᒋᑲᑌᐠ, ᑭᐊᓀᐧᑕᐊᐧᑲᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᑕᐡ ᐁᑲ ᐁᐃᐧᑭᐁᐧᓇᒪᐃᐧᑕᐧ ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᐅᒋ ᐊᑲᐧᑯᔑᐠ ᑲᑭᐅᒋ ᐊᐧᓂᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑕᔭᓂᐊᐧ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᐸᕑᐃᐢ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᑲᐃᐧᐸᑭᑎᓇᐠ ᐅᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᐣ, ᐁᒪᒥᔑᒪᑲᓄᐨ ᑲᓇᑕ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᐣ ᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒥᑯᐨ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᑲᑭᐅᒋ ᐅᔑᐦᐅᒪᑲᓂᐠ ᐊᑲᐧᑯᔑᓂ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᐱᐣ ᑲᑭᔭᓄᒋ ᐊᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ ᐊᐱ ᑲᑭᐃᐡᑲᐧ ᐊᐣᒋᑯᓯᐦᐃᑕᐧᐸᐣ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐊᑲᒥᑲᓇᐠ ᑲᐃᔑᐱᒪᒧᐠ ᑭᒋᐅᑕᐸᓂᒥᑲᓇᐠ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᒥ ᐁᔑᓂᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᒧᒋᒪᐡᑭᑯᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᒪ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 2004 ᑲᔭᑭᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭᔭᓂᒪᐦᒋᓭᑭᐸᐣ ᐊᐱ ᓇᐣᑕ ᐁᑲᑫᐧᑐᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐁᔭᓂ ᐊᑲᐧᑯᔑᑕᒪᑲᑭᐣ ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᐃᒪ ᑭᓄᑲᒥᐠ #58 ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 2001 ᑲᔭᑭᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᐱ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᑲᑭᐸᑭᑎᓇᑭᐸᐣ ᐅᑎᐸᒋᒧᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᒋᒪᒋᓭᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᓇᑭᐡᑲᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐅᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᐱᐣ ᐁᑭᒪᒋᔭᒧᐦᐃᑕᐧ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐠᐧ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑲᕑᐊᐣᐟ ᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᒪᒪᒪᐣ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᑭᓇᑕᐁᐧᑕᓯᐣ ᒋᐊᐣᒋᑯᓯᐠ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑭᐃᔑ ᐅᐡᑭ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᑲᑌᓂᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐁᐧᑎ 1960 ᑲᑭᐱᔭᑭᐊᐧᐠ. ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᑭᐅᒋᐃᓀᑕᓯᐣ ᓂᒪᒪ ᒋᐊᐣᒋᑯᓯᐨ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᑯᕑᐊᐣᐟ. ᐃᐧᐣ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐡᑲᐧᔭᐨ ᑲᑭᓇᑲᑕᐠ ᓂᐢᑕᑦ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᑲᐯᔑᓇᓄᐊᐧᑭᐸᐣ. ᐊᒥ ᑲᐃᑭᑐᐸᐣ ᒧᐦᒋᒪᐡᑭᑯᐊᐧᐣ ᐃᒪ ᓄᑯᑦ ᑲᐃᔑᑲᐯᔑᐦᐃᑯᔭᐠ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᑭᒪ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᑯᓫᐃᑎ ᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᑭᔕᐳᓇᐠ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᒋᐃᔑᐃᐧᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᒪᔑᑫᒧᐃᐧᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᒪᑯᔐᑭᔑᑲᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 4 ᑲᐃᓇᑭᓱᐨ ᐅᑭᐸᑭᑎᓇᐣ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᓀᓯᓂ. ᐊᒥ ᑫᐃᓯᓭᐠ ᐱᓂᐡ ᐃᑯ ᐁᐧᑎ ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐃᐡᐸᐠ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐠ

ᒋᔭᓂᔑᐃᐧᒋᑲᑌᐠ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᐸᕑᐃᐢ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᒪᐡᑯᐨ ᑭᓇᐧᑲᐡ ᑕᐃᓯᓭ ᒋᐱᒥᑭᑲᑌᐠ ᐊᓂᐣ ᐊᐱᐣ ᑫᐃᔑ ᑭᔕᑯᓂᑲᓄᐊᐧᓄᑫᐧᐣ. ᐸᕑᐃᐢ ᐃᑭᑐ ᒪᐡᑯᐨ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᐣ ᑕᐃᔑᒋᑫ ᒋᐊᔓᑕᒪᑫᐨ ᑎᐸᐦᐃᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᑲ ᒥᐡᑲᐧᐨ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᒋᐱᐣᑎᑫᐃᐧᒋᑲᑌᐠ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᔕᑯᐨ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᒪᔑ ᓇᐣᑕ ᒋᐅᒋᐃᑭᑐᐨ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᑲᑭᐃᔑ ᐅᓀᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐊᒥ ᑲᔦ ᑫᐃᓯᓭᐠ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐣ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓇᐣ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐊᔑᒋᓭᑭᐣ ᐅᒪ ᑌᑎᐸᐦᐃ ᑲᓇᑕ ᐊᐦᑭᐠ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᐦᕑᐃᐢ, ᐊᓂᐡ ᒥᔑᐣ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓇᐣ ᐅᑕᓂᒥᐦᐃᑯᓇᐊᐧ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑐᑲᐣ ᒪᒋᓭᐃᐧᓂ. ᐸᕑᐃᐢ ᐃᑭᑐ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᐣ ᑭᓄᑲᒥᐠ #58 ᑭᐊᐣᒋᑯᓯᒋᑲᑌᐸᐣ ᐃᐡᐸᐱᑲᐠ ᑲᐃᔑᑲᐯᔑᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐯᔓᐨ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑲᐃᔑᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᐊᔭᒥᐦᐃᐁᐧᑲᒥᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 1960 ᑲᐱᒥᔭᑭᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᐧᓴ ᐁᑭᓯᐣᒋᑕᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᔭᑭᐠ ᐊᑲᒥᑲᓇᐠ ᑭᒋᐅᑕᐸᓂᒥᑲᓇᐠ ᑲᐃᔑᑎᑎᐸᒪᑎᓇᐠ ᒥᓇ ᓇᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐃᔑᐃᐡᐸᑲᒥᐱᔭᐠ. ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᐅᒋᑕᑲᐧᐠ ᐃᐡᑯᑌᐃᐧᔭᑊ ᒥᓇ ᓂᐱᐃᐧᔭᐱᐣ ᐃᒪ ᓂᐢᑕᑦ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᑕᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᐸᕑᐃᐢ. ᑭᐃᑭᑐᐸᐣ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᐣ ᒋᐊᑐᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᑌᐃᐧᔭᐱᓂ, ᒪᒐᐳ ᐃᓇᔑᑲᐃᐧᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᓂᐱᐃᐧᔭᐱᐣ. ᐸᕑᐃᐢ ᐃᑭᑐ ᒥᔑᐣ ᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᐃᒪ ᑭᓄᑲᒥᐠ #58 ᑭᑲᐃᐧᐱᒋᑲᑌᐊᐧᐣ ᐊᐱ 2001 ᑲᑭᐊᑲᐧᑯᔑᐊᐧᑭᐸᓂᐣ, ᐊᔑᐨ ᑲᔦ ᑯᕑᐊᐣᐟ ᐅᐊᐧᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ. ᒥᑕᐡ ᑫᐃᓯᓭᐠ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑕᐅᒋ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑲᑌᐊᐧᐣ ᑫᑯᓀᐣ ᐅᓀᑕᒧᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᑭᐅᑕᐱᓂᑲᑌᑲᐧᐸᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑭᐡᐱᐣ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒋᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑲᑭᐅᒋᓭᑫᐧᐣ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑐᑲᐣ ᒪᒋᓭᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᑭᐅᒋᐊᔭᒪᑲᐠ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᐸᕑᐃᐢ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᔓᓂᔭᐃᐧᑭᒪ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐁᐃᐧ ᒪᒣᒋᑲᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᐅᒋᐅᓀᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑕᑲᑫᐧᑌᐧᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᓇᐱ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᑲᑭᐃᔑ ᐅᓇᒋᑲᑌᑯᐸᓀᐣ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐅᓀᑕᒧᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ ᓇᐣᑕ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐃᑭᑐᐨ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᑲᔦ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᑐᒋᐸᑭᑎᓇᓇᐊᐧ ᐅᑎᑭᑐᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ, ᐁᐧᑎ ᐱᑯ ᔓᓂᔭᐃᑭᒪᑲᐠ ᐅᑭᐃᔑ ᐸᑭᑎᓇᓇᐊᐧ ᑲᑫᐧᑌᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ.

4

JANUARY 7, 2010

Wawatay News

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Snowy school 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 Brent Wesley EDITOR James Thom

Commentary

Welcome to 2010 Xavier Kataquapit UNDER THE NORTHERN SKY

I

was trying to figure out how to write something happy and positive in looking at this new year. The problem is that our world seems to be in sad shape these days and I feel very helpless about all that. You probably feel the same way too.

How could it be that we have arrived at this stage of our evolution but we have learned very little and our beautiful mother and planet earth is in peril?

I have done a lot of thinking about this and have concluded mostly that our poor state of world affairs has to do mostly with money and power.

Except for the fact that we can create machines, dress up in nice clothes and build cities we are very much like the ape like animals we started out as. We are full of fear, obsessed with dominance, short on patience and we like to solve things with violence rather than discussion.

I love history and it was my favourite subject in high school.

It did not take me long as a student to realize that most of the history I studied had to do with war. As a boy I was fascinated with all of the weapons of war including aircraft, ships and tanks.

It seemed to me that most of the fantastic machinery produced from the beginning of known civilization had to do with weapons. Take this easy test by simply looking up the content of most history books or television productions and movies.

You will discover that much of the content is devoted to war.

You would think that over the ages we might start to think in a higher manner and find other ways to settle disputes rather than going to war. At this point in our civilization, if we wanted to, it would be possible to ensure that everyone on this planet is well fed, has clean drinking water and access to meaningful employment and health care. We actually are capable of this.

Instead of using our best minds, efforts and capabilities to make the world a better place we have somehow been manipulated into accepting that it is OK to invade other countries, take over their resources, replace their leaders and governments with ones that serve us and keep people under control. It is all about power and money.

It seems more and more like the very few wealthy and powerful people on our Mother Earth have decided that nothing else matters but putting more money in their pockets and if that means making life miserable for other people to

get at rich resources all over the world then that is rationalized.

If you really think about it this is completely crazy.

Somehow people have lost most democratic control of their own countries and destinies. It seems like we have come out of a dream to wake up in a nightmare only to realize that huge companies and major industries in close operation with military interests are running our governments. That explains our involvement in so many wars.

The biggest money making industry in the world is in armaments and the war machine.

I feel very bad when I think of the death and destruction we are causing in other countries around the world mostly to feed this monster called the war machine. Most of us would never condone or go along with this kind of monstrous behaviour resulting in the deaths of thousands upon thousands of children, women and men all over the world.

However, for some reason, we are fooled into thinking all of this should be accepted.

We are told we are helping these people by invading their countries and going to war with them. There must be other ways we could come to their aid rather than war. The sad thing is that when people raise their voices to question or disagree with our involvement in war they are called unpatriotic.

In fact I believe that the most patriotic thing a person can do is to question the government on any involvement in war or anything else. Nasty politicians and corporate war profiteers live the good life while our young men and women in our armed forces are shipped all over the world to do their bidding and too often they pay with their lives.

So, we have every right to stand up for our brave protectors and question any wars we are involved in on our Mother Earth.

Often I turn to the world wide web for information and news and the other day I came across an interesting documentary called Superpower and you can Google the title for more information or go to the website at superpowerthemovie.com There are actually many patriotic and freedom loving writers, artists and filmmakers who are thinking about our democratic systems and providing information that we can use to make up our own minds on war. The new 3D movie Avatar also questions war.

Happy New Year is a nice thing to say but the next year and all the years after 2010 will only be happy if we all take some responsibility and use our own brains to think for ourselves and make our governments look at other ways to represent our interests on Mother Earth instead of going to war.

Dan Vos, Teacher/Wawatay News archive

A wintery scene at the Big Trout Lake School, February 1982.

Opening sacred bundles Richard Wagamese ONE NATIVE LIFE

W

hen the thunder rolls through these mountains you feel it long before you hear it. We’re high enough here that the air is a messenger. Everything has a tactile announcement of its coming with the skin as a barometer. Standing on the deck facing the lake it comes across like a wave, the advance chill of it then the dip of pressure like the lurch of an elevator.

It never surprises you this way, shocks you, stuns you like the storms you remember as a kid. There’s no suddenness, no frightening clap that sent you scurrying to your bed, the closet, the nearest adult.

Instead, you can wait for it and there’s a smug sense of satisfaction when it rumbles, like you’ve become a part of this mountain, open to everything like the cleft of this valley.

It rolls across the lake and echoes slightly against the far mountain shore. Birds fall silent and the dog raises her snout to the air scenting the cordite snap of lightning in the bosom of the roar. It never fails to move you this roil of air, this kinetic crash of atoms, this basso proclamation of power.

Maybe it’s the Ojibway in you that feels it this way.

Maybe there’s something in the traditional genes you carry that recalls the ancient teachings borne in the voice

of the sky. Thunder Beings.

Spirit Teachers flapping in on gigantic wings to illuminate, enlighten, create a learning space in your heightened senses.

Or it’s the simply the majestic, sonic beauty of it all.

My people say the time of the first thunders is a sacred time. When it rumbles for the first time in the spring there are certain medicines to gather, sacred herbs that absorb the punch of it, become empowered for healing. It’s the sign of life force returning after the lethargy of winter and it is a spiritual time, a reawakening, a renewing, a gathering of strength. There are dances and ceremonies, prayer songs and rituals to celebrate that special sacred time.

When I was in my thirties I was invited to the opening of a Sacred Bundle. It was the Beaver Bundle of the Peigan people in southern Alberta. The Bundle is opened after the first thunders are heard and you needed to be invited in order to attend. The ceremony around the opening of a bundle is a solemn thing and bundle keepers are particular about who is around when the sacred items are exposed.

I was working closely with a traditional elder then and moving in traditional, tribal circles.

I was also writing for a column for a native newspaper and producing a native newsmagazine program for a Calgary TV station. But when I was invited to the bundle opening I felt more honored than I had ever been.

See, a sacred bundle is the medicine power of the people.

Within it are objects that are valued for their spiritual integrity and their ability to transfer vital spiritual energy to the people. The opening is a highly ceremonial event and there are ancient prayers and songs and rituals performed that are meant to re-energize the bundle and prepare the people for the spiritual work they will do over the next four seasons.

There are prayers at dawn and dusk. The sacred pipe is smoked and there are rituals around each of the elements of the bundle that can’t be spoken of or written about. They are sacred and must be honored by the preservation of their sacred nature.

The land seemed sharper in detail and there was a solemnity to everything so that a Red Tail hawk skimming over the front of the car took on an immense significance and I wondered at the appearance of coyotes and deer and crows.

The land and its inhabitants seemed prepared for a time of magic.

There were about twenty of us and we’d come from a wide variety of backgrounds, traditional reserve-based people, urban Indians like myself and a few non-Native friends of the bundle keeper. The commonality was that we shared a deep respect and kinship with ceremony, understood its spiritual essence and its role in the health and well-being of our communities.

I remember feeling awed by the quiet power that resonated around everything. Everyone seemed touched by the same emotion and we moved quietly, softly, gently so that the com-

ing together of energies was like the confluence of streams, unaffected and natural. When the ceremony began the sense of sanctity was alive in the air.

I can’t say much about the nature of that ceremony, traditional protocol prevents that. I can only say that each of the elements of the bundle were presented, prayed over, sung for and praised. I can only say that every one of those sacred objects was treated reverentially and the feeling of being in the presence of those ancient life-giving items was elevating. I can only say that power presented itself as real and fully as thunder rolling over a mountain.

I walked away from there filled with a sense of wonder and a stronger idea of myself as a Native person, a Native man.

The opening of a Sacred Bundle is a returning. It is a cutting through of the modern trappings of our lives and a release into the elemental spiritual way that spawned our cultures. It is a step back into the light of the true traditional way of Native people, not ersatz, Hollywood, tourist brochure events and activities.

As such it is a powerful reconnection experience, humbling and energizing.

The truth is that we all have sacred bundles. They are our memories, our stories, our learning on this journey. They are everything that we hold as special, as sacred, as timeless.

Each part is vital, important, powerful, because they make us who we are. Opening up and sharing them is a ceremony in its purest sense. That’s true for all of us, Indian or not.

