March 15, 2012

PM#0382659799 9

Rare wolverine wolv trapped nearr Constance Cons Lake PAGE PAG P PA AG A GE 17 17

Healing the Legacy special feature on Residential Schools SECTION B

Vol. 39 #6

Wild adventure on the Sachigo winter road PAGES 12 -13 9,300 copies distributed $1.50

March 15, 2012 Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice since 1974

www.wawataynews.ca

Mining conflict sparks KI protests KI brings message to Toronto mining conference as Chief Morris prepares to mobilize against God’s Lake Resources Shawn Bell Wawatay News

The ongoing conf lict between Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) and God’s Lake Resources took center stage on the mining front in a week that saw the Prospectors and Developers Association announce a former First Nations chief as president and a huge mining conference turn the attention of the world to northern Ontario minerals.

KI attracted hundreds of protestors to a Toronto rally against mining exploration on its traditional lands, right outside a mining conference where 30,000 delegates from around the world had gathered.

At the same time, KI Chief Donny Morris was at Sherman Lake, north of his community, keeping vigil in case God’s Lake Resources went ahead with promises to restart exploration on KI’s traditional lands.

The Ontario government also jumped into the fray, quietly announcing that it has withdrawn a massive parcel of land near KI – 23,000 square

kilometres – from mining exploration and development.

Morris later said the government took his First Nation by surprise with the announcement, as talks between the two parties had broken off last November.

Meanwhile, inside the conference the largest number of First Nations delegates ever were in attendance, creating quite a stir in the mining industry.

Four Matawa First Nations made a splash by signing an agreement to work on building their own EastWest transportation corridor to serve the Ring of Fire.

And Webequie First Nation signed a letter of agreement to work with Cliffs Natural Resources on a Ring of Fire Memorandum of Understanding, to acclaim from industry representatives.

It all amounted to a wild week for northern Ontario First Nations and the mining industry.

Find stories on the Ring of Fire transportation network on page 3, the Prospectors and Developers conference on page 8 and KI’s struggle on pages 10 and 11.

Photo by Shawn Bell/Wawaty News

KI Elder Mary Jane Crowe speaks to a Toronto crowd outside the Prospectors and Developers Association mining conference. KI was protesting on its ongong dispute with God’s Lake Resources, a gold mining company that has started exploration work on KI traditional lands without the First Nation’s approval. The protests were one alternative voice to the massive conference happening across the street, where First Nations from northern Ontario were getting a lot of attention on other mining-related issues.

ᐱᒥᐊᔭᓂᑫ ᐊᓂᒥᐃᐁᐧᒪᑲᐣ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂ ᑲᑭᐱ ᑲᑲᐧᑕᑭᐦᐃᐨ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐁᑲᓇᐁᐧᑕᑯᓯᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᔕᐧᐣ ᐯᓫ ᐊᐧᐊᐧᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐃᐧᓇᐣ

ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᐯᔑᐠ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᐢ, ᑯᕑᐁᔾᐢ ᐃᐧᐢᑐᕑ, ᐅᑭᓂᓯᑕᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐅᑯᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᐊᓂᐣ ᐁᐱᒥ ᑐᑕᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᐧᐡᑲᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ ᑲᑭᐅᑕᐱᓂᑕᐧᐸᐣ ᐊᐧᓴ ᑲᑭᑲᓇᐁᐧᐣᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐠ. ᐃᐧᐣᑐᕑ, ᐅᓂᑲᓂᐱᒧᑐᐣ ᓭᐱᐣ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓯᐃᐧ ᑎᐸᒋᒧᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᓂ, ᐅᑭᐊᔭᒥᐦᐊᐸᓂᐣ ᑲᔭᓂ ᒪᐧᔦ ᑭᔑᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᓫᐁᐠᐦᐁᐟ ᑭᒋ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᑫᐃᐧᑲᒥᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᑭᑫᐣᑕᒧᓂᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ ᐯᔑᑯᐱᒥᑯᓇᑲ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᒋᑲᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᐃᔑᓂᓯᑕᐃᐧᓇᐠ ᐁᐱᒥ ᐊᔭᓂᑫ ᐸᑭᑌᐡᑲᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᑲ ᑭ ᐱ ᐃ ᐡ ᑯ ᓄ ᐃ ᐧ ᓂ ᐨ ᐅᐊᐧᑯᒪᑲᓄᐊᐧ ᐁᐧᐡᑲᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᑕᓴᐧ ᐅᑎᐸᒋᒧᐃᐧᓂᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᑲᑫᐧᒋᒥᐣᑕᐧ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᒋᐊᓂᒧᒥᑎᓱᐊᐧᐨ. “ᑕᓴᐧ ᐊᑯ ᑲᐊᔭᒥᐦᐊᑭᑕᐧ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᒥᐱᑯ ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᐁᔭᓂᒧᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ

ᐁᐧᐡᑲᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐣ ᑲᑭᐱᔑᑲᓇᐁᐧᐣᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ,” ᐃᑭᑐ ᐃᐧᐣᑐᕑ. “ᑭᔭᑦ ᐃᑯ ᐁᔭᓇᑭ ᐃᔑᑭᑫᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲ ᒋᐱᒥᓂᔕᐦᐊᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐊᐧᑯᒪᑲᓂᐊᐧ ᑲᑭᐱᑐᑕᑯᓂᐨ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᐃᐧᓂᐠ, ᓇᐣᑕ ᑭᔭᐱᐨ ᑫᒋᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᐱᒥ ᓄᒋᐦᐃᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑭᑕᔑ ᑲᓇᐁᐧᐣᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐠ.” ᓭᐱᐣ ᑎᐸᒋᒧᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᐣ ᑲᐊᓄᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑭᐱᐊᓄᑲᑕᓇᐊᐧ ᐅᑕᓇᐠ ᑲᔭᑭᐊᐧᓂᐠ ᐁᑭ ᓇᓇᑕᐃᐧ ᑭᑫᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᐣ ᐁᔑᓇᑲᐧᐠ ᑲᐱᐊᔭᓂᑫ ᐸᑭᑌᐡᑲᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᓂ. ᒥᑕᐡ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᐊᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᑲ ᑭ ᒪ ᐊ ᐧ ᐣ ᑐ ᓇ ᒧ ᐊ ᐧ ᐨ ᐁᑭᐊᐧᐸᑕᐦᐃᐁᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᐧᑎ ᓫᐁᐠᐦᐁᐟ ᐅᑕᓇᐠ ᑲᑕᐊᐧᑌᓂᐠ, ᐯᑭᐡ ᐁᐃᐧᐅᐣᒋ ᑲᑫᐧ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑕᐧ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐅᑎᐡᑯᓂᐠ ᒋᐱᒥ ᓂᓯᑕᐁᐧᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐱᒥᐃᐧᒋᐃᐧᑯᐊᐧᐨ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐊᔑᐨ ᐁᐧᒥᑎᑯᔑᐃᐧ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᒋᐅᒋ ᓂᓯᑕᐁᐧᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᐣ ᐁᐱᒥ ᑐᑕᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ.

ᐃᐧᐣᑐᕑ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᑲᑭᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑕᓄᑭᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᐅᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᐱᒥᓂᔕᐦᐊᓇᐊᐧ ᑲᑭᐃᓇᐧᑌᐠ ᐊᐱ ᑲᑭᒪᒋᒋᑲᑌᑭᐸᐣ ᓭᐱᐣ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓯᐃᐧ ᑎᐸᒋᒧᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᐣ – ᒋᐅᐣᒋ ᓄᐣᒋᑲᑌᓂᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᐅᑎᑭᑐᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐯᑭᐡ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑎᐸᒋᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑕᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᒥᓯᐁᐧ ᑲᓇᑕ ᐊᐦᑭᐠ ᒋᑭᑫᐣᑕᑲᐧᓂᐠ. “ᒥᐦᐅᐁᐧ ᑲᑭᐃᔑ ᓇᑕᐁᐧᑕᒪᐠ ᒋᐃᔑᓇᑲᐧᐠ ᒋᐅᒋ ᒪᒐᒪᑲᐠ ᓂᓄᑕᑯᓯᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ, ᒋᐅᒋ ᑭᑫᐣᑕᑯᑐᔭᐠ ᐊᓂᐣ ᐁᔑᐱᒥᓇᑭᐡᑲᒪᐠ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ,” ᑭᐃᑭᑐ. “ᔕᑯᐨ ᑲᔦ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐃᐧᐣᑕᒪᐠ ᑫᓂᓇᐃᐧᐟ ᐁᐊᔑᑕᑭᓱᔭᐠ ᐅᒪ ᐊᐦᑭᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐁᐃᐧ ᑭᑫᐣᑕᑯᑐᔭᐠ ᐣᑕᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ ᑲᑭᓇ ᐊᐃᐧᔭ ᒋᑭᑫᐣᑕᐠ.” ᐊᐱ ᑲᔭᓂ ᑭᐸᐦᐃᑲᑌᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ ᐃᔑᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᐡᑲᐧᔭᐨ ᑭᔭᓂ ᐊᔭᒥ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᐢᑭ ᑭᒋᐅᑭᒪᑲᓂᔑᐡ ᒥᔐᐣ ᒥᑕᐟ, ᑭᐱᐃᐡᑯᓄᐃᐧ ᐃᒪ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐠ

ᑲᑭᑕᔑ ᑲᓇᐁᐧᐣᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐱᑕᐯᑯᐠ. ᒥᑕᐟ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᒥᔑᐣ ᓇᓇᑐᐠ ᐃᔑᓇᑲᐧᓂ ᑲᑲᑫᐧ ᓇᑕᐃᐧᐦᐅᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓂᑯᐠ ᑲᑭᐱᔑ ᐃᐧᓴᑲᐦᐅᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᐊᔭᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐠ – ᑭᔭᐱᐨ ᒥᔑᐣ ᐅᒥᐣᒋᒥᓂᑯᓇᐊᐧ ᐅᐃᐧᓴᑫᑕᒧᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᐁᑲ ᑲᓇᑫ ᒪᔑ ᐁᑭᑲᐡᑭᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᑭᐊᓂᒧᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐠ ᑐᑲᐣ ᐃᐧᐣ ᐊᔕ ᒥᔑᓄᔭᑭ ᐁᐅᐣᒋ ᐱᒥᔭᓄᑲᑕᐠ ᐅᐃᐧᓴᑫᑕᒧᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᐱᑯ ᑭᔭᐱᐨ ᐁᔑᐱᒪᓄᑕᐠ ᓄᑯᑦ ᑲᑭᔑᑲᓂᐠ. “ᐊᔕ ᒥᔑᓄᔭᑭ ᐣᑭᐱᓄᑕᐊᐧᐠ ᒥᔑᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐁᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᒪᑎ ᒥᐦᐃ ᐃᔑᐳᓀᐣᑕᐣ,” ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᒥᑕᐟ. “ᔕᑯᐨ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᐁᐧᐣᑕᐠ. ᐊᔭᒪᑲᐣ ᐃᑯ ᐃᒪ ᑭᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᓂᐠ. ᐅᐣᒋᑕ ᐱᑯ ᒋᐊᓄᑲᑕᒪᐣ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᒋᑭᑫᒪᑲᐠ.” ᒥᑕᐟ ᑭᐃᐡᑯᓄᐃᐧ ᐃᒪ ᓭᐣᐟ ᐊᐣ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐱᑕᐯᑯᐠ.

Easter Seat Sale

Hop on to visit family and friends this Easter!

H

Purchase your reservation by March 30th, 2012 for travel until April 13th, 2012

1.877.492.7292 • www.wasaya.com

ᐃᓇᐱᐣ ᐸᑭᑭᓂᑲᓂᐠ B2

2

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

INSIDE WAWATAY NEWS

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

THIS ISSUE... ᐅᒋᐯᐧ ᐅᑎᐸᒋᒧᐱᐦᐃᑫ ᑭᐸᑭᓇᑫ ᑭᑭᓇᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑯᐃᐧᐣ

ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐸᐸᒪᑲᐧᐦᐃᑫᐊᐧᐠ ᑐᕑᐊᐣᑐ ᑭᒋᐅᑌᓇᐠ ᐁᐃᐧᑭᐱᐡᑲᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᓄᑕᓯᓂᐁᐧᐣ