CONTACT US

MEDIA DIRECTOR Brent Wesley brentw@wawatay.on.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Javier Espinoza javiere@wawatay.on.ca

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Mark Kakekagumick markk@wawatay.on.ca

Office Hours: 8:30-4:30 CST Phone: 1-800-243-9059 737-2951 (Sioux Lookout) Fax: (807) 737-3224 or (807) 737-2263 344-3022 (Thunder Bay) Office Hours: 8:30-4:30 EST Phone: 1-888-575-2349 Fax: (807) 344-3182

EDITOR James Thom jamest@wawatay.on.ca

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Pierre Parsons pierrep@wawatay.on.ca

TRANSLATOR Vicky Angees vickya@wawatay.on.ca

Publications Mail Registration No.0382659799

WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER Rick Garrick rickg@wawatay.on.ca REPORTER/MULTI-MEDIA PRODUCER Debbie S. Mishibinijima debbiem@wawatay.on.ca ONLINE EDITOR Chris Kornacki chrisk@wawatay.on.ca ART DIRECTOR Roxann Shapwaykeesic roxys@wawatay.on.ca

SALES CO-ORDINATOR Meghan Kendall meghank@wawatay.on.ca SALES/MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE Saturn Magashazi saturnm@wawatay.on.ca ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Steve Elliott stevee@wawatay.on.ca

CONTRIBUTORS Xavier Kataquapit Richard Wagamese Guest editorials, columnists and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of Wawatay News.

Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

5

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Improvements coming steadily for Clinton ‘Miracle’ Kakekayash from page 3 “I wish we were given a few weeks rest. We would like to see programs for young people who need personal support care.

“I used to hear a lot of publicity how much help there is from the community services for patients. There is hardly any in this region.”

Everyday, Kenina and Gaeton reteach Clinton to do the activities he used to do.

“We retaught him to fish. He did a lot of that this summer.

“We restimulate him with video games. He is almost like normal.

“He has a facebook now. We give him directions what to do.

We teach him to read and to

draw pictures. I taught him to use a cell phone. I use the cell phone as a babysitter.”

Clinton is at home all the time, and has to be accompanied by someone when he goes out.

Caution measures have to be taken because one time, Clinton had wandered off.

He had the cell phone on

Rebecca Belmore receives Hnatyshyn Award Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Artist Rebecca Belmore was recognized by her peers as the 2009 Hnatyshyn Foundation Visual Arts Award recipient for outstanding achievement.

“It’s an honour to be recognized by your peers for the work you have completed over time,” said the Lac Seul band member who has lived in Vancouver since 2001 and represented Canada at the 2005 Venice Biennale, a major contemporary art exhibition that takes place every two years. “It’s good to be acknowledged.”

Belmore’s work has been exhibited internationally since 1987 and can be found in the collections of the National Gallery of Canada, Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada Council Art Bank, and many others. In 2004, Belmore received the prestigious VIVA award from the Jack and Doris Shadbolt foundation.

Belmore wants young people to realize that being an artist and doing artwork is a profession.

“It’s something you can do with your life,” Belmore said.

“It’s given me a good life. I get to travel. I get to think about the world we inhabit as human beings, to actively participate in community and society and think about the planet.”

Belmore received the $25,000 prize for outstanding achievement by a Canadian artist while Anthony Kiendl, director/curator of the Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art, received the $15,000 award for curatorial excellence in contemporary art.

“The financial (prize) helps me to buy a new computer or something like that,” Belmore said. “Making art can be expensive, so every bit of support can help.”

Although Belmore grew up in northwestern Ontario with a familiarity with the Woodland

where he is at right now.

“I want to share my experience of these blessings with others that are going through that experience.”

This summer, Kenina and the family recently had a celebration of life for Clinton’s healing journey of recovery.

“His grandpa told his family he is thankful his grandson

him, and Kenina found him by using descriptive landmarks.

Each day, Clinton’s range of vocabulary is increasing.

“He is talking more and becoming fluent with many words.”

And the seizures he has been experiencing have slowed down.

“We are just very thankful

is alive. We had a feast to give thanks for gratitude. People came from all over to participate.

“Every day we are thanking creator so much where things are at cause he is a miracle.”

To this day, the cause of Clinton’s injury remains unknown, but the power of love is helping him to heal one day at a time.

Notice of Submission of Environmental Assessment Musselwhite Mine – Main Power Supply Goldcorp Canada Ltd. Goldcorp Canada Ltd. (Goldcorp) has completed the environmental assessment for the Main Power Supply for its Musselwhite Mine. As required under section 6.2(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act and according to the terms of reference approved by the Minister of the Environment on April 1, 2009, Goldcorp has submitted its environmental assessment to the Ministry of the Environment for review and approval.

The Musselwhite Mine is a fully operational gold mine located approximately 480 km north of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Recent exploration has confirmed the presence of additional mineral reserves which can extend the mine life from approximately 2017 to 2028. To mine these reserves, Goldcorp needs approximately 20 MW of additional electrical capacity to increase underground ventilation and maintain safe working conditions. The additional electrical power cannot be obtained from the provincial grid due to system constraints at Pickle Lake which require significant upgrades. A detailed engineering study of alternatives for supplying the mine's power needs concluded that on-site diesel generation was the only reliable and feasible option.

As required under the Environmental Assessment Act, the environmental assessment will be available for public review and comment from January 15, 2010 to March 5, 2010.

You may review the environmental assessment by visiting our website participation.ca/MUSSEL002.htm) or during normal business hours at the following locations:

Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Rebecca Belmore leads a workshop at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

Art style, she said she started out “a little late” as an artist when she attended art school in 1984.

“Making art can be expensive, so every bit of support can help.”

– Rebecca Belmore

“Going to art school in Toronto was an eye opener,” Belmore said, “meeting people from all over the world.”

Belmore said she is interested in her community, her Aboriginal community, and that her work is usually responding to something specific.

“As a First Nations people, I definitely see that our world view is as solid as any world view on the planet,” she said.

Belmore works in a variety of media including sculpture, installation, video and performance.

A jury of arts professionals from across Canada selected Belmore and Kiendl for the awards.

The jury highlighted the impact of Belmore’s artistic practice during their recommendation.

“Since the late 1980s, Belmore has challenged romantic conceptions of Aboriginal cultures through a remarkable series of performance art pieces and mixed media installations.

Her work combines passionate thinking and a brilliant use of materials with a deep cultural knowledge drawn from her Anishinaabe heritage.”

Belmore received the award Dec. 1 at a ceremony and reception hosted by the Lieut.-Gov. of Manitoba Philip S. Lee.

(http://www.public-

Goldcorp Canada Ltd. Musselwhite Mine Environmental Office Contact: Adele Faubert, Manager of Aboriginal Affairs Phone: (807) 928-2200 ext. 6217

Ministry of the Environment Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch 2 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 12A Toronto, Ontario M4V 1L5 416-314-8001/1-800-461-6290

Ministry of the Environment Thunder Bay District Office 3rd Floor, Suite 331 435 James St. S. Thunder Bay, ON Phone: (807) 475-1315 / 1-800-875-7772

Ministry of the Environment Kenora Area Office 808 Robertson Street Kenora, ON Phone: (807) 468-2718 Toll Free within Area Code 807: 1-888-367-2735

Thunder Bay Public Library Waverly Resource Library 285 Red River Road Thunder Bay, ON Phone: (807) 345-8275

Township of Pickle Lake 2 Anne St., Pickle Lake ON P0V 3A0 Phone: (807) 928-2034

Mishkeegogamang First Nation Band Office 1 First Nation Street Mishkeegogamang, Ontario P0V 2H0 Phone: (807) 928-2414 Toll-free: 1-877-528-2414 Anyone wishing to provide comments on the environmental assessment must submit their comments in writing and/or by fax to the Ministry of the Environment by March 5, 2010. All comments must be submitted to: Michelle Fromme-Marcellin, Project Officer Ministry of the Environment Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch 2 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 12A Toronto, Ontario M4V 1L5 Tel: 416-314-7225/1-800-461-6290 Fax: 416-314-8452 A copy of all comments will be forwarded to the proponent for its consideration.

If you have any questions or need further information about this project, please contact: Adele Faubert Manager of Aboriginal Affairs Musselwhite Mine, Goldcorp Canada Ltd. P.O. Box 7500 STN P Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 6S8 Tel: 807-928-2200 x 6217 Fax: 807-928-2067 E-mail: Adele.Faubert@goldcorp.com Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Environmental Assessment Act, unless otherwise stated in the submission, any personal information such as name, address, telephone number and property location included in a submission will become part of the public record files for this matter and will be released, if requested, to any person.

January 7, 2010

2009 in review ~ articles, photos & more ~ N O R T H E R N O N TA R I O F I R S T N AT I O N S CO M M U N I C AT I O N S CO N F E R E N C E ~ WAWATAY ’S H I S TO RY - 35 T H A N N I V E R S A RY ~ DECADE IN REVIEW SPECIAL SECTION ~ 2009 YE A R I N R E V I E W S P E C I A L S E C T I O N

Have a safe and happy new year, from the wawatay web team

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Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

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YEAR

Pick up

IN REVIEW

News stories of the year at these locations Aroland First Nation Band Office Atikokan Atikokan Native Friendship Centre Attawapiskat Northern Store Balmertown Diane’s Gas Bar 41 Dickenson Balmertown Keewaytinook Okimakanak 127 Mine Road Batchewana First Nation Band Office Bearskin Lake Co-op Store Bearskin Lake Northern Store Beaverhouse First Nation Band Office Big Grassy First Nation Band Office Big Island First Nation Band Office Big Trout Lake Education Authority Big Trout Lake Sam’s Store Big Trout Lake Tasona Store Brunswick House First Nation Band Office Calstock A & J General Store Calstock Band Office Cat Lake Band Office Cat Lake Northern Store Chapleau Cree First Nation Band Office Chapleau Value Mart Cochrane Ininew Friendship Centre Collins Namaygoosisagon Band office Collins Post Office Couchiching First Nation Band Office Couchiching First Nation Gas Bar Deer Lake Northern Store Dinorwic Naumans General Store Dryden A & W Dryden Beaver Lake Camp Dryden Greyhound Bus Depot Dryden McDonalds’ Restaurant Dryden Northwest Metis 34A King St. Dryden Robin’s Donuts Dryden Tim Hortons Ear Falls The Pit Stop Emo J & D Junction Flying Post First Nation Band Office Fort Albany Band Office Fort Albany Northern Store Fort Frances Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre 1460 Idylwild Drive Fort Frances Sunset Country Metis Fort Frances United Native Friendship Centre Fort Hope Band Office Fort Hope Corny’s Variety Store Fort Hope John C. Yesno Education Centre Fort Severn Northern Store Geraldton Thunder Bird Friendship Centre Ginoogaming First Nation Band Office Grassy Narrows J.B. Store Gull Bay Band Office Hornepayne First Nation Band Office Hornepayne G & L Variety Store Hudson Grant’s Store Iskatewizaagegan 39 Independent First Nation Band Office Kapuskasing Indian Friendship Centre 41 Murdock St.

Kasabonika Chief Simeon McKay Education Centre Kasabonika First Nation Band Office Kashechewan Francine J. Wesley Secondary School Kashechewan First Nation Band Office Kashechewan Northern Store Keewaywin First Nation Band Office Keewaywin Northern Store Kenora Bimose Tribal Council 598 Lakeview Dr. Kenora Chefield Gourmet, Kenora Shoppers 534 Park St. - ON SALE Kenora Chiefs Advisory Kenora Migisi Treatment Centre Kenora Ne-Chee Friendship Centre Kenora Sunset Strip Husky - ON SALE Kingfisher Lake Omahamo Hotel Complex Kingfisher Lake Omahamo Store Kocheching First Nation Band Office Lac La Croix First Nation Band Office Lac Seul, Kejick Bay Lakeside Cash & Carry Lake Nipigon Ojibway First Nation Band Office Lansdowne House Co-op Store Lansdowne House Northern Store Long Lake #58 General Store Mattagammi Confectionary Michipicoten First Nation Band Office Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation Band Office Missanabie Cree First Nation Band Office Mobert Band Office Moose Factory Echo Lodge Restaurant Moose Factory GG’s Corner & Gift Store Moose Factory Northern Stores Moose Factory Weeneebayko General Hospital Moosonee Air Creebec Moosonee Airport Moosonee Native Friendship Centre Moosonee Northern Store Moosonee Ontario Northland Railway Moosonee Polar Bear Lodge Moosonee Tasha’s Variety Moosonee Tempo Variety Moosonee Two Bay Enterprises Muskrat Dam Lisa Beardy Muskrat Dam Muskrat Dam Community Store Musselwhite Mine Naicatchewenin First Nation Band Office Naotikamegwanning First Nation Band Office Nestor Falls C & C Motel Nestor Falls Onegaming Gas & Convenience Nicikousemenecaning First Nation Band Office North Spirit Lake Band Office North Spirit Lake Cameron Store Northwest Angle #33 Band Office Northwest Angle #37 Band Office Ochiichagwe’Babigo’ Ining First Nation Band Office Ogoki Trappers Store Ojibways of Pic River Nation Band Office Osnaburgh Band Office Osnaburgh Laureen’s Grocery & Gas

Pawitik Pawitik Store Pays Plat First Nation Band Office Peawanuck General Store Pickle Lake Frontier Foods Pickle Lake Winston Motor Hotel Pikangikum Band Office Band Office Pikangikum Education Authority Pikangikum Northern Store Poplar Hill Northern Store Poplar Hill Poplar Hill Band Office Rainy River First Nation Band Office Red Lake Couchenour Airport Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre Red Lake Video Plus Red Rock First Nation Band Office Rocky Bay First Nation Lar’s Place Sachigo Lake Brian Barkman Sachigo Lake Sachigo Co-op Store Sandy Lake A-Dow-Gamick Sandy Lake David B. Fiddler, Band Office Sandy Lake Northern Store Sandy Lake Education Authority Sandy Lake Special Education Class Saugeen First Nation Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre 122 East St. Savant Lake Ennis Grocery Store Seine River First Nation Band Office Shoal Lake #40 First Nation Band Office Sioux Narrows Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawang Slate Falls Band Office Stanjikoming First Nation Band Office Stratton Kay-nah-chi-wah-nung Historica Summer Beaver Nibinamik Community Store Taykwa Tagamou Nation, New Post First Nation Band Office Timmins Air Creebec Timmins Timmins Indian Friendship Centre 316 Spruce St. S. Timmins Wawatay N.C.S 135 Pine St. S. Wabaskang First Nation Band Office Wabigoon First Nation Community Store Wabigoon Green Achers of Wabigoon 10695 Hwy 17 Wahgoshing First Nation Wapekeka Wapekeka Community Store Washaganish Band Office Wauzhusk Onigum First Nation Band Office Wawakapewin Band Office Weagamow Lake Northern Store Weagamow Lake Onatamakay Community Store Webequie Northern Store Whitedog Kent Store Whitesand First Nation Band Office Wunnimun Lake General Store Wunnimun Lake Ken-Na-Wach Radio Wunnimun Lake Northern Store

401 N. Cumberland St. Wawatay News Sub Office 216 South Algoma St. Wequedong Lodge Lodge 1. 228 S. Archibald St. Lodge 2. 189 N. Court St. Lodge 3. 750 MacDonnell St. Fort William First Nation: Bannon’s Gas Bar / R.R #4 City Rd. Fort William First Nation / Band Office K & A Variety THP Variety and Gas Bar/606 City Rd. Hulls Family Bookstore 127 Brodie Street South Quality Market 146 Cenntennial Square

Quality Market 1020 Dawson Rd. Mark Sault 409 George St. Metis Nation of Ontario 226 S. May St. John Howard Society Of Thunder Bay & District/132 N. Archibald St. The UPS Store/1020 Dawaon Rd. Redwood Park /2609 Redwood Ave. Confederation College: 510 Victoria Ave. East 778 Grand Point Rd. 1500 S James St. 111 Frederica St.

Mascotto Marine Meno-ya-win Health Centre, Activity Centre Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre Northern Store Pelican Falls First Nation High School Rexall Drug Stores Queen Elizabeth D.H.S. Darren Lentz Queen Elizabeth D.H.S. Native Studies Robin’s Donuts Shibogama Tribal Council 81 King St. Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre, Nursing Flr. Sioux Lookout Public Library Sioux Lotto Sioux Pharmacy

Sioux Travel Slate Falls Airways Sunset Inn Sunset Suites Travel Information Centre Wasaya Airways Wellington Inn William A. Bill George Extended Care Unit 75 - 5th Ave N Wilson’s Business Solutions Windigo Tribal Council Sacred Heart School Sioux Mountain Public School

① Prescription drug abuse wreaking havoc on First Nations James Thom Wawatay News

An early-winter Nishnawbe Aski Nation chief’s meeting was dedicated completely to the issue chosen by Wawatay News staff as the story of the year.

Chiefs from across northern Ontario, including Grand Council Treaty 3 declared a call to action to address prescription drug abuse Feb. 12 in Thunder Bay after spending three days discussing the issue.