ᕑᐃᒋᕑᐟ ᐊᐧᑲᒥᐢ ᐊᐧᐸᓯᒧᐣᐠ ᑲᐅᐣᒋᐨ ᑭᐸᑭᓇᑫ ᒥᓯᐁᐧᑲᒥᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᑲᐡᑭᑕᒪᓱᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᑭᓇᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑯᐃᐧᐣ ᑎᐸᒋᒧᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐊᔭᒥᐃᐧᓇᐣ. ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᐅᑎᐸᒋᒧ ᐅᑭᐅᔑᑐᐣ ᓂᐦᓴᐧᓱ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐅᑕᔭᑲᐃᐧ ᐸᑭᑎᓇᐣ ᐅᑎᐸᒋᒧᐃᐧᓀᓴᐣ ᐊᐧᐊᐧᑌ ᑎᐸᒋᒧᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑭᔐᐱᓯᑦ 24 ᑲᑭᒥᓇᑲᓂᐃᐧᐨ ᐅᐸᑭᓇᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐸᐣᑯᐳᕑ. ᐊᐧᑲᒥᐢ ᐅᑭᐃᔑᓂᑲᑕᐣ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᐅᐸᑭᓇᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᐅᒋ ᐊᐧᐸᑕᐦᐃᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐅᐡᑲᑎᓴᐠ ᐊᐁᐧᓀᐣ ᐃᑯ ᐅᑕᑲᐡᑭᑐᐣ ᒋᑭᑌᐱᓇᒪᓱᐸᐣ ᑲᐃᔑ ᑲᑫᐧᑲᐡᑭᐦᐅᐨ. ᓄᑯᒥᑫ ᑲᑭᐅᔑᑐᐸᐣ ᐅᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᐣ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᒥᑕᑎᑦ ᐁᑭᐊᒋᒪᐨ ᓴᐧᓫ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᒥᑕᑎᑦ, ᐅᐡᑲᑎᐢ ᐁᑭᐃᐡᑯᓄᐃᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ ᑲᑭᐃᔑ ᑲᓇᐁᐧᐣᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐡᑯᓄᑲᒥᑯᐠ, ᑭᐱᒪᑫᐧᐸᐦᐃᑫ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑲᑭᔭᓂ ᐱᒧᓴᑕᐠ ᐅᓇᑕᐃᐧᐦᐅᐃᐧᐣ. ᐊᐧᑲᒥᐢ ᐅᑭᓇᓇᑯᒪᐣ ᑭᒋᐦᐊᐣ ᐃᒪ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᐁᐧᑎ ᑭᐁᐧᑎᓄᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᑲᑭᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑯᐨ ᒋᔭᓂ ᓂᑕᑎᐸᒋᒧᐨ. 25 ᑕᓱᔭᑭᐃᐧᓀᐸᐣ ᐊᐱ ᑲᐃᐧᐣᑕᒪᑯᐸᐣ, ᐅᑭᑌᐯᐧᑕᒪᐊᐧᐣ ᑕᐡ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᐱᐣ ᑲᑭᔭᓂ ᒪᑕᓄᑲᑕᐣᐠ.

ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᐃᔑᒪᐃᐧᓀᐦᐃᑫᐊᐧᐠ ᑐᕑᐊᐣᑐ ᑭᒋᐅᑌᓇᐠ ᑲᑭᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲ ᑲᓇᑕᐁᐧᓂᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᓇᓇᑕᐊᐧᓯᓂᐁᐧᐣ ᒋᐱᓄᒋᐃᐧᑐᓂᐨ ᐅᑕᑭᒥᐊᐧᐣᐠ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᑭᐸᐸᒪᑲᐧᐦᐃᑫᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᑲᐧᒋᐠ ᐃᒪ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᑲᓂ ᒪᐊᐧᒋᐦᐃᑐᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᐃᔑᒋᑲᓄᐊᐧᓂᐠ. ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᑲᑫᐧ ᓇᑲᐡᑲᐊᐧᐊᐧᐣ ᑲᐧᐟᐢ ᓫᐁᐠ ᕑᐃᓴᐧᕑᓯᐢ, ᐅᓇᓇᑕᐊᐧᓯᓂᐁᐧᐣ ᑲᐱᓄᒋᐃᐧᑐᓂᐨ ᐃᒪ ᔐᕑᒪᐣ ᓴᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᐊᓇᐃᐧᐣ ᐊᔕ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑭᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐁᑲ ᐁᐸᑭᑎᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᐱᒣᐣᒋᑲᑌᓂᐠ ᐅᑕᑭᒥᐊᐧ. ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ ᒥᑕᓱᒥᑕᓇ ᑭᐱᔕᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑭᐱ ᐃᐧᒋᑲᐸᐃᐧᑕᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᐸᐸᒪᑲᐧᐦᐃᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᒪ ᑐᕑᐊᐣᑐ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐅᓇᔓᐁᐧᐃᐧᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᒥᓇ ᑭᒋᐦᐊᐠ ᑭᐊᔭᒥᐊᐧᐠ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᑕᐧᓂ ᒪᕑᐃᐢ ᑭᐃᔕ ᔐᕑᒪᐣ ᓴᑲᐦᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᐁᑭᓇᑕᐃᐧ ᐊᔕᐊᐧᐱᐨ. ᒪᕑᐃᐢ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐁᑭᐊᔕᐦᐃᑫᐨ ᒋᐱᒪᑕᓄᑭᓂᐨ ᐃᓂᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᑲᑦᐸᓂᐊᐧᐣ, ᐊᑯᓇᐠ ᐃᑭᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᐧᐟᐢ ᓫᐁᐠ ᕑᐃᓴᐧᕑᓯᐢ ᑲᑭᐱᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᒋᐱᑭᐁᐧ ᒪᑕᓄᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᓇᓇᑕᐊᐧᓯᓂᐁᐧᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ.

Ojibwe author wins national award

KI rallies in Toronto as community mobilizes Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) took its battle over mining exploration on traditional lands to Toronto, holding a rally outside a mining conference.

The First Nation is protesting God’s Lake Resources, a gold mining company that is exploring at Sherman Lake despite KI’s opposition.

Over one hundred supporters showed up to the rally in downtown Toronto, where councillors and Elders from the community spoke.

Meanwhile KI Chief Donny Morris went out to the site at Sherman Lake to set up a vigil. Morris said he was watching for activity from the company, after God’s Lake said it planned to restart exploration work.

Pages 10 and 11

ᐊᐧᔕᐦᐅ ᐅᓇᑲᐡᑲᓇᐊᐧ ᒋᐱᒋᑕᐸᑌᓂᐠ ᐱᒋᐳᐃᐧᓂ ᒥᔑᓄᑕᐸᐣ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᐳᓯᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᐱᒋᐳᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑭᐅᐣᑎᓂᑲᑌᑭᐣ Site 500 ᒥᐟ ᑲᓇᑕ ᑫᑌ ᓄᑎᓂᑫᐃᐧ ᐊᐸᒋᒋᑲᓇᐣ ᑲᑭᐃᔑᐊᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᐯᔓᐨ ᐃᐧᓇᐢᐠ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓂᐠ ᐁᐃᔑᑕᐸᑌᑭᐣ ᒪᓂᑐᐸ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐁᐧᑎ ᒪᔭᑦ ᐯᔓᐨ ᐊᐧᔕᐦᐅᐠ ᒋᔭᓂᔑᑕᐸᑌᑭᐣ ᐊᒥ ᑲᑭᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑭ ᑭᐱᐡᑲᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᑲᓇᓂ. ᐊᐧᔕᐦᐅᐠ ᑲᐅᒋᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑭᑭᐸᐦᐊᓇᐊᐧ ᒥᑲᓇᓂ ᐁᑭᓂᓂᑌᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲ ᑲᐧᔭᐠ ᑲᑭᐅᐣᒋ ᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑲᑌᓂᑭᐣ ᑲᐱᒥᑕᐸᑌᓂᑭᐣ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃ ᑲᑭᐃᓇᑭᐣᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᑲᐊᐸᑕᐠ ᒥᑲᓇ ᐃᒪ ᑲᐅᒋ ᐱᒥᑕᐸᑌᑭᐣ ᐁᑲ ᑕᐡ ᐁᐃᐧᑎᐸᐦᐃᑫᐨ ᐊᐁᐧ ᑲᐱᒥᑕᐱᑕᒪᐊᐧᑲᓂᐃᐧᐨ. ᑫᑲᐱ ᑕᐡ ᑭᑌᐯᐧᑕᐊᐧᑲᓂᐃᐧᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᐁᐧᓂ ᑲᑭᐅᒋ ᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᐡ ᐊᐧᔕᐦᐅᐠ ᑕᐅᒋ ᑭᑭᓄᐦᐊᒪᐊᐧᑲᓄ ᑫᓇᓇᑲᒋᒋᑫᐨ ᐃᒪ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᒋᐅᒋᐨ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐊᓂᓂᑲᐣ ᒪᐡᑯᐨ ᐃᔑᓇᑭᐡᑲᒧᐊᐧᐨ.

Fort Severn blocks asbestos shipment Truckloads of asbestos being taken from Site 500 of the Mid Canada Line Radar site near Weenusk First Nation to Manitoba were blocked on route near Fort Severn First Nation.