“Our focus of our meetings was not to highlight the problems, but to come together and develop solutions and a plan to affect real change,” said Eabametoong Chief Solomon Atlookan. “What emerged after three days of meetings was a declaration – a call to action – for our communities.”

Despite their efforts, the issue has grown throughout the year.

Because of limits in the legal-

ities of searches, police, including Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, are forced to rely on tips to keep unprescribed prescription drugs out of First Nations.

“We encourage people to call in tips,” said NAPS Sgt. Jackie George. “A lot of the work we have done is through tips from the public.

“We need to have a lot of reliable information before we can search people. We can’t do random searches because it violates people’s rights.”

During the conference, Wasaya Airways officials also spoke about what smugglers were doing to sneak drugs into the communities.

Throughout the year, dozens of arrests were made at the Thunder Bay International Airport as people tried unsuccessfully to ship their contriband medication north.

Late in the year, Keewaywin Chief Joe Meekis announced

drastic measures to counteract prescription drug abuse in his community after declaring a state of emergency days earlier.

“We didn’t give any welfare cheques for this month,” Meekis said. “We just (provided) a benefit card through the Northern Store. They can only buy groceries with that card. People don’t like it – but that’s what we need to do.”

In addition, searches – which are legal in the communities themselves – are performed on everyone entering the community. Mail is also being checked.

“We’re not supposed to open their mail,” Meekis said. “We will sit there and wait for them to come and pick up their mail.

We ask people to voluntarily open their parcels.”

He said the measures are beginning to have an effect on those people who are bringing in prescription drugs.

② Harmonized Sales Tax comes under fire James Thom Wawatay News

A failure to hold open houses and discussion on the Harmonized Sales Tax with any Ontarions – let alone First Nations people with tax exemptions – landed the provincial and federal governments with millions of upset constituents.

John Beaucage, Anishinabek Nation grand council chief, launched a write-in campaign to

reinforce the treaty right of First Nation citizens to tax exemption after the governments unilaterally made the decision to merge Provincial Sales Tax (eight per cent) and federal Goods and Services Tax (five percent) into the HST (13 per cent).

Beaucage and other First Nations leaders demanded the continuation of the point-ofsale sales tax exemption for First Nations citizens.

“Through this initiative, we

will make it abundantly clear to both levels of government that First Nations expect that their right to tax exemption will be honoured,” said Beaucage.

“Regardless of their place of residence, First Nations citizens should be exempt from both provincial and federal portions of the new tax.”

First Nations leaders are continuing the fight for an exemption.

Thunder Bay Outlets An Eagles Cry Ministry 100 Simpson St. Central News 626 Waterloo St. - ON SALE Dennis F. Cromarty High School 315 N. Edward St. Ka-Na-Chi-Hih Treatment Centre 1700 Dease Street Lakehead University Aboriginal Awareness Centre / 955 Oliver Road, Room SC0019 Native People of Thunder Bay Development Corp. / 230 Van Norman St. Negahneewin College of Indigenous Studies C 106. 1450 Nakina Drive Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre

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Sioux Lookout Outlets Sioux Lookout Airport Interpreter’s Desk Al’s Sports Excellence Best Western Chicken Chef D.J’s Gas Bar Drayton Cash & Carry Fifth Avenue Club First Step Women’s Shelter Forest Inn Fred & Dee’s IFNA 98 King St. Johnny’s Food Market L.A. Meats Linda DeRose Lamplighter Motel

If you run a business and would like to distribute Wawatay News, Please call 1-800-243-9059 and ask for Crystal.

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Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

7

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Issue dates: January 21 February 4 February 18

March 4 March 18 April 1

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8

Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

③ CAS agencies’ budgets cut, partially restored late in 2009 James Thom Wawatay News

Funding cuts forced Payukotayno James and Hudson Bay Family Services to hand out layoff notices to its staff late in 2009.

Payukotayno executive director Ernest Beck said his organization is facing a 30.04 per cent

cut in their total funding due to the $67 million in provincial funding cuts announced June 2009 for 49 Children’s Aid Societies across the province.

After last-minute lobbying, the Ontario government has stepped in at the eleventh hour to provide $2 million in emergency funding, allowing the agency to keep its doors open

and staff working.

Payukotayno provided services to about 700 families last year; it has a service population of about 13,000 people located along the James Bay and Hudson Bay coast, including Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Moose Factory and Weenusk.

Other agencies also felt the

cash crunch.

According to the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS), Tikinagan Children & Family Services ($3.9 million or 9.2 per cent) Dilico Anishinabek Family Care ($2.7 million or 10 per cent) and Native Child and Family Services of Toronto ($1.5 million or 9.5 per cent) have all

faced cuts to their budgets since the June announcement by the minister.

“The current funding model for First Nations child welfare services is inadequate and disproportionate to that of other Children’s Aid Societies in the province,” said Regional Chief Peter Collins. “Dilico’s inability to operate within its allocated

budget lies within a flawed funding formula—one that places the agency in a position of failure.

“For us, this means our vision of a child welfare system that strengthens and supports our families and communities is in serious jeopardy.”

② Keejick stands her ground

Women of the year

Debbie Mishibinijima

out on the land.”

Wawatay News

Wawatay News file photo

Attawapiskat Elder Sophie Spence was named Wawatay News Woman of the year for 2009.

Roberta Keejick stood up to the legal system when she was charged for building two cabins within her family trap line.

Keejick, of Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows First Nation) is a self-described activist-trapper.

She had been charged for building without provincial permits under the Public Lands Act. “My people have always used this land, but now we are criminalized and treated like a nuisance when we’re trying to be

“My people have always used this land, but now we are criminalized and treated like a nuisance when we’re trying to be out on the land.”

– Roberta Keejick

Keesick filed a Notice of Constitutional Question which argued the “Government of

Ontario has no right to regulate or interfere with the… right to hunt or fish in territory governed by Treaty #3 or to use the territory traditionally cared for and used by the Anishnabe people of the Grassy Narrows First Nation for hunting and fishing, among other uses.

“I believe that any Anishinabe can build a log cabin in the forest unhindered by the government,” said Keesick. “I hope that more Anishnabek will go back into the forest and utilize the land as our ancestors have, and teach our children and grandchildren how to survive in there.”

① Walk a mile in Sophie Spence’s shoes Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News

This past year has seen its fair share of strong Nishnawbe Kwe’ok seeking to improve the lives of their people.

The issues have centred around homelessness, Aboriginal and treaty rights, eliminating violence against women, and citizenship rights.

This year, Sophie Spence of Attawapiskat was nominated as Wawatay’s Woman of the Year.

Spence has proven that she is one strong, determined lady who cares about her people.

The 68-year-old Cree Elder had walked through the cold of winter 110 kilometers from Cochrane to Timmins to raise awareness of the homelessness situation in her community.

She completed the walk

although she has two artificial knee transplants and arthritis.

Being frustrated with the lack of assistance afforded to the homeless is what prompted the resolute woman to take action.

In July, Spence was one of eight families who were evacuated when sewer flooding damaged the homes.

The stench had made living in the homes intolerable.

The evacuees, totaling 90 members, were either sent to Cochrane, stayed in the community living in tent frames, or relocated to the isolated healing lodge.

Since the sewage flood, Spence has lived in a motel room and she is tired of it.

Spence is unable to cook or do the daily tasks she was accustomed to in her own home.

“I have no house and hoping

at least, to have a place where I can stay on my own, just the way I was before I lost my husband when I used to live in my house. I miss my home,” she said.

“I feel like a prisoner, that is what I feel like being in there.”

Spence is hoping to hear some optimistic news that she will be granted some type of accommodation back home.

Family members joined Spence during the walk.

Since she has completed the walk, Spence remarks that she is feeling “really different all day.”

Spence arrived to Timmins Dec. 6.

She is willing to do another walk if the homelessness issues of her community are not addressed.

Wawatay News file photo

Sharon Johnson is working to eliminate violence against women.

③ Improving the quality of life for women Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News

Sharon Johnson, of Seine River, works adamantly to eliminate violence against women.

Johnson is no stranger to the acts of violence committed against women.

Sharon’s younger sister, Sandra, was only 18 years old when she was murdered in 1992.

To date, there have been no suspects or leads.

It took some time before Johnson was comfortable to talk about her sister’s death.

She is now frequently asked to be a guest speaker at women’s rallies.

In 2009, Sharon has worked with the Valentine’s Day Memorial Walk, the Full Moon Memory Walk Fundraiser, the Sisters

in Spirit Vigil and the Take Back the Night rallies.

Her commitment to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal women and girls is the reason she has been chosen as one of Wawatay’s women of the year.

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ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

JANUARY 7, 2010

Wawatay News

Men of the year

① Sandy Lake Chief Adam Fiddler knows media Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Sandy Lake Chief Adam Fiddler is Wawatay’s Man of the Year.

Fiddler helped lead his community through an H1N1 outbreak, he helped set up a treatment program for community members suffering from prescription drug abuse, and he spoke about the use of communications during a crisis situation at the Northern Ontario First Nations Communications Conference.

“We put in really strong measures,” Fiddler said about the June 13-21 H1N1 outbreak in his community. “Within one week we had it contained.”

Fiddler brought up the issue of protecting community members who travel for medical appointments in Winnipeg during a June 30 meeting with chiefs, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fid-

dler and Health Canada officials.

“They congregate in the hospital and boarding homes,” Fiddler said. “We do want put in place measures to protect people from contracting the virus while they are out there. The reality is the flu is out there.”

Fiddler also helped his community set up a seven-day camp for community members with prescription drug addictions after a call for help during a June 10 community walk.

“We had a walk June 10, to basically say, yes, we recognize we do have a prescription drug abuse problem in our community,” Fiddler said, “and we need to take action to do something about it.”

Fiddler said the camp included traditional teachings on the land, such as fishing, setting snares and hunting, as part of the healing process.

“We want to find out what works, and what doesn’t work,”

Fiddler said.

Fiddler said many of the prescription drug dealers are using the drug money to support their own prescription drug addictions.

“That is why we are focusing on helping those with addictions,” Fiddler said, noting that many of the people who are addicted to prescription drugs do want to turn their lives around, but it is difficult to get into treatment programs or detox centres.

Fiddler said Aboriginal leaders need to be aware of the different strategies to get their community’s message out to the general public during the Northern Ontario First Nations Communications Conference.

“Don’t get caught up in the questions because they will lead you,” Fiddler said, explaining journalists know what they want people to say. “You have to make sure they hear what you are telling them.”

Wawatay News file photo

Sandy Lake Chief Adam Fiddler, right, seen with AFN Nation Chief Shawn Atleo, was named Wawatay’s Man of the year for his leadership in times of crisis in his community.

② Darcy Kejick: ③ KI, chief victorious over Platinex businessman, award winner Rick Garrick Wawatay News

North Spirit Lake’s Darcy Kejick is building an empire.

Kejick is building his community’s first motel and he won his fourth business award, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund’s Businessman of the Year.

“I thought it would be a good idea to start up a motel,” said the co-owner of North Spirit Foods and Darcy and Susan’s Gas. “We hope it will address the need for a place to stay in North Spirit Lake as we only have one scheduled flight into North Spirit Lake every day.”

Kejick and partner Susan Rae first started up Darcy and Susan’s Gas in 2001 as a family business, and expanded into the grocery business with North Spirit Foods in 2007 after Kejick won the 2006 Project Beyshick business plan competition award of $15,000 and received a business loan through NADF. “We’re doing everything right,” Kejick said. “We are

keeping our financial records up to date, we are putting in the work to keep the businesses in shape – we put in a lot of commitment and time.”

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

In a David versus Goliath battle, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Chief Donny Morris stood tall.

Morris’s strong leadership during his community’s struggles with Platinex Inc. recently paid off when the Ontario government reached an agreement

to settle litigation with Platinex to drop its lawsuits against Ontario and KI and surrender its mining claims in the KI area; Morris was also re-elected Nov. 26 with 160 votes and he spoke out about the hundreds of millions of kilograms of toxic pollution generated each year by Canada’s mining industry.

“I consider the decision of Platinex to not proceed with

they have always derived their livelihood.

“That was one of the issues when they first proposed an open pit mine,” Morris said.

“You can not identify the impact it will have if it (toxic pollutants) flows into our lake.”

Morris said mining residues had already been left in their traditional territory without any government or industry action.

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mining exploration in our territory as a major victory,” Morris said. “My community was determined to stop Platinex and the Ontario government from arbitrarily imposing a mine at Nemeigusabins Lake.”

Morris said his community was concerned about possible environmental issues stemming from the development of a mine so near to the lake from which

S

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12

The distribution date for the next magazine is scheduled for February 12, 2010. To meet this deadline, our ad booking and material deadline is January 14, 2010.

Sagatay subscriptions are now available, if you would like a copy of this magazine, please contact us and we will send one to you for your enjoyment. If you have any questions, or would like to book an ad, please feel free to contact us.

To advertise in Sagatay contact: Advertising Department Toll: 1-888-575-2349 Fax: 1-807-344-3182 Email: saturnm@wawatay.on.ca 2nd Floor Royal Bank Building Suite 202 Victoriaville Centre, 620 Victoria Ave. East Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1A93

10

Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Youth stories of the year

① Self-sacrifice, determination keys to youth walk Rick Garrick Wawatay News

The 610-kilometre Walk for Youth Healing completed by 11 Nishnawbe Aski Nation youth to the Keewaywin Conference is Wawatay’s Youth Story of the Year.

“Sometimes the weather didn’t agree with us, but we kept going strong,” said Serene Spence, who brought her oneyear-old daughter with her on the Aug. 6-12 walk along the Trans-Canada Highway’s north shore of Superior route from Thunder Bay to Chapleau Cree First Nation. “We knew what our destination was and our goal was.”

The youth and six adults who walked with them received a standing ovation at the Keewaywin Conference when they arrived on the afternoon of Aug. 12.

“We have very few resources for our youth,” said Betty Achneepineskum, the Nishnawbe Aski Legal Services Corporation restorative justice worker who organized the walk to raise awareness of the lack of services and resources for NAN youth.

“The walk is part of a dream I had about nine years ago. I have been honoured to visit most of our communities. I have also witnessed firsthand the struggles and challenges many of our First Nation people are facing.”

Achneepineskum said the parents and grandparents of NAN have a responsibility to address the issues facing youth.

“Many of our young people are still choosing to die,” she said.

Achneepineskum was looking for support for three multipurpose healing centres in Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory, one in the east, one in the

centre and one in the west.

NAN Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose was impressed with the walker’s determination to their cause.

“What they are doing is very important,” Waboose said, explaining the walkers raised awareness of the problems youth face. “As First Nations, we have had a history of oppression. They are empowering themselves, they are regaining their own spirituality back.”

Achneepineskum was proud of the walker’s efforts, noting the walk was “really good.

Everybody was in good spirits – there was no discontent.”

“It’s like a roller coaster,” said Michael Slipperjack, a walker from Eabametoong First Nation who walked with his son and daughter. “The experience was good.

“It’s something I would like to do again in the future.”

Wawatay News file photo

Eleven youth completed a 610-kilometre walk from Thunder Bay to Chapleau Cree First Nation to raise awareness of the struggles faced by First Nations. The group arrived on time to the Keewaywin Conference.

② Award-winning student lauded Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Correen Kakegamic spent 2009 winning awards in school and making presentations on intergenerational impacts of residential school.

“Everything exceeds your expectations,” said her Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School English and drama teacher, Nancy Currie. “She is very involved in school activities.

I know she is up until three or four (at night) doing her homework.”

Kakegamic said she used the drama class as a way to overcome her shyness.

“I was really shy before,” she said. “Just being in drama class helped me come out of my shell.

I thought of it as a way to help

me, and it was fun.”

The Grade 12 student from Sandy Lake earned the DFC 2009 Executive Director’s Award and Science Top Student award and the 2009 Keewaywin Awards NAN Youth Leadership/Community Involvement Award.

Kakegamic also spoke about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools in Calgary, Hamilton and Sioux Lookout.

“The youth cope with these things by violence or substance and alcohol abuse. We deal with it the wrong way,” Kakegamic said. “We’re hoping that this presentation will not only go towards Elders but also the youth so we can hope that they would find their way of coping with all this stress and what they’re going through.”

③ Healing journey from prescription drug abuse Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Wawatay News file photo

Correen Kakegamic holds the Executive DIrector’s Award during the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School awards banquet in June.

Martha Kakegamic has experienced a tremendous healing journey from prescription drug abuse.

“You just have to keep your mind on the good things, on why you want to be sober,” Kakegamic said. “It’s going to be hard. Your body will be physically hurting.”

Kakegamic began snorting Oxycontin after her boyfriend and older brother had passed away.

“At that time, I was willing to try anything so I won’t feel the pain anymore,” she says. “I started to snort Oxy’s, about six to eight pills a day, sometimes

less. Depends if I get enough money.”

Kakegamic quit when she hit rock bottom after taking the wrong pill and having a near death experience.

She now has a goal to help others quit, and recently helped facilitate a Wapekeka Survivors of Suicide conference workshop with her daughter this past August where they spoke about turning their lives around.

“It helps to remind yourself what you went through with drugs before and why you would go through that whole thing again (withdrawals),” Kakegamic said.

“Just think about your future, it will be better when you are sober.”

Cultural stories of the year

① NAN launches flag to honour Aboriginal war veterans Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News

Veterans of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation were presented with an official flag during a special ceremony.

Chapleau Cree veterans Ian and Donald White, who both served in the Second World

War, helped unveil the new NAN Veterans Flag Aug. 11 at the Keewaywin Chiefs Conference.

Grand Chief Stan Beardy helped to unveil the flag.

“Through the years hundreds of NAN men and women have stepped forward in defence of Canada and its interests during

the First, Second and Korean Wars, and it is fitting that NAN First Nations now have an official flag with which to honour our veterans,” Beardy said.

“This image is a tribute to the Cree, Ojibway and Oji-Cree war veterans from Nishnawbe Aski Nation as depicted by the goose and the bear,” Beardy said.

Patrick Cheechoo, financial advisor with Matawa First Nations, designed the flag.

Aboriginal participation in Canada’s war efforts has been proportionately higher than any other group of Canadians, noting that many Aboriginal soldiers used their traditional hunting skills to serve as snip-

ers and scouts and others used their Cree language to serve as code talkers to communicate sensitive military plans in a language the enemy could not Cheechoo

understand.

The NAN Veterans Flag features an Elder veteran holding an eagle staff along with a goose, bear, the rising sun and seven eagle feathers representing honour for veterans, unity and sovereignty of NAN First Nations and the seven sacred teachings.

② Dictionaries legitamize First Nation languages: Morris Wawatay News

For two decades, educators have been requesting Aboriginal language dictionaries.

Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre in Sioux Lookout took notice and decided to

do something about it.

After many years of hard work, Kwayaciiwin has now released dictionaries in the Wasaho Cree and Ojibwe dialects.

The first dictionary completed and published more than six years ago was the Wasaho

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2009-758

Inniniwimowin (Wasaho Cree) dictionary.

Marie McKenzie worked on the Cree dictionary.

The Anishinaabe-Ikidowinan (Ojibwe) dictionary was just recently completed.

Roy Morris, project co-ordinator, said this particular dic-

The Commission has received the following application.

The deadline for submission of interventions/comments: 12 January 2010

Le Conseil a été saisi de la demande suivante. La date limite pour le dépôt des interventions/observations : 12 janvier 2010

• Norwesto Communications Ltd. – amendment of the broadcasting licence for the English-language commercial radio station – Sioux Lookout, Ontario

• Norwesto Communications Ltd. – modiÀcation de licence de radiodiffusion de la station de radio commerciale de langue anglaise – Sioux Lookout (Ontario)

For further information, please consult Notice of Consultation CRTC 2009-758 on the CRTC website at www.crtc.gc.ca under “Public Proceedings” or call our toll free number 1-877-249-CRTC.

Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez consulter l’avis de consultation CRTC 2009-758 sur le site Web du CRTC au www.crtc.gc.ca à la section « instances publiques » ou appelez le numéro sans frais 1-877-249-CRTC.

tionary took over ten years to complete.

The dictionary also comes in two volumes.

Patricia Ningewance did the research for the Ojibway Dictionary.

The development of an OjiCree Dictionary is in the works.

Morris stressed the importance of having language dictionaries.

“Once you have a dictionary in any language, it becomes legitimate,” Morris said. “Its status is raised.”

Morris said these dictionaries are important to develop

academic language within the schools in the First Nations communities.

“It is through books like this that develop the language and they help students learn the language, which is very important.”

③ Working to overcome addictions

Avis de consultation de radiodiffusion CRTC 2009-758

Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News

#062

Debbie Mishibinijima

Sandy Lake took the initiative to use its own resources to combat prescription drug abuse.

A community walk involving several hundred people was held on June 10th to recognize that there is a prescription drug abuse problem.

When it was realized that community members were coming in to request additional monies to feed the family, chief and council knew they had to

“We want to find out what works, and what doesn’t work.”

– Adam Fiddler

take action.

Roy Kakegamic of the Sandy Lake First Nation Health Authority helped to develop the “Quake Kee Ka Bawin” Healing Camp.

Traditional teachings on the land, such as fishing, setting

snares and hunting, are part of the healing process.

“We want to find out what works, and what doesn’t work,” Chief Adam Fiddler said.

The Quake Kee Aah Bwin Camp project started on Aug. 30 with 13 participants.

Four individuals remain committed to overcoming his or her addiction to prescription drugs.

It is hoped that funding can be secured to make the landbased healing camp into a longterm program.

Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

11

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

① Summer Butterfly excels at winter sport James Thom Wawatay News

Summer Butterfly’s feats on the ice have landed her the top spot in Wawatay News’ ranking of top sports stories of 2009.

Butterfly, a Fort Albany band member, was 12 when she shared her exploits with Wawatay earlier this year.

She had just earned a place on the blueline of the Sudbury Lady Wolves ‘AA’ Peewee hockey team, a travelling squad which features the highest-calibre opposition in northeastern Ontario.

She and her father Mark described the chance to play for the team as destiny.

“We came down from Moosonee for another tryout,” Mark Butterfly said. “Then

when we got to Sudbury, we saw there were tryouts for this team too. So we brought Summer, really just to see how she compared to the other girls at the tryout.”

“We brought Summer, really just to see how she compared to the other girls at the tryout.”

– Mark Butterfly

She beat out dozens of other girls to make the team, after first playing in a tournament with the team.

“I had to get used to their plays and breakouts. I got used

to it quickly,” she said.

She said her skills fit well on the team.

“I try to skate hard, pass the puck and chase it,” she said. “I do get assists ... and a few goals.

“I’m really excited to be on this team,” Summer said. “It’s definitely different than playing with boys.”

Once the travelling season is complete, Summer expects to play in the Little NHL tournament.

“We have a lot of fun,” she said. “It’s nice to play with girls from home. “It’s nice to represent your community.”

Wawatay News file photo

Summer Butterfly, right, was honoured as being Wawatay News’ top Sports story of the year.

② Sharks circle around Jonathan Cheechoo in San Jose James Thom Wawatay News

Perhaps nowhere else was the Sept. 12 trade which sent Jonathan Cheechoo to the Ottawa Senators felt more strongly than

on the James Bay coast.

Cheechoo, a hero to many for just getting to the National Hockey League, reached superstardom after the 2005-2006 season when he led the league in goals scored.

When he was traded, so too were allegancies. Many along the coast traded the teal and black Sharks jerseys for the red and gold of the Sens.

While he’s no longer the goal scoring machine he was in San

Jose, Cheechoo has found a role with the Senators.

The addition of the Moose Factory right-winger and leftwinger Milan Michalek has helped Sens fans forget about Dany Heatley, who demanded a

③ Ontario’s NAIG team saved James Thom Wawatay News

Fear not youth athletes, your place at the 2011 North American Indigenous Games is once again secure.

Thanks to the last-minute support of the Chiefs of Ontario, Ontario will have a team at the July 10-17, 2011 event in Milwaukee, Wisc.

“The Ontario chiefs passed the resolution supporting Team Ontario,” said Marc Laliberte, who as an organizer, was integral in Team Ontario having a spot at the 2008 Games in British Columbia.

“That follows up on a Nishnawbe Aski Nation resolution supporting Team Ontario, a letter from the Ontario Native Women’s Association supporting Team Ontario.”

Laliberte said the support means Ontario’s Aboriginal athletes will now be able to look at starting a new sports body to represent them; the body that used to represent Ontario’s Aboriginal athletes, the Ontario Aboriginal Sports Circle, folded in 2007 due to loss of funding.

“We’re at the start of a new

trade to leave the nation’s capital.

The teams also swapped draft picks.

So far this season, Cheechoo has three goals and seven assists in 42 games.

He’s also collected 20 minutes of penalties.

He is currently listed second on the Senator’s depth charts at right-wing with the team’s captain out with injury.

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Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

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Wawatay News

Artist Ahmoo Angeconeb from Lac Seul First Nation is Wawatay’s art story of the year for his project Creating Traditional Teaching Prints. Angeconeb donated the prints to 64 First Nations across northern Ontario.

The project consisted of two prints that represent two sacred teachings. The first print is titled The Seven Grandfathers on Blue, which represents seven values that are said will allow one to live a good life.

“I was told by a grandfather one time that value of love should be at the centre of the artwork,” said Angeconeb.

The print has an eagle at the centre representing the value of love. It is surrounded by the wolf representing humility; the bear representing courage; the turtle representing truth; the buffalo representing respect; the wild man representing honesty and the beaver representing wisdom.

The colour of this print is black, white and sky blue.

“These three colours are the three healing colours in traditional teachings,” said Angeconeb.

The second print is four colours: red, yellow, black and

Chris Kornacki Wawatay News

Wawatay News file photo

Artist Ahmoo Angeconeb is seen with some of his framed work. white on blue paper. It is titled The Four Sacred Gifts and represents the four gifts the Creator gave to the people: Fire, Air, Water and Land.

“In March of 2008 I received an Ontario Arts Council Grant.

There’s a program called the Northern Arts Program and it includes a program called New Artworks that’s open to artists in northern Ontario to produce some new work.”

From this grant Angeconeb created the 144 new prints. The prints were actually made from wood blocks of birth plywood.

He cut out the designs on the wood blocks. “I cut away the negative space and what’s left is higher. Once I cut the block I roll the ink onto the block

and the ink catches the higher areas.”

The whole process took a year and a half to complete. “To cut the blocks took about four months,” Angeconeb said. The rest of the time was spent making all 144 prints by hand from the two wood blocks.

Both prints were sent to all the 64 communities in hopes the communities will put them up in their school or band office.

“I would like children to see them and view them because these are two really important teachings that children should be exposed too. My goal of the project was to have them viewed by young people and children,” Angeconeb said.

Christian Chapman, an upcoming artist from Fort William First Nation has seen his career as an artist take off in 2009. Chapman’s work saw solo exhibits in Peterbourgh, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay. The work presented was a series of large paintings based around stories Chapman heard while growing up. The project was completed last year and was funded by the Ontario Arts Council.

The series is called The Lion and the Pigs of Loch Lomond.

“There’s a lake on Mount McKay on Fort William First Nation and there’s stories about a lion and pigs that would sometimes come out of the water. My grandmother would tell the story about the lion that would come out of the water and the way she told it made the image always stick with me.”

“When I hear a story I just get images in my head and somehow try to capture those images,” Chapman said.

Tomson Highway also accepted a Christian Chapman original painting at the conclusion of the Oct. 24 Kisaageetin: A Cabaret performance at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay.

③ Portrait series earns praise

CANDY College Student

“I Am Your Children’s Aid.” “I called in Children’s Aid when I was fourteen to protect my one-year-old sister from the abuse that I’d known my whole life from violent, alcoholic parents. I was seventeen when my sister was adopted. I came to the city where Children’s Aid supported me to live on my own. Now I’m in my second year of college and I work at Children’s Aid. I want to give back—for my sister’s sake and my own.”

GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR CHILDREN’S AID. GO TO USEYOURVOICE.CA Photography: Robert Popkin. Creative: stcworks.ca

The portrait series I Am Indigenous by Adrienne FoxKeesic and Brent Wesley aims to show the diversity of Aboriginal backgrounds and to inspire people.

A portrait from the series is published in each bi-monthly issue of Sagatay magazine, and an art gallery showing of the on-going project was displayed at the A-Frame Gallery in Sioux Lookout in March 2009.

“I was pretty amazed to see the number of people here that came here and to celebrate with us and to check out the images and pictures,” Wesley, a Constance Lake band member, said about the showing at the AFrame Gallery.

The series aims to break stereotypes about Indigenous people, Fox-Keesic said, in explaining how she got the idea for it.

“I wanted to show that we’re diverse, we’re all these different things and it’s not necessarily anything tied to what’s typically perceived such as us wearing head dresses or powwow regalia,” Fox-Keesic said. “I wanted to show we’re diverse people, we all do different things and it doesn’t make us any less Indigenous.”

Wesley said his inspiration was to find the models’ personalities and show that Indigenous people come from different backgrounds.

Trying to solicit some names for images, Fox-Keesic asked Wesley for recommendations.

After Wesley offered ideas, FoxKeesic invited him to join her project because he’s a “talented photographer.” –CK

Wawatay News

DECADE

IN REVIEW

JANUARY 7, 2010

13

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

2000-2009

Kash faces E. coli, fire, inquest

May this New Year bring newly found prosperity and happiness!

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Kashechewan’s E-coli outbreak and the death of two community members due to a jail fire were major stories over the past decade.

Citing a medical emergency, Ontario Minister of Indian Affairs David Ramsay launched an evacuation 11 days after Health Canada found high levels of E. coli in the community’s drinking water in 2005.

“Those who require medical attention will be evacuated off the reserve,” said Anne-Marie Flanagan, Ramsay’s press secretary. “Our estimates at this point tell us this could mean as many as 60 per cent (or about 1,100 people) of the community’s overall population (of 1,900) is in need of medical attention.”

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, acting on expert advice from Health Canada, had earlier decided not to evacuate community members following the E.coli outbreak.

“We spent three hours in a telephone conference with the First Nation today and we agreed to provide them 1,500 (18 litre) bottles of water per day starting Monday,” said INAC Ontario region director General Bob Howsam.

Although E. coli and other harmful bacteria were no longer present in the water, chief and council continued to argue that the 10-year-old water treatment plant, built downstream from an existing sewage lagoon, is beyond repair.

“How in God’s name could an Indian Affairs bureaucrat have allowed a plant to be built where the water intake for

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

We wish you happiness, joy and blessings for the New Year.

House of Bras Etc.

219 Wilson Avenue Timmins, ON P4N 2T3 (705) 268-7121

Wawatay News file photo

Kashechewan residents evacuate the community in November 2006 in the midst of the E. Coli outbreak. the community’s water supply would basically be raw sewage,” asked Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus (NDP) after touring the facility.

The coroner’s inquest jury looked into the 2006 police holding cell fire deaths of Ricardo Wesley and Jamie Goodwin visited Kashechewan on March 9.

“I welcome the opportunity for this jury to see the underserviced and deplorable conditions Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers are often forced to work under,” said Kashechewan First Nation Chief Jonathon Solomon. According to

an Ontario Solicitor General report, published in 2005, the condition of NAPS’ Kashechewan detachment was listed as “very poor.”

“I think it is a total shame to expect people to work under such conditions,” said NAPS board chairman Mike Metatawabin in 2006.

The coroner’s inquest made 86 recommendations in May 2009 relevant to NAPS, including that the Ontario and federal governments need to provide NAPS the funds to ensure its policing standards and infrastructure are equivalent to those in non-First Nations com-

munities.

“These jury members were able to see what federal and provincial governments have failed to recognize – that NAN First Nations deserve the same level of police services as those enjoyed by the rest of the province,” said then Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, noting the jury’s recognition that 19 NAPS detachments do not meet National Building Code standards.

“The inquest is done but the work is just starting, and we hope that something positive can come from this.”

May all your dreams come true this New Year!

Literacy Network Northeast Timmins Visit us at www.literacynet.ca

Advertise with WAWATAY NEWS Call us for more information 1-800-243-9059

ᐊᐧᐊᐧᑌ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯᒧᐃᐧᓂ ᐊᔭᒧᐃᐧᓂ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧᓇᐣ Wawatay Native Communications Society

wishes you happiness, joy and blessings for the New Year.

w w w. w a w a t a y n e w s . c a

14

Wawatay News

Attawapiskat gets new school, again

Nishnawbe Aski Nation

ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᓴᑭᐃᓴᑯᓂᑲᓇᓐ ᐅᑭᒪᐧᐃᓐ

SCHEDULE “C”

JANUARY 7, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Attawapiskat’s struggle for a new school has been a major story over the past decade.

Attawapiskat student Shannen Koostachin was nominated for an International Children’s Peace Prize and she confronted Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl over the issue in 2008.

“Minister Strahl told me he had other priorities than building a school. Maybe he thinks we will just lose hope and give up,” Koostachin said. “But I was always taught by my parents to stand up and speak for what I believe in. I told him the children wouldn’t give up.”

But Koostachin said some Grade 4 and 5 students had given up going to school because they don’t have proper school resources such as libraries and science labs.

“They just stop going to school,” Koosatcin said. “Imagine that. Imagine that a child who feels they have no future, even at that young age.”

Since then, the community has received promises from the federal government that they will receive a new school.

“INAC has dedicated an amount of $200,000 to assist the First Nation in updating its school capital planning study,” said Susan Bertrand, manager of communications for INAC in December. “Funding is also planned for the design and construction phases for subsequent

Windigo First Nation

Wawatay News file photo

J.R. Nakogee School was demolished last winter, nine years after it was closed due to diesel fuel contamination. years.”

Attawapiskat has been without an elementary school since 2000 when it was closed due to diesel fuel contamination; students are currently being taught in portables.

The community was promised a new school by INAC in 2005, when Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus said: “The days when James Bay was the forgotten coast in Canada are now over. The children of Attawapiskat will finally be brought into the 21st century.

This is a great day for the entire north.”

But two years later, in 2007, the First Nation was told the project would be shelved for at least five years.

“We find this very appalling,” Mushkegowuk Grand Chief Stan Louttit said at the time. “Why should people have to put up with this. We’ve gone through this for years and years. Going to a proper school is a right for every Canadian, Native or nonNative.”

Ontario’s public school

boards joined the campaign to have a new school built in 2008, by encouraging their 2.1 million students to write letters to INAC to live up to its promise to build a school in Attawapiskat.

“All children have the right to a quality education, and we want the students of Attawapiskat to know their peers care about them,” said Catherine Fife, vice-president of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association.

Last year the old elementary school was demolished.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation

ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᓴᑭᐃᓴᑯᓂᑲᓇᓐ ᐅᑭᒪᐧᐃᓐ

Windigo First Nation ᑭᑭᓇᐧᐊᒋᐱᐃᑲᓐ “C”

ABBREVIATED NOTICE

ᐁᒐᐧᑲᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᐅᐅᐧᐁ ᐧᐃᓐᑕᒪᑫᐧᐃᓐ

THIS NOTICE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY

ᐅᐅᐧᐁ ᐧᐃᓐᑕᒪᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᑭᐅᒋ ᔕᐳᓂᑲᑌ ᒋᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌᒃ

THE ONTARIO SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE

ᐅᓐᑌᕆᐅ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᒃ

MOTION TO ADD STIRLAND LAKE HIGH SCHOOL (also know as Wahbon Academy) and CRISTAL LAKE HIGH SCHOOL to THE INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT (“IRSS Agreement”)

ᑭᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌ ᐊᓐᑐᑕᒪᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᒋᑕᑯᐱᐃᑲᑌᒃ ᔅᑐᕐᓚᓐᑦ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓐ ᑭᒋᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᑎᐧᐃᑲᒥᒃ (ᐯᑭᔥ ᐧᐊᐸᓐ ᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᓂᑲᑌᒃ) ᑲᔦ ᑕᔥ ᐧᑫᔅᑐ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓐ ᑭᒋᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᑎᐧᐃᑲᒥᒃ ᐃᐃᒪ ᒣᐧᐃᔕ ᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᐧᐊᑲᓇᒃ ᑲᑭᑕᔑ ᑲᓇᐧᐁᑕᑯᓯᐧᐊᒡ ᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᑎᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᒃ ᒣᐧᑲ ᑲᐱᒪᓄᑲᑌᒃ ᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᐧᐊᑲᓇᒃ ᐊᓂᓐ ᑲᐧᐃᐃᔑ ᒪᒥᓇᐧᑕᒪᐧᐃᐧᑕ ᑲᑲᐧᑫ ᑌᐱᓂᑲᑌᒃ ᓇᑯᒥᑎᐧᐃᓐ

To all who attended Stirland Lake High School (also known as “Wahbon Academy”) (1971 to 1990) and/or Cristal Lake High School (1976 to 1986) in Northwestern Ontario BE ADVISED that a motion has been brought by Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Windigo First Nations Council before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto to ask the Court to add Stirland Lake and Cristal Lake High Schools to the list of eligible “Indian Residential Schools” under the IRSS Agreement.

If the motion is granted, former residents/students will be eligible to apply for the Common Experience Payment, and the Independent Application Process for those who suffered abuse and/or mistreatment while at either of these high schools.

If you would like to make your own comments to the Court on this motion, you must le your motion record seeking permission from the Court (called “intervenor status”) by February 15, 2010 with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, in care of Randy Bennett, Court Monitor, Rueter Scargall Bennett LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, 155 University Avenue, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3B7, referencing Court File No. 00-CV-192059CP - Larry Philip Fontaine et al. (Plaintiffs) and The Attorney General of Canada et al.

(Defendants) – Proceedings Under the Class Proceedings Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c.6.

You may wish to have a lawyer to assist you with this process. If you are a former resident/student and you do not le a motion for intervenor status, the ruling of the Court will be binding upon you in terms of whether or not Stirland Lake and/or Cristal Lake should be added to the IRSS Agreement.

If you wish further information, please contact legal counsel for Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Windigo First Nation Council, Susan M. Vella, of Rochon Genova, LLP. She may be reached at:

ᑭᓇᐧᐊ ᑲᑭᓇ ᑲᑭ ᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᑯᓯᔦᒃ ᔅᑐᕐᓚᓐᑦ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓐ (ᐯᑭᔥ ᐧᐊᐸᓐ ᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᓂᑲᑌᒃ) (1971 ᐊᑯᓇᒃ 1990) ᑫᒪ ᑲᔦ ᐧᑫᔅᑐ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓐ ᑭᒋᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᑎᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᒃ (1976 ᐊᑯᓇᒃ 1986) ᑭᐧᐁᑎᓄᒃ ᓀᑲᐱᐊᓄᒃ ᐃᓇᑫ ᐅᓐᑌᕆᐅ. ᑭᐧᐃᓐᑕᒪᑯᒻ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᔅᑭ ᐅᑭᒪᐧᐃᓐ ᑕᑯ ᑲᔦ ᐧᐃᓐᑎᑯ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᓇᒃ ᐅᑭᐸᑭᑎᓇᓇᐧᐊ ᐅᑲᐧᑫᐧᑌᐧᐃᓂᐧᐊ ᐃᐃᒪ ᐅᓐᑌᕆᐅ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᒃ ᐧᐁᑎ ᑐᕋᓐᑐ ᐁᑲᐧᑫᐧᑌᓇᓂᐧᐊᒃ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᒃ ᒋᑕᑯᐱᐃᑲᑌᑭᓐ ᔅᑐᕐᐊᓐᑦ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓐ ᑲᔦ ᑕᔥ ᐧᑫᔅᑐ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓐ ᑭᒋᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᑎᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᓐ ᒋᐃᔑ ᓂᓯᑕᐧᐃᓂᑲᑌᑭᓐ ᐁᑭᐃᔑ ᑲᓇᐧᐁᑕᑯᓯᐧᐊᒡ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᐧᐊᑲᓇᒃ ᐃᐃᒪ ᑲᐧᐃᑲᐧᑫ ᒥᐧᓇᑕᒪᐧᐃᐧᑕ ᓇᑯᒥᑎᐧᐃᓂᒃ. ᑭᔥᐱᓐ ᔕᐳᓂᑲᑌᒃ ᑲᑭᑲᐧᑫᐧᑌᓇᓂᐧᐊᒃ, ᑕᓯᓐ ᑲᑭᐱ ᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᑯᓯᐧᐊᒡ ᑕᑭᒧᔥᑭᓀᐱᐃᑫᐧᐊᒃ ᑎᐸᐊᒪᑫᐧᐃᓂ, ᑕᑯ ᑲᔦ ᑎᐱᓇᐧᐁ ᑲᒧᔥᑭᓀᐱᐃᑫᑕᒪᓱᒡ ᑲᑭᐧᐊᓂᑐᑕᐧᐃᐧᑕ ᑲᔦ ᑲᑭᑯᑕᑭᑐᐧᐊᒡ ᒣᐧᑲ ᑲᑭᐊᔭᐧᐊᒡ ᐃᐃᒪ ᑭᒋᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᑎᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᓐ. ᑭᔥᐱᓐ ᑭᓂᑯ ᐧᐃᐸᑭᑎᓇᒪᓐ ᑭᑎᑭᑐᐧᐃᓐ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᒃ ᐅᐅᐧᐁ ᑲᐧᑫᒋᒥᐧᐁᐧᐃᓐ ᐅᒋ, ᑭᓇᑕᐧᐁᓂᒥᑯ ᒋᐸᑭᑎᓇᒪᓐ ᑭᒧᔥᑭᓀᐱᐃᑲᓐ ᐁᑲᐧᑫᐧᑌᔭᓐ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃᓂᒃ (ᐁᐧᐃᐸᑭᑎᓇᒪᓐ ᑭᑎᐸᒋᒥᑎᓱᐧᐃᓐ) ᒋᐧᐸ ᑭᔐᑭᓯᔅ 15 ᐃᓇᑭᓱᒡ, 2010 ᐃᐃᒪ ᐅᓐᑌᕆᐅ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᒃ, ᒋᒥᓇᒡ ᕋᓐᑎ ᐯᓂᑦ, ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃᑫᑯᓇᓐ ᑲᐸᒥᓇᒃ, Randy Bennett, Court Monitor, Rueter Scargall Bennett LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, 155 University Avenue, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3B7, ᒋᑕᑯᐱᐊᒪᓐ ᑭᑭᓇᐧᐊᑕᑭᑕᓱᓐ 00-CV192059CP - ᓚᕆ ᐱᓕᑉ ᐧᐸᓐᑌᓐ (ᑲᒪᒥᔑᑫᒧᒡ ᑲᔦ ᑭᒋᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃᑭᒪ (ᑲᓇᑕᒪᓱᒡ) ᒋᐃᔑᒪᑕᓄᑲᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᑲᐃᓇᑯᓂᑲᑌᒃ ᒪᒥᔑᑫᒧᐧᐃᓐ ᑲᐃᔑᐱᒥᓂᔕᐃᑲᑌᒃ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃᓐ, 1992, S.O. 1992, c.6. ᐱᓴᓂᑯ ᐅᓐᑎᓂᑫᑕᒪᓱᓐ ᐅᑕᔭᒥᑕᒪᑫ ᒋᐱᒥᐧᐊᐧᐃᑐᑲᐧᐃᒃ ᐊᓂᓐ ᑫᐊᓂᐃᔑᒋᑫᔭᓐ. ᑭᔥᐱᓐ ᐁᑭᐱ ᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᑯᔭᓐ ᐁᑯᑕᔥ ᐧᐃᒧᔥᑭᓀᐱᐃᑫᓯᐧᐊᓐ ᐃᐃᒪ ᑎᐸᒋᒥᑎᓱᐧᐃᓂᒃ, ᒥᐱᑯ ᑫᐃᔑᓀᐱᑕᑌᒃ ᑭᑭᔕᑯᓂᑲᓂᐧᐊᒃ ᑭᔥᐱᓐ ᒋᑭᐱᓐᑎᑫᓭᐧᐊᐧᑫᓐ ᑭᑭᓄᐊᒪᑎᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᓐ ᐅᐅᒪ ᒪᒥᔑᑫᒧᐧᐃᓂᒃ. ᑭᔥᐱᓐ ᑫᔭᐱ ᐧᐃᑭᑫᑕᒪᓐ ᑲᓄᔥ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃ ᑫᑯᓇᓐ ᑲᐊᑲᑕᒃ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᔅᑭ ᐅᑭᒪᐧᐃᓂᒃ ᑲᔦ ᐧᐃᓐᑎᑯ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᓇᒃ, ᓱᓴᓐ ᐯ, ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐊᔭᒥᑕᒪᑫ, ᒋᑲᓄᓇᒡ:

a. By telephone at: 1.866.881.2292, Ext. 242 (toll free number);

a. ᑭᑭᑐᐧᐃᓂᒃ ᐅᐅᒪ: 1.866.881.2292, Ext. 242 (ᑲᐃᑲᑌᓯᓄᒃ);

b. By telephone at: 416.363.7627 (direct line); or

b. ᑭᑭᑐᐧᐃᓂᒃ ᐅᐅᒪ: 416.363.7627 (ᒪᔭ ᐅᑭᑭᑐᐧᐃᓐ); ᑫᒪ

c. By email at: svella@rochongenova.com; or

c. ᒪᒪᑲᑕᐱᑯᒃ: svella@rochongenova.com; ᑫᒪ

d. By mail directed to Susan M. Vella c/o Rochon Genova LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, 121 Richmond Street West, Suite 900, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2K1.

d. ᑫᒪ ᐧᐃᐱᐅᔑᐱᐊᒪᐧᐊᒡ ᓱᓴᓐ ᐯᓚ ᐅᐅᒪ ᐃᔑᓂᔕᐊᓐ Susan M. Vella c/o Rochon Genova LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, 121 Richmond Street West, Suite 900, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2K1.

You may visit any of the following websites for updates and the posting of Court related materials: Nishnawbe Aski Nation at www.nan.on.ca, Windigo First Nations Council at www.windigo.on.ca, The Assembly of First Nations at www.afn.ca or Rochon Genova at www.rochongenova.com

ᐃᓇᐱᓐ ᐃᐃᒪ ᒪᒪᑲᑕᐱᑯᒃ ᒋᐅᒋᐧᐊᐸᑕᒪᓐ ᐅᔥᑭ ᑎᐸᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᓐ ᑲᔦ ᑲᐊᓂ ᐧᐃᓐᑌᑭᓐ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃ ᑎᐸᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᓐ: Nishnawbe Aski Nation at www.nan.on.ca, Windigo First Nations Council at www.windigo.on.ca, The Assembly of First Nations at www.afn.ca or Rochon Genova at www.rochongenova.com

Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

De Beers opens mine in Attawapiskat territory about $167 million channeled towards Aboriginal businesses or joint venture partners.

The Victor Mine is one of 18 kimberlite pipes discovered on the property, 16 of which are diamondiferous.

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

The De Beers Victor diamond mine project has been a major story throughout the past decade.

After more than two years of negotiations, Attawapiskat First Nation residents approved an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) with De Beers Canada in 2005, paving the way for the mine project to proceed.

“We have worked very closely with Attawapiskat for a number of years now and formed strong bonds with the community,” said Jeremy Wyeth, De Beers vice-president of the Victor mining project, in a 2005 news release. “It means a great deal both to me personally, and to the company, that through this agreement the Attawapiskat community will have a variety of opportunities for business, employment, and training, which could all help the community members to improve their quality of life.”

Construction of the open-pit mine began in 2006 and commercial production began in 2008; about $1 billion was spent on construction, with

“I want our people to get qualified and certified so that when the jobs are there, we’re ready for them.”

– Mike Carpenter

Taykwa Tagamou Nation signed a Working Relationship Agreement with De Beers in 2005, Moose Cree First Nation signed an IBA in 2008 and Kashechewan and Fort Albany First Nation signed an IBA in 2009.

In 2005, then-Attawapiskat Chief Mike Carpenter said the IBA included a one-time payment of about $14 million for jobs and training for positions beyond general labour.

“I want our people to get qualified and certified so that when the jobs are there, we’re

Nishnawbe Aski Nation

ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᓴᑭᐃᓴᑯᓂᑲᓇᓐ ᐅᑭᒪᐧᐃᓐ

ready for them,” Carpenter said.

“I know many of the residents don’t have the skills and education to compete for the jobs, but in the future we’ll be able to. Right now there are a lot of social problems in the community we must overcome.”

In 2006, De Beers Canada awarded a three-year air transportation contract for the Victor Project to CreeWest, a joint venture between Air Creebec and James Bay First Nations.

“It certainly has always been on our radar screen to serve the Victor Project,” said Air Creebec president Albert Diamond at the time.

“On a personal level, we are honoured to have this opportunity of working with our sister communities on the west coast of James Bay.” De Beers recently helped Attawapiskat prepare temporary housing for community members who were evacuated this summer due to a sewage backup.

De Beers has faced a number of winter road blockades and protests at its Timmins and Toronto offices from neighbouring James Bay communities over the years.

Windigo First Nation

ᑫᐊᓂᔑᒋᑲᓂᐊᐧᐣᐠ “C”

15

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Wabaseemoong receives $5,000 grant Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Safety-related upgrades are part of the focus of a recent $5,000 PowerPlay grant Wabaseemoong Independent Nations received from Hydro One. “Safety is a priority for us,” said Wabaseemoong Chief Eric Fisher. “Having our arena

upgraded will help with a safe environment while promoting fun and fitness opportunities for our community members, especially our youth.”

The PowerPlay grant for upgrades to the community’s Arena Project was announced in a Dec. 21 press release.

“We believe it is important to continue to invest in Hydro

One communities through our PowerPlay Grants Program,” said Laura Formusa, president and CEO, Hydro One. “Hydro One’s support for skating rinks, baseball diamonds, and other recreational infrastructure recognizes that such recreational facilities are vital to the health and well-being of our children.”

The next deadline is Jan. 31.

Home Phones

NO CREDIT CHECKS • NO DEPOSIT EVERYONE IS APPROVED

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KEEPING YOU CONNECTED 1-866-867-8293

Nishnawbe Aski Nation

ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᓴᑭᐃᓴᑯᓂᑲᓇᓐ ᐅᑭᒪᐧᐃᓐ

Windigo First Nation x<jgMpmhU (C)

ᐃᐧᐣᑕᒪᑫᐃᐧᐣ

j DnhxlgonbH j<jJtn,nmU

ᐅᐁᐧ ᐃᐧᐣᑕᒪᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᔕᐳᓂᑲᑌ ᐃᒪ ᑲᐃᔑᐢᐸᐠ

.y j<jJtn,nmU j p<;esvhd> .Ud#. jv .pQn,nmht;H

ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐣᐠ ᐃᐧᐁᐧ ᑲᑫᐧᑌᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᑕᑯᓂᑲᑌᐠ ᐢᑎᕑᓫᐊᐣᐟ ᓫᐁᐠ ᑲᐃᐣᐸᐠ ᐃᐢᑯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᐠ (ᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐯ ᑲᐃᔑᓂᑲᑌᑭᐸᐣ ᑲᔦ) ᑲᔦ ᑭᕑᐃᐢᑐᓫ ᓫᐁᐠ ᐃᐢᑯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᐠ ᐃᒪ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᐯ ᐃᐢᑯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᑎᐸᐦᐃᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᐱᒥᐊᓄᑲᑌᑭᐣ. (“IRSS Agreement”) ᑭᓇᐊᐧ ᑲᑭ ᐃᐣᑯᓂᐃᐧᔦᑭᐸᐣ ᐢᑎᕑᓫᐊᐣᐟ ᓫᐁᐠ ᑲᐃᐣᐸᐠ ᐃᐢᑯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᐠ (ᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐯ ᑲᐃᔑᓂᑲᑌᑭᐸᐣ ᑲᔦ) (ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 1971 ᐊᑯᓇᐠ 1990 ᑲᔭᑭᐊᐧᐣᐠ) ᑲᔦ ᑭᕑᐃᐢᑐᓫ ᓫᐁᐠ (ᒣᑲᐧᐨ 1976 ᐊᑯᓇᐠ 1986 ᑲᔭᑭᐊᐧᐣᐠ) ᐅᒪ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐣᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ. ᑭᑫᐣᑕᒧᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑲᑫᐧᑌᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᑭ ᐃᔑᐃᐧᑐᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᐢᑭ ᒥᓇ ᐃᐧᐣᑎᑯ ᒪᒋᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᔭᓄᑭᑕᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᑲᐃᔑᐢᐸᐠ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐣᐠ ᐁᐧᑎ ᑎᕑᐋᐣᑐ ᐁᑭᑲᑫᐧᒋᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᑭ ᑕᑲᐧᐣᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᑌᑲᐧᐸᓂᐣ ᐢᑎᕑᓫᐊᐣᐟ ᓫᐁᐠ ᑲᔦ ᑭᕑᐃᐢᑐᓫ ᓫᐁᐠ ᐃᐢᑯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᐃᒪ ᐃᒪ IRSS ᓇᑯᒥᑐᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ. ᑭᐢᐱᐣ ᑕᐢ ᔕᐳᓂᑲᑌᐠ, ᑭᓇᐊᐧ ᑲᑭᑲᐯᔑᔦᑭᐸᐣ/ᑲᑭᐃᐢᑯᓄᐃᐧᔦᑭᐸᐣ ᑕᐃᓯᓭ ᑫᑭᓇᐊᐧ ᒋᑭᔕᑲᐢᑭᓀᐱᐦᐃᑫᔦᑭᐸᐣ ᐃᐁᐧ ᑎᐸᐦᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᐱᒥᔭᓂᒧᒋᑲᑌᐠ, ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᑯᑕᐠ (ᑎᐱᓇᐁᐧ ᐊᐃᐧᔭ ᑲᔕᑲᐢᑭᓀᐱᐦᐃᑫᐨ) ᑲᐃᔑᓂᑲᑌᐠ ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭᑲᑲᐧᑕᑭᐦᐣᑕᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᑲᑭᐊᐧᓂᑐᑕᐃᐧᐣᑕᐧ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑭᐃᐢᑯᓂᐃᐧᐊᐧᐨ. ᑭᐡᐱᐣ ᑫᑯᐣ ᐁᐃᐧ ᐃᔑᓂᑲᑕᒪᐣ ᐃᒪ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᐅᐣᒋ, ᐱᓇᒪ ᑲᔕᑲᐢᑭᓀᐱᐦᐃᑫ ᒋᑲᑫᐧᑌᐧᔭᐣ ᑭᐢᐱᐣ ᑫᑭᐸᑭᑎᓂᑯᔭᐣ ᑫᑯᐣ ᒋᐃᑭᑐᔭᐣ ᐁᒪᐧᔦ ᑭᔐᐱᓯᑦ 15 ᐃᓇᑭᓱᐨ, 2010 ᐃᓇᐣᑭᓯᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᑲᐃᔑᐢᐸᐠ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐣᐠ, ᐊᐁᐧ ᕑᐊᐣᑎ ᐯᓇᐟ, Court Monitor, Rueter Scargall Bennett LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, 155 University Avenue, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3B7, ᒋᔭᔑᑕᓯᓇᐦᐊᒪᐣ ᑭᑭᓇᐊᐧᑕᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᐣ 00-CV-192059CP - ᓫᐊᕑᐃ ᐱᓫᐊᑊ ᐧᐸᐣᑌᐣ (ᑲᒪᒥᔑᑫᒧᐨ ᒥᓇ ᑭᒋᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐅᑭᒪ (ᑲᓇᑕᒪᓱᐨ) ᒋᐃᔑᒪᑕᓄᑲᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᑲᐃᓇᔓᐊᐧᑌᐠ ᒪᒥᔑᑫᒧᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᐃᔑᐱᒥᓂᔕᐦᐃᑲᑌᐠ ᐅᓇᔓᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ, 1992, S.O. 1992, c.6. ᐊᒥᐦᐅᒪ ᑫᐃᔑ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑫᔭᐣ. ᑭᔭᑦ ᐅᑭᑲᑐᑕᒪᑫ ᑲᑭᐊᓄᓇ ᒋᐅᐣᑭ ᐊᐧᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ. ᑭᐢᐱᐣ ᑭᐣ ᑲᑭᐃᐢᑯᓂᐃᐧᔭᐸᐣ ᐅᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐃᐢᑯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᑲᔭᓂᒧᒥᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᐢ ᐁᑲ ᐁᐃᐧ ᔕᑲᐢᑭᓀᐱᐦᐃᑫᔭᐣ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐅᓇᓀᓂᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᑭᒋᐃᐧᓂᑯᐣ ᐃᑫᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐊᔕ ᑲᑭᐅᓀᐣᒋᑲᑌᑭᐸᓂᐣ ᑭᐢᐱᐣ ᓇᐣᑕ ᑲᔦ ᐁᑲ ᒋᑕᑯᓂᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᐢᑎᕑᓫᐊᐣᐟ ᓫᐁᐠ ᑲᔦ ᑭᕑᐃᐢᑐᓫ ᓫᐁᐠ ᐃᐢᑯᓂᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐣ IRSS ᓇᑯᒥᑐᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ. ᑭᐣᐱᐣ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ ᑫᑯᐣ ᐃᐧᑭᑫᐣᑕᒪᐣ, ᐃᒪ ᐃᔑ ᓇᓇᐣᑐᒧᐣ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑲᔭᓄᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᐢᑭ ᑎᐯᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐱᑯ ᐃᐧᐣᑎᑯ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᓇᐠ, ᓱᓴᐣ ᐯᓫᐊ ᑲᐊᔭᒥᑕᒪᑫᐨ ᐅᒪ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᑲᒋᑎᓇ: a. ᑭᑐᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ: 1.866.881.2292, Ext. 242 (ᐁᑲ ᑲᑎᐸᐦᐃᑲᑌᐠ); b. ᑭᑐᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ: 416.363.7627 (ᑭᐣ ᑲᑎᐸᐦᐊᐣ); ᓇᐣᑕ ᑲᔦ c. ᒪᒪᐣᑕᐃᐧᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᐣᐠ: svella@rochongenova.com; ᓇᐣᑕ ᑲᔦ d. ᐳᐢᐟ ᐊᐧᐱᐢ ᐃᐧᐃᔑᒪᓯᓇᐦᑫᔭᐣ ᐊᐁᐧ ᒋᒪᓯᓇᐦᐊᒪᐊᐧᐨ Susan M. Vella c/o Rochon Genova LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, 121 Richmond Street West, Suite 900, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2K1. ᐅᒪ ᑕᐢ ᑲᔦ ᑲᑭ ᐃᓇᑊ ᒪᒪᐣᑕᐃᐧᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᐣᐠ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑲᐃᐧ ᐊᓂᔑᒋᑲᓂᐊᐧᐣᐠ ᒥᓇ ᑲᔦ ᐅᓂᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᐣᐠ ᑲᐃᐧ ᐊᓂᑐᒋᑲᑌᐠ: Nishnawbe Aski Nation at www.nan.on.ca, Windigo First Nations Council at www.windigo.on.ca, The Assembly of First Nations at www.afn.ca or Rochon Genova at www.rochongenova.com

.y hj .fohdH p<;enmU jv bwfohdj j<jubysnmhtnh h mw yynbMpdj hj mw j<jubyJvH i<g gwlmvH .o<gy<hiMnm bnbwqH j<jubysnmht;H bom j<jubysnmhtnh m<s%#HpU ,; yh ;#<s% imH h m<cH j<jubysnmhtH jv bwfohdj .. j<jubysnmhtnh h mw uvgonbj fcmlnmp p<;enmp h tovH hj j<jubyJvH moonm bnbwqHN

tMn, boj hj gwlvH i<g j<jubyJvH .g m<s%#PU h m<cH j<jubysnmht;H (nbcU j<jubysnmhtH h mwohd;ci hkE) (1971 xoE 1986) .d jn,fuH phabugH .Ud#. b<jHN jv j<logjH .; hj j<jubyJvH hj nmvhdj h mwohdj] j cjfohd> p<;enmU bowpa b<j” .jynmnmU i<g nmUf; .o<gy<hiMnbH jynmnmp hj cjfohdH i<g p<;esvhdH .Ud#. jv fc<;olnmht;H s!Us hj hnlvlevH jv .pQn,nmht;H] jv bwgMpdj m<s%#PU ,; yh ;#<s% imH h m<cj j<jubysnmhtnhN jv cjfohdj (h mw oxsMpdj j<jubysnmhtnh hjw j<jubyJvH moonm bnbwqH) hj mg<gonbH fcmlnmp h j mwp<;esvhdjN jq<xU yh qAggonbl .y jv.pQn,nmht;H] hj av j<jubyJvH .. j<jubysnmhtnh hj av nmvhdj hj jEApgnbH jEApvhp fcmlnmp .v i<g fcU jEApvhp h bcvgvH ynbV hj b;mvH rnhV hj j<jubyMvH tMn, x; mwnhgj,nmoHN jq<xU yh jp fxpn, nm av cjfpyi jfdogenmU jfcvenmU .g fc<lolnmoH jv .pQn,nmht;H] jUgn,og;MU jv av cjfpyU ,nm av bktkU jv fcvtJkU q;V jUgn,og;MU jv hnlvlekU ncyw .y sgyU .g jv fc<;olnmht;H mg> bUg xgy h bktmG .y ,nmsvhdH] ,; yh jwxMT 15] 2010N jgn,og;MU jv bktbG bnb bn,ohU .g h mw bcfMG .Ud#. jv .pQn,ht;H huvgG] !Uf aoG] fc<;olnmht;H h pphvgG lnhp] !s%m<hh_] h bkt<gylvH] 155 University Avenue, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3B7, hmgMpdH fc<;olnbMpmhU x<jgMpmhU File No. 00-CV-192059CP – Larry Philip Fontaine et al. (Plaintiffs, h bkt<gyvH) i<g h bkt<gylvH hpg hoho<gnbG h bkt<gylov (h bkt<gyvH) uJimhdj mg<;olnmp .g h mg<gdj ynhMpmhoH mg<gJnmoH 1992, S.O. 1992, c.6. h Ugn,oy> h bkt<gylG jv nmvm<H .y .vN jq<xU h j<jubyJnbci hj av nmvhdj j<jubysnmhtnh] ,h yh jEApvlki] h mdog;MG jv bktbG h uvgG fc<;olnmht;H lnhp h av cjfohdj] ,nho x; lsvhdH m<x bf uvgonbnhn, j<jubyJnmp hhpnbcvhd> gna hj j<jubyJnbi .g hj av boevhdj j<jubysnmhtnh] m<s%#PU imH i<g x; ;#<s% imH hf bwgMpdnb .g hj mw p<;esvhdj fcmlnm jEApvhpN jq<xU tp lnhp pgn, j<logyi .y .v] av bktmH h bkt<gylG bowpa b<j” .jynmnmoH i<g x; nmUf; .o<gy<hiMnbH .jynmnmp] JKU ,T UaP] Susan M. Vella, of Rochon Genova, LLP. .g yh hj .v hvfp>

a) dpAU+ 1.866.881.2292, Ext. 242 (eW bkenmU) b) dpAU+ 416.363.7627 (lvn, bkenmU) c) yMp<dcovlnm yMpbysnmU svella@rochongenova.com; or d) yMpbysnmU .y mg<g Susan M. Vella c/o Rochon Genova LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, 121 Richmond Street West, Suite 900, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2K1. ,;sg i<g l mwn,cbrH h yMp<dcovlyhH jv bcvgkU] jv pgn, j<logyU giwpnmyhj lnhp i<g jv nbpQn,nmht;HN Nishnawbe Aski Nation at www.nan.on.ca, Windigo First Nations Council at www.windigo.on.ca, The Assembly of First Nations at www.afn.ca or Rochon Genova at www.rochongenova.com

16

Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Cheechoo train rides through San Jose, Ottawa Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Wawatay News file photo

Jonathan Cheechoo began his National Hockey League career with the San Jose Sharks before being traded in September to the Ottawa Senators.

Participate Review of Proposed Insect Pest Management Program Information Centre The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) invites you to attend a public information centre to review and comment on the proposed Insect Pest Management Plan to control Jack Pine Budworm infestation for 2010.

The Jack Pine Budworm is the most destructive insect pest affecting the jack pine resource in Ontario. Between 2004 and 2009, defoliation affected hundreds of thousands of hectares in northwestern Ontario.

Tree damage and mortality caused by the Jack Pine Budworm can significantly reduce wood supply, alter habitat for many plants and animals, increase fire hazard, and impact on aesthetics.

To reduce these impacts the Ministry of Natural Resources is developing an Insect Pest Management Plan.

Public information centers will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

•

Sioux Lookout on January 26, 2010 at Sunset Inn & Suites

– Jonathan Cheechoo

Cheechoo and the Sharks eventually lost to the Calgary Flames in six games in the third round.

Cheechoo was traded in September along with San Jose Sharks left-winger Milan Michalek and a second round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft to the Senators for Heatley and a fifth round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Cheechoo played bantam hockey in Timmins and in the Ontario Hockey League in Belleville before being selected by the Sharks in the second round of the 1998 NHL entry draft.

He next played in the American Hockey League in Lexington, Kent., before making the Sharks for the 2002-2003 season.

To all oku Forward to Servin We Loo ou in 2010! y and s s e n i p p a h ce, Wishinghpiesaseason & always! health t

The purpose of public consultation is to provide the public with an opportunity to review, and comment on the proposed operations so they may be considered in the planning process.

Red Lake on January 26, 2010 at the Red Lake Ministry of Natural Resources Downstairs Boardroom

“You respect that the fans voted you into the All-Star Game.”

! u o y k n a h T r valued customers!g

The proposed Insect Pest Management Plan outlines the management options and draft project proposals being considered for managing the infestation of Jack Pine Budworm in Red Lake and Sioux Lookout Districts. Options may include: changing harvesting schedules, no action, and the aerial spray of the insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk).

•

Jonathan Cheechoo’s rise to stardom in the NHL, his 2006 Maurice “Rocket” Richard Award and his 2009 trade to Ottawa were major stories over the past decade.

Cheechoo, the Moose Cree band member and San Jose Shark who scored 56 goals to win the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Award for most goals during the 2005-06 season, was originally selected in the second round (29th overall) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.

The 6-1, 205-pound rightwinger made the starting lineup for the 2007 NHL All-Star game, finishing third in voting for Western Conference forwards with 444,885 votes.

“I knew I was in the running and (Sharks head coach) Ron (Wilson) told me I was in,” Cheechoo said in a team-issued release. “It is a pretty neat feeling. You respect that the fans voted you into the All-Star Game. I’m just going to enjoy it and go have some fun.”

Cheechoo scored four assists in the NHL’s 2004 Young Stars Game, which showcases upand-coming players; he scored 28 goals during the 2003-2004 season.

“I’m a goal scorer,” Cheechoo said in a telephone interview during the 2004 Stanley Cup playoffs against the two-time Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche. “I try to get as many shots on goal as I can.”

“At the same time, I try to play defensively.”

Cheechoo and the Sharks beat the St. Louis Blues in five games in the first round of the 2004 playoffs to meet the Avalanche in the second round, where they beat the Avalanche in six games after winning the first three games.

“It’s really exciting,” Cheechoo said. “I try to treat it like it’s just another game.”

And in the following locations: •

Ear Falls on January 27, 2010 at the Ear Falls Legion from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

•

Lac Seul First Nation, January 25, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The material displayed at the Information Centers will also be available from January 28 to February 26, 2010 at the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Red Lake and Sioux Lookout District Offices from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. After business hours, viewing may be arranged by contacting the individuals listed below. Please call ahead to ensure someone is available to assist you with the review. Comments and submissions on the proposed Insect Pest Management Plan are requested to be sent to the individuals listed below, by February 26, 2010.

The Ministry of Natural Resources will consider all comments received. The final formal public involvement opportunity for the Insect Pest Management Plan is tentatively scheduled for March 17, 2010 - April 16, 2010.

Based upon the analysis of the pest management options, the Ministry of Natural Resources has proposed a selected course of action that includes the aerial spray of the insecticide Btk beginning on or about May 31, 2010. The recommended product is a bacterium found naturally in soils that has been used successfully worldwide as a biological pest control agent. The purpose of aerial spraying with Btk is to reduce the amount of future defoliation of jack pine trees and to prevent further damage and mortality.

There is an opportunity during the Insect Pest Management Planning process to seek resolution of issues with the Ministry of Natural Resources Regional Director in accordance with the compressed issue resolution process developed in conformity with Part D, Section 7.5.4.1 of the Forest Management Planning Manual (2004). The last date to request issue resolution is April 16, 2010. The Ministry of Natural Resources is collecting comments and information regarding this Insect Pest Management Program under the authority of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act and the Environmental Assessment Act to assist in making decisions and determining further public consultation needs. Comments and opinions will be kept on file for use during the operating term of the applicable forest management plans and may be included in study documentation which is made available for public review. Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (1987) personal information will remain confidential unless prior consent is obtained. However, this information may be used by the Ministry of Natural Resources as public input on other resource management surveys and projects. For further information regarding this Act, please contact, Trevor Park at 807-727-1344 (Red Lake), or Glen Niznowski at 807-737-5037 (Sioux Lookout).

For further information on the Insect Pest Management Planning process, contact any one of the following: Dave New, Project Manager Red Lake District Office 227 Howey Street Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0 Tel.: 807-727-1383

Gregg Lloyd, Plan Author Red Lake District Office 227 Howey Street Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0 Tel.: 807-727-1347

Kevin Pruys, Forester Sioux Lookout District Office 49 Prince Street Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1J9 Tel.: 807-737-5040

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Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

KI tops Platinex Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Violence against Native women must end: NWAC Debbie Mishibinijima

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug’s struggle against Platinex, the jailing of the KI 6, and the community’s victory captivated the country for much of the second half of the decade.

“I consider the decision of Platinex to not proceed with mining exploration in our territory as a major victory,” said KI Chief Donny Morris in 2009 after the Ontario government reached an agreement to settle litigation with Platinex and surrender its mining claims in the KI area. “My community was determined to stop Platinex and the Ontario government from arbitrarily imposing a mine at Nemeigusabins Lake.”

Morris, Deputy Chief Jack McKay, Head Coun. Cecilia Begg, Councillors Sam McKay and Darryl Sainnawap and Bruce Sakakeep were sentenced to six months in jail for contempt of court in 2008 for disobeying a court order allowing Platinex access to its mining claims and released about two months later after an Ontario appeal court decision.

KI did not allow Platinex officials, including president and CEO James R. Trusler, access to its mining claims in 2007 because the First Nation maintained it has a legal right to allow its moratorium against resource development on its traditional territories to stand.

KI declared the moratorium on its lands in 1998 and had resisted drilling projects by exploration companies that would impact watersheds, sacred sites, medicinal plants and the community’s own hunting, trapping and fishing areas. “(Trusler) has been told over and over not to come to the community,” Morris said. “He’s not welcome here.”

First Nation communities across the north and leaders from across Canada supported KI’s stand.

“First Nation leaders should not have to lose their freedom because of the Government of Ontario’s failure to properly consult and accommodate First Nations,” said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy when the KI leaders were released.

“The KI 6 are heroes to First Nations people,” said Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.

“They had the conviction and fortitude to make a great sacrifice to protect what they believe in.”

“As far as we’re concerned, human rights will always trump mineral rights,” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage.

CPAWS Wildlands League nominated KI for an award for protecting the Boreal forests.

“The community of KI drew national and international attention with its principled stand in protecting its traditional territory,” said Anna Baggio, director of conservation land use planning for CPAWS Wildlands League. “KI is a role model for us all and they have shown great leadership and vision in working with many allies to protect their lands.”

KI had faced a $10-billion lawsuit from Platinex.

Wawatay News

Wawatay News file photo

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug’s struggles with the province over the Mining Act, battles with Platinex over mining in their traditional territory and the jailing of six community members kept KI in the news throughout the past decade.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

17

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Far too many Aboriginal women and girls are murdered or disappear without a trace.

Since 1970, the Native Women’s Association of Canada has 525 documented cases of murdered or missing Aboriginal women and girls.

Despairingly, 43 per cent of these reported cases have occurred since 2000.

Amnesty International reports that Aboriginal women in Canada are at higher risk of violence.

They are three times more likely to experience violence and five times more likely to die from violence than non-Aboriginal women.

NWAC and Ontario Native Women’s Association have held the Stolen Sister’s vigil to raise public awareness of the lateral violence against Aboriginal Women.

“The high levels of racialized, sexualized violence directed against Aboriginal women in Canada is a national and international shame,” said Beverley Jacobs, former president of Native Women’s Association of Canada.

“We urge governments in Canada to recognize these threats and take concrete action now.”

Two politicians have pleaded for concrete action from the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.

“The high levels of racialized, sexualized violence directed against Aboriginal women in Canada is a national and international shame.”

– Beverley Jacobs

Anita Neville, official opposition critic for the Status of Women and Todd Russell, M.P. Official Opposition Critic for Aboriginal Affairs wrote a letter calling for help.

The letter was addressed to the Honourable Robert Douglas Nicholson.

It read, “We are calling on you to initiate a governmentfunded, public investigation into how and why the number of

ᐱᐧᐃᒋᐧᑕᓐ 710 Victoria Avenue East Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5P7 Phone (807) 623-8228 Fax (807) 623-7730 Toll Free 1-800-465-9952

Relief Receptionists/Program Support Workers (Casual) NAN requires casual and temporary staff to provide relief reception and administrative support to the various departments and projects in NAN including: Health, Education, Governance, Justice, and Special Projects.

Interested applicants are required to submit a cover letter, resume and three references. For submission information and job description, please visit www.nan.on.ca or call (807) 625-4941. w w w. n a n . o n . c a

ᑲᐧᐃ ᑭᐧᐁ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᒪᓂᒍᔑ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᑕᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌ ᐧᐃᓐᑕᒪᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᐧᐊᐊ ᐧᐃᔭᓯᑫᐧᐃᑭᒪ ᑭᓇᑐᒥᑯᐧᐊ ᒋᐱᐧᐊᐧᐊᐸᑕᒣᒃ ᐅᑭᑭᓇᐧᐊᒋᐱᐃᑫᐧᐃᓇᓐ ᑲᔦ ᒋᐧᐃᓐᑕᒣᒃ ᐊᓂᓐ ᐁᐃᓀᓐᑕᒣᒃ ᑲᐧᐃᐃᔑ ᒪᑕᓄᑲᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᒪᓂᒍᔑᐧᐃ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᒋᐊᓂ ᐸᑎᓄᓯᐧᑲ ᒪᓂᒍᔕᒃ ᒋᓂᔑᐧᐊᓇᒋᐊᓯᐧᑲ ᒥᑎᑯᐃ ᐧᐁᑎ ᐊᐱ 2010 ᑭᑭᓄᐧᐃᓂᐧᐊᒃ. ᒥᑕᔥ ᐅᑯᐧᐁᓂᐧᐊᒃ ᑎᓄᐧᐃ ᒪᓂᒍᔕᒃ ᐊᐱᒋ ᑲᐊᓂ ᒐᑭᓂᔑᐧᐊᓇᒋᐊᐧᐊᒡ ᒥᑎᑯᐃ ᐅᐅᒪ ᐯᐯᐧᑲᒡ ᐅᓐᑌᕆᐅ ᐊᑭᒃ ᓄᐱᒪᑲᒥᑯᒃ. ᓇᔥᑫ ᒣᐧᑲ 2004 ᐱᓂᔥ 2009 ᑲᑭᑭᓄᐧᐃᓂᐧᐊᒃ, ᓂᐱᐧᐊ ᑭᒋᒥᑕᐧᓴᒃ ᑲᑲᑫᑎᐸᐊᑲᓐ ᑭᐧᐁᑎᓄᒃ ᓀᑲᐱᐊᓄᒃ ᐅᓐᑌᕆᐅ ᐊᑭᒃ ᐅᑭ ᑭᑕᐧᒪᐧᐊᓐ ᐅᑯ ᒪᓂᒍᔕᒃ ᑲᐃᔑ ᐸᐸᑕᑭᓱᐧᐊᒡ ᔑᓐᐧᑲᑯᒃ. ᐅᓐᒋ ᐊᒋᐧᐃᓭ ᑭᐅᓐᑎᓂᑲᓱᐧᐊᒡ ᒥᑎᑯᒃ, ᑲᔦ ᐅᓐᒋᐧᐊᓂᔥᐧᑫᒋᑫᒪᑲᓐ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᓐ ᑫᑯᓇᓐ ᑲᓂᑕᐧᐃᑭᒪᑲᑭᓐ ᐊᑭᑲᒃ ᑲᐱᒥ ᓂᔑᐧᐊᓇᒋᐊᐧᐊᒡ ᔑᓐᐧᑲᑯᓐ ᑲᐊᓂ ᐅᓴᒥ ᐸᑎᓄᐧᐊᒡ ᒪᓂᒍᔕᒃ. ᐧᐃᑲᑫᐃᔑᒋᑫ ᐧᐃᔭᓯᑫᐧᐃᑭᒪ ᐁᐧᐃᐅᔑᓯᑐᒡ ᐊᓂᓐ ᑫᑭᐃᔑ ᓇᑲᓂᑲᑌᑭᐸᓐ ᒋᐅᓴᒥᐸᑎᓄᐧᐊᒡ ᐅᑯ ᒪᓂᒍᔕᒃ. ᐅᐅᐧᐁ ᐅᔑᓯᒋᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᒪᓂᒍᔕᒃ ᒋᓂᓴᑲᓂᐧᐃᐧᐊᒡ ᑭᐅᔑᐱᐃᑲᑌ ᐊᓂᓐ ᑫᑭᑐᒋᑲᑌᑭᐸᓐ ᑲᔦ ᐊᓂᓐ ᑫᑭᐃᔑ ᐱᒥᐊᓄᑲᑌᑭᐸᓐ ᒋᑲᐧᑫ ᐊᒋᐧᐃᓂᑲᑌᒃ ᒋᐸᑎᓄᓯᐧᑲ ᒪᓂᒍᔕᒃ ᑲᓂᑕᐃᔑ ᐸᑎᓄᐧᐊᒡ. ᒥᑕᔥ ᐅᓄ ᑲᑭᐅᓀᒋᑲᑌᑭᓐ: ᐸᑲᓐ ᒋᐃᔑᐱᒪᓄᑲᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᐊᐱ ᑫᐃᔑ ᑭᔥᑲᐊᐧᑫᓇᓂᐧᐊᒃ, ᑫᑯᓐ ᒋᑐᒋᑲᑌᓯᓄᒃ, ᑲᔦ ᑕᔥ ᒋᐊᐸᑕᒃ ᒋᓯᓱᐸᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᒪᔥᑭᑭ ᑲᐊᐸᑕᒃ ᑲᓂᓯᑯᐧᐊᒡ ᒪᓂᒍᔕᒃ. ᒥᑕᔥ ᐁᐧᓇᑌᒃ ᐅᐅᐧᐁ ᐧᐃᓐᑕᒪᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᒋᑕᐧᐃᔥᑲᒪᐧᐃᐧᑕ ᐱᑯ ᐊᐧᐁᓀᓇᒃ ᒋᓇᓇᑲᑕᐧᐊᐸᑕᒧᐧᐊᒡ, ᑲᔦ ᑕᔥ ᒋᐱᐧᐃᓐᑕᒧᐧᐊᒡ ᐊᓂᓐ ᐁᐃᓀᓐᑕᒧᐧᐊᒡ ᑲᑭᐃᓀᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᒋᐃᔑᑲᐧᑫᒋᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᒣᐧᑲ ᐊᐱ ᐊᓂᐱᒥ ᐅᓀᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᑫᐃᔑᒋᑫᓇᓂᐧᐊᒃ. ᑭᐅᓀᒋᑲᑌ ᒋᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌᒃ ᐧᐃᓐᑕᒪᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᐊᐱ ᓂᔓᑎᐸᐃᑲᓀᔭᒃ ᐃᔥᐧᑲᓇᐧᐊᐧᑫᒃ ᐊᑯᓇᒃ ᓂᔥᐧᔕᓱᑎᐸᐃᑲᓀᔭᒃ ᐅᓇᑯᔑᒃ ᐅᐅᒪ ᑲᐊᓂᐅᔑᐱᐃᑲᑌᑭᓐ: • ᒥᔅᑯᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᒃ ᒣᐧᑲ ᒉᓐᐧᐁᕆ ᑭᓯᔅ 26, 2010 ᐧᐁᑎ ᒥᔅᑯᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᒃ ᐧᐃᔭᓯᑫᐧᐃᑭᒪ ᐊᓄᑭᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᒃ • ᐧᐊᓂᓇᐧᐊᑲᒃ ᒣᐧᑲ ᒉᓐᐧᐁᕆ ᑭᓯᔅ 26, 2010 ᐧᐁᑎ ᓴᓐᓭᑦ ᐃᓐ ᑲᐯᔑᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᒃ ᐧᐁᑎ ᑕᔥ ᑲᔦ: • ᐃᕐ ᐧᐸᓪᔅ ᒣᐧᑲ ᒉᓐᐧᑲᕆ ᑭᓯᔅ 27, 2010 ᐃᕐ ᐧᐸᓪᔅ ᓕᒋᓐ ᐧᐊᑲᐃᑲᓐ 3 ᐃᔥᐧᑲᓇᐧᐊᐧᑫᒃ ᐊᑯᓇᒃ 7 ᐅᓇᑯᔑᒃ • ᐅᐱᔑᑯᑲᒃ, ᒣᐧᑲ ᒉᓐᐧᐁᕆ ᑭᓯᔅ 25, 2010 10 ᑭᔐᐸᐧᐊᑲᒃ ᐊᑯᓇᒃ 2 ᐃᔥᐧᑲᓇᐧᐊᐧᑫᒃ ᐅᓄᐧᐁ ᐧᐃᓐᑕᒪᑫᐧᐃᓇᓐ ᑫᐧᐊᐸᑕᐃᐧᐁᓇᓂᐧᐊᒃ ᑕᐊᔭᐧᐊᓐ ᒣᐧᑲ ᒉᓐᐧᐁᕆ ᑭᓯᔅ 28 ᐊᑯᓇᒃ ᑲᑕᐧᑲᑭᓐᓱᒡ ᑭᓯᔅ 26, 2010 ᐃᐃᒪ ᐧᐃᔭᓯᑫᐧᐃᑭᒪ ᐊᓄᑭᐧᐃᑲᒥᑯᒃ ᒥᔅᑯᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᒃ ᑲᔦ ᐧᐊᓂᓇᐧᐊᑲᒃ ᒣᐧᑲ 8:30 ᑭᔐᐸᐧᐊᑲᒃ ᐊᑯᓇᒃ 4:30 ᐅᓇᑯᔑᒃ. ᐊᐱ ᐃᔥᐧᑲ ᑭᐸᑯᓯᒃ, ᑕᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌ ᐊᐧᐃᔭᒃ ᐧᐃᐱᐧᐊᐸᓐᑕᒧᐧᐊᒡ ᔕᑯᒡ ᐱᓇᒪ ᓂᑲᓐ ᒋᐱᓂᑲᓂᐧᐃᓐᑕᒪᐧᐊᐧᐊᒡ ᒐᐸᔑᔥ ᑲᐅᔑᐱᐃᑲᓱᐧᐊᒡ. ᓂᑲᓐ ᑭᐱᐱᑐᓐ ᑫᒋᓇᒡ ᐊᐧᐃᔭ ᐃᐃᒪ ᒋᐊᔭᒡ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐧᐃᒋᐃᒃ ᐊᐱ ᐧᐃᐱᐧᐊᐧᐊᐸᑕᒪᓐ ᒪᓯᓇᐃᑲᓇᓐ. ᑭᔥᐱᓐ ᑫᑯᓐ ᐧᐃᐃᑭᑐᒡ ᑲᔦ ᐧᐃᐱᒋᓂᔕᐊᒃ ᐅᑐᔑᐱᐃᑲᓐ ᑲᐧᐃᐅᓇᐸᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᒋᑲᐧᑫᒋᒥᑯᓇᐧᐊ ᒋᐃᔑᓂᔕᐊᒪᐧᐊᔦᒃ ᒐᐸᔑᔥ ᑲᐅᔑᐱᐃᑲᓱᐧᐊᒡᒋᐧᐸ ᑲᑕᐧᑲᑭᓐᓱᒡ ᑭᓯᔅ 26, 2010. ᐧᐃᔭᓯᑫᐧᐃᑭᒪ ᐅᑲ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᑐᓇᓐ ᑲᑭᓇ ᑲᑭᐱᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌᑭᓐ ᐅᔑᐱᐃᑲᓇᓐ. ᐁᑯ ᑕᔥ ᒪᒋᒡ ᐊᐸᓐ ᑫᓇᑐᒥᑎᓇᓂᐧᐊᒃ ᒋᐧᐊᐧᐃᑕᒪᑎᓇᓂᐧᐊᒃ ᐅᐅᐧᐁ ᐅᒋ ᐅᓇᐸᒋᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᑭᐃᔑ ᓂᑲᓂ ᐅᓀᒋᑲᑌ ᒣᐧᑲ ᒥᑭᓯᐧᐃᑭᓯᔅ 17, ᐱᓂᔥ ᓂᑭᑭᓯᔅ 16, 2010. ᐃᐃᒪ ᑕᔥ ᑲᑭᐅᒋ ᓇᓇᑲᑕᐧᐊᐸᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᐧᐁᑯᓀᓐ ᑫᑭᐊᐸᒋᒋᑲᑌᑭᐸᓐ ᒋᐊᓂᐸᑎᓄᓯᐧᑲ ᒪᓂᒍᔕᒃ, ᐧᐃᔭᓯᑫᐧᐃᑭᒪ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐁᐧᐃᑯᒋᑐᒡ ᐊᓂᑦ ᑫᑯᓇᓐ ᑕᑯ ᑲᔦ ᒋᓯᓱᐸᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᑲᐊᐸᑕᒃ ᒪᔥᑭᑭ ᑲᓂᓯᑯᐧᐊᒡ ᒪᓂᒍᔕᒃ ᒋᒪᑕᓄᑲᑌᒃ ᒣᐧᑲ ᐊᐱ ᒪᑯᑭᓯᔅ 31, 2010 ᑭᑭᓄᐧᐃᓂᐧᐊᒃ. ᐅᐧᐁᓂ ᑕᔥ ᑲᐧᐃᐊᐸᒋᑐᐧᐊᒡ ᒪᔥᑭᑭᓂ ᑭᐃᑭᑐᐧᐊᒃ ᐃᐃᒪ ᐁᐅᒋᒪᑲᒃ ᐊᔑᔥᑭᑲᒃ ᑲᔦ ᐅᓂᔑᔑᓐ ᐁᐅᒋᓂᓯᑯᐧᐊᒡ ᒪᓂᒍᔕᒃ ᒋᐊᓂᐸᑭᑎᓄᓯᐧᑲ. ᒥᑕᔥ ᑲᑭᐅᒋ ᐃᑭᑐᐧᐊᒡ ᒋᓯᓱᐸᒋᑲᑫᓇᓂᐧᐊᒃ ᐅᐅᐧᐁ ᒪᔥᑭᑭ ᔑᓐᐧᑲᑯᒃ ᑲᐃᔑᐸᐸᑕᑭᓱᐧᐊᒡ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐊᔭᓯᐧᑲ ᒪᓂᒍᔕᒃ ᑲᔦ ᐊᐧᐊᔑᒣ ᒋᐊᓂᒪᑭᐊᓯᐧᑲ ᑲᔦ ᒋᐊᓂᓂᐳᐧᐊᒡ ᒥᑎᑯᒃ. ᑕᐧᐃᓂᑲᑌ ᑲᔦ ᒣᐧᑲ ᐅᐅᐧᐁ ᑲᐱᒥᐅᔑᓯᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᑲᓇᐃᓭᐧᐊᑫᑕᐧᑲᓯᓄᑭᓐ ᐧᐃᔭᓯᑫᐧᐃᑭᒪ ᑫᑯᓇᓐ ᑲᐃᔑ ᐱᒥᑲᓇᐧᐊᐸᑕᑭᓐ ᐃᐃᒪ ᑲᐃᓇᑌᓂᒃ ᑲᐱᓂᔕᐊᒃ, ᐸᑫᐱᐃᑲᓂᒃ 7.5.4.1 ᑭᔥᑲᐊᐧᑫᐧᐃ ᐊᓄᑭᐧᐃᓐ ᑲᐃᔑᐱᒪᓄᑲᑌᒃ ᒪᓯᓇᐃᑲᓂᒃ (2004). ᒪᒋᒡ ᐃᑕᔥ ᑫᐃᑯᐱᐅᓇᓂᐧᐊᒃ ᐅᒋ ᐅᐧᐁ ᓂᑭᑭᓯᔅ 16, 2010 ᑭᑭᓄᐧᐃᓂᐧᐊᒃ. ᐧᐃᔭᓯᑫᐧᐃᑭᒪ ᐅᒪᐧᐊᒋᑐᓇᓐ ᑲᐱᐸᑭᑎᓇᒧᐧᐊᒡ ᐊᐧᐃᔭᒃ ᐅᑎᑭᑐᐧᐃᓂᐧᐊ ᑲᔦ ᐅᐧᐃᑕᒪᑫᐧᐃᓂᐧᐊ ᐃᐧᐁᓂ ᐅᒋ ᒪᓂᒍᔑᐧᐃ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑫᐧᐃᓂ ᐃᒪ ᑲᐅᒋ ᓂᑲᓂ ᐱᒥᐧᐃᒋᑲᑌᒃ ᓄᐱᒪᑲᒥᑯᒃ ᑫᐃᔑᐱᒥᑲᓇᐧᐁᑕᐧᑲᒃ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᑲᔦ ᑕᔥ ᐊᑭᐧᐃ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑫᐧᐃ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐧᐃᒋᐃᑯᐧᐊᒡ ᑫᐊᓂᔑ ᑭᔑᐅᓀᑕᒧᐧᐊᒡ ᑲᔦ ᒋᓇᓇᑕᐧᐃᑭᑫᑕᒧᐧᐊᒡ ᑭᔥᐱᓐ ᑫᔭᐱ ᒋᑭᒪᐧᐊᓐᑐᐱᐃᐧᑕᐧᐸᓐ ᐊᐧᐃᔭᒃ. ᑲᑭᐸᑭᑎᓇᒧᐧᐊᒡ ᐅᑎᑭᑐᐧᐃᓂᐧᐊ ᑕᑲᓇᐧᐁᒋᑲᑌᐧᐊᓐ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐊᐸᒋᒋᑲᑌᑭᓐ ᒣᐧᑲ ᐱᒪᓄᑲᑌᒃ ᐅᔑᓯᒋᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᑲᔦ ᑕᐃᔑ ᑕᑯᓂᑲᑌᐧᐊᓐ ᓇᓇᑕᐧᐃᑭᑫᒋᑫᐧᐃᓂᒃ ᐸᓂᒪ ᒋᐊᓂ ᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌᑭᓐ ᐊᐧᐃᔭᒃ ᒋᐧᐊᐸᑕᒧᐧᐊᒡ. ᐃᐃᐧᐁ ᑕᔥ ᑲᐃᓇᑯᓂᑲᑌᒃ ᐧᐃᓐᑕᒪᑫᐧᐃᓇᓐ ᑲᔦ ᑲᐊᔭᐧᑲᒥ ᑲᓇᐧᐁᓐᒋᑲᑌᑭᓐ ᑎᐱᓇᐁᐧᐃᐧᓯᐧᐃᓇᓐ (1987) ᑎᐸᒋᒥᑯᐧᐃᓇᓐ ᑲᐧᐃᓐ ᑕᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌᓯᐧᐊᓐ ᑭᔥᐱᓐ ᐁᑕ ᐃᑭᑐᒡ ᑲᑭᑲᐧᑫᒋᒪᑲᓂᐧᐃᒡ. ᐁᑯ ᔕᑯᒡ, ᐧᐃᔭᓯᑫᐧᐃᑭᒪᒃ ᐅᑎᓇᐸᒋᑐᓇᐧᐊ ᐅᓄ ᐧᐃᓐᑕᒪᑫᐧᐃᓇᓐ ᒋᐅᒋ ᑲᑭᑫᓐᑕᒧᐧᐊᒡ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᓐ ᑫᑯᓇᓐ ᑲᑭᐱᐃᔑ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑲᑌᓂᑭᓐ ᑲᔦ ᑲᑭᐱᐊᓄᑲᑌᑭᓐ. ᑫᔭᐱ ᐧᐃᑭᑫᓐᑕᒪᓐ ᑲᓄᔥ ᐧᒉᐳᕐ ᐸᕐᒃ ᐁᓇᑭᑕᓱᓀᒡ 807-727-1344 (ᒥᔅᑯᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᒃ), ᑫᒪ ᑭᓓᓐ ᓂᔅᓄᔅᑭ ᐁᓇᑭᑕᓱᓀᒡ 807-737-5037 (ᐧᐊᓂᓇᐧᐊᑲᒃ). ᑫᔭᐱ ᐧᐃᑭᑫᓐᑕᒪᓐ ᐅᐅᐧᐁ ᐅᒋ ᒪᓂᒍᔑᐧᐃ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑫᐧᐃᓐ ᑲᐃᔑ ᐱᒪᓄᑲᑌᒃ, ᑲᓄᓂᒃ ᐅᐅᒪ ᑲᐊᓂ ᐅᔑᐱᐃᑲᓱᐧᐊᒡ; Dave New, Project Manager Red Lake District OfÀce 227 Howey Street Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0 Tel.: 807-727-1383

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missing and murdered women and girls from the Aboriginal community is so unacceptably high….”

Several walkers from Vancouver also took their concerns to Parliament Hill.

Walk 4 Justice walkers were in Thunder Bay Aug.13 ’08 to raise awareness about unsolved cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women.

The Walk for Justice walkers presented a petition to the federal government to demand an inquiry into the “mishandling of justice” into investigations of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and children.

The government has taken some action on addressing the concerns.

The NWAC has created a Sisters in Spirit Initiative addressing four key priorities: Research, Education and Awareness, Policy Analysis and Sustainability.

The women’s organization has received funding for five years.

On October 4th, Sisters in Spirit vigils were held to pay homage to the women whose lives ended so abruptly and tragically.

www.bestwestern.com/prop_66055 “The Only Thing We Overlook Is The Mountains”

Kevin Pruys, Forester Sioux Lookout District OfÀce 49 Prince Street Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1J9 Tel.: 807-737-5040

18

Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Date few will forget Suicides a decade-long issue for NAN youth Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News

It was on June 11, 2008 individuals eagerly waited to hear Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s apology to residential school survivors.

“The government of Canada sincerely apologizes and asks the forgiveness of the aboriginal peoples of this country for failing them so profoundly.

“We are sorry.”

Residential school survivors gathered at various sites to hear the apology together.

There has been mixed reaction as to whether or not Harper was sincere with the apology.

“For me the main thing was to acknowledge the pain that my parents must have suffered when they had their children removed one-by-one … So I thought that part was really, really good. But action speaks louder than words. The follow through is what’s going to be important, they have to put action behind their words,” said Lorraine Kenny, a residential school survivor.

“It’s an apology that is a long time coming and I was really, really glad to finally see, because it validates our experience as Aboriginal people that were affected by this system.

It makes us feel like ‘Hey we’re humans after all, this actually happened to us,” said Wava Fox, a residential school survivor Part of the apology focused on ‘forging a new relationship between aboriginal peoples and other Canadians, a relationship based on the knowledge of our shared history, a respect for each other and a desire to move forward together.”

Apologies were extended to survivors by all the churches that had a part in the residential school era.

A class action lawsuit by former students saw Harper financial settlements awarded for the abuses endured while at the federally funded schools.

The survivors were to have a chance to share their stories at truth and reconciliation hearings throughout Canada.

Sadly, the truth and reconciliation hearings became delayed when the Chair, Harry LaForme, resigned.

Soon afterwards, the other commissioners also resigned.

The new commissioners are Justice Murray Sinclair, Chief Wilton Littlechild, and Marie

Wilson. Hearings are coming.

The end of the decade saw Harper come under fire when he commented on Sept. 25 ’09, at a meeting of 20 most powerful world leaders, “’We (Canada) also have no history of colonialism.”

The Prime Minister’s comments shocked the Aboriginal community.

Grand Chief Stan Beardy of Nishnawbe Aski Nation expressed disappointment in Harper. “(For Harper) to say that, on the world stage, that everything is fine and dandy (in Canada) is disappointing because it is not,” Beardy said. “I always maintained the residential school apology meant a lot to First Nation people. But it needed to be followed up by positive action by the federal government.”

AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo said Harper’s comment was shocking, confounding and wrong.

“The Prime Minister must be held to the highest standard especially when speaking to the international community,” Atleo said. “There is no room for error.”

The first TRC National Event will be held in Winnipeg on June 15, 2010.

Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News

Suicide is the leading cause of premature and preventable death.

The rate of suicide among Aboriginal youth in Canada is 5 to 6 times higher among Aboriginal youth than among their non-aboriginal peers (RCAP).

In the Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory, there has been several hundred suicides in the past decade.

The beginning of 2000 saw the development of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Decade for Youth.

Following a suicide conference in January 2000, NAN chiefs strengthened their commitment to young people by adopting a youth development approach.

Resolution 00/17 was passed to address more effectively the problems of young men and women.

The NAN Decade for Youth promotes youth involvement in positive change through local/ regional youth councils, focusing on the areas of political,

Phone: 807-737-2444

economic, social and cultural participation.

For family and friends who had lost a loved one to suicide, the Wapekeka First Nation hosts an annual survivors of suicide conference.

The conference has been ongoing for 17 years.

“Suicide rates in Canada have reached a crisis point, a fact amplified among First Nations.”

– Tina Keeper

Participants attend self empowerment workshops, and are able to speak to counselors.

In 2005, NAN Decade Youth Council members voted unanimously in favour of developing a policy to help communities in crisis following a suicide.

In 2006, Norma Keejik began organizing the Walk for Life in Sioux Lookout.

As part of the walk, yellow

ribbons are released into the sky to remember the ones who had committed suicide.

In 2006, when Tina Keeper was the Liberal Critic for Public Health she demanded action on suicide prevention.

“Suicide rates in Canada have reached a crisis point, a fact amplified among First Nations.

There is no reason why children should be taking their own lives.

The Conservative government must respond,” said Keeper.

She noted that Canada is one of the few developed countries without a mental health or national suicide prevention strategy.

In Feb. 07, the NAN Decade for Youth and Development hosted a five-day suicide prevention conference in Thunder Bay. With the advance of technology, suicide prevention training was broadcast to workers at 19 NAN communities.

The end of the decade saw Minister Laurel Broten announcing a financial contribution of $700,000 to NAN and Tikinagan for suicide prevention strategies.

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Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

19

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Equay-wuk (Women’s Group)

Hounding the oppposition

invites you to participate in a

Cultural Sensitivity Workshop A workshop for non-Aboriginal Caregivers and Health Care workers/professionals of Aboriginal health clients

Sat Jan 30 & Sun Jan 31, 2010 Location: Sunset Suites Sioux Lookout, ON Lunch will be provided Topics:

• • • • • • • •

Priming for Cultural Compentency Barriers to Service and Care Historical Overview Perceptions of Self Making Sense....Intergenerational Traumas & Impacts Making Sense....Contrasting Anishinaabe & Mainstream Values Stepping Into....Various Elders beliefs Advocation...Communication Styles, Ethical Approaches

Guest Speakers:

For More Information:

TBA

Darlene

Equay-wuk (Women’s Group)

Tel: (807) 737-2214 or toll free (800) 261-8294 Fax: (807) 737-2699 Email: equaywuk@bellnet.ca Website: www.equaywuk.ca

photo courtesy of Soo Greyhounds

The Better Care Giving Project and Cultural Sensitivity Workshop is made possible with financial contributions from the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative (Health Canada & Chiefs of Ontario AHHRI)

Marshall Fox has played in 16 games this season with the Ontario Hockey League’s Soo Greyhounds. He’s notched a pair of assists for the club, which was 20-17-1-2 as of press-time.

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Wawatay News

JANUARY 7, 2010

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

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