Community members from the First Nation put up the blockade due to concerns over a lack of inspection of the truckloads, and concerns that the extra maintenance costs for the road due to the trucking were not being covered by the shipping company.

A resolution was eventually reached and Fort Severn plans to train an inspector in the community for future issues.

Page 3

KI councillor Cecilia Begg, top left, brought her community’s message about mining to Toronto. Fort Severn community members blockaded the winter road to prevent trucks carrying asbestos from passing through the community, above. The Ontario government withdrew 23,000 square kilometers from mining near KI, middle right. And Ojibwe author Richard Wagamese won a national award, top right.

ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᒥᐢᑕᐦᐃ ᑎᐸᐦᐊᑲᓂ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᑲᐸᑭᑎᓇᐣ ᒋᑕᔑ ᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᑲᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᓇᑫ ᑲᓇᑕᐃᐧ ᐸᐸᒪᑲᐧᐦᐃᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᐧᑎ ᑐᕑᐊᐣᑐ ᑭᒋᐅᑌᓇᐠ, ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᒋᑭᐸᐦᐊᐠ 23,000 ᑕᓱᑲᑲᑫ ᑎᐸᐦᐊᑲᐣ ᐊᐦᑭᓂ ᐯᔓᐨ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐠ ᐁᑲ ᒋᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌᐠ ᒋᑕᔑ ᓇᓇᑕᐊᐧᓯᓂᐊᐧᑌᐠ ᒥᓇ ᒋᑕᓇᓄᑲᑌᐠ. ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᑲᑭᐅᒋᑐᑕᐠ ᐁᑲ ᐁᓇᑕᐁᐧᐣᑕᐠ ᒪᒋᓭᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᐅᒋᒪᑲᐠ ᐃᒪ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᑲᐠ ᒥᓇ ᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᑲᓂ ᐊᓄᑭᐃᐧ ᐱᒧᒋᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᐱᓇᒪ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᒋᑕᔑ ᐊᓄᑲᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑕᑭᐃᐧ ᐅᓇᒋᑫᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ. ᔕᑯᐨ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑲᑭᐃᔑ ᐅᓇᒋᑫᐨ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᑕᑭ ᑭᐱᑎᓇᓯᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᔕ ᑲᑭᐃᑭᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᒪᑕᓄᑭᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐧᐟᐢ ᓫᐁᐠ ᕑᐃᓴᐧᕑᓯᐢ, ᒥᑕᐡ ᑲᑭᐅᒋ ᐃᓀᐣᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᓇᑲᐡᑲᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ. ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᑕᐧᓂ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᐁᐧᓂ ᑲᑭᑐᑕᒥᓂᐨ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᒥᑐᓂ ᐱᑯ ᐅᑭᑯᐡᑯᐃᐧᓂᑯᐣ, ᐊᓂᐡ ᐁᑲ ᑲᓇᑫ ᐁᑭᐱᐅᒋ ᓂᑲᓂᐃᐧᐣᑕᒪᑫᐨ ᐃᒪ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᒥᓇ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑲᐱᒥᔭᓂᒧᑕᒪᑎᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᑲᑭᐳᓂᒋᑲᑌᑭᐸᐣ ᐅᑕᓇᐠ ᑲᐡᑲᑎᓄᐱᓯᑦ.

Ontario withdraws huge parcel of land The Ontario government announced it was withdrawing a 23,000 square kilometer section of land near KI from exploration.

The government said it withdrew the land to prevent problems between the First Nation and mining companies while KI works on its land use plan.

But the withdrawal does not affect the ongoing exploration work

by God’s Lake Resources, which has been a flashpoint for protests by the community.

KI Chief Donny Morris said the announcement took him off guard, as there had been no mention of it to the community and negotiations between the two sides broke down last November.

Pages 1 and 8

Richard Wagamese from Wabaseemoong First Nation won the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in Media and Communications.

The author of seven books and regular columnist for Wawatay News accepted the award in Vancouver on Feb. 24.

Wagamese said the award was good for showing Aboriginal youth that anyone can succeed and reach their goals.

His latest book Indian Horse is the story of Saul Indian Horse, a youth in residential school, his life playing hockey and his healing journey.

Wagamese credits Elders at a traditional gathering in northwestern Ontario for helping him to become a storyteller. He was 25 years of age when they told him; he believed them and he got busy.

Page 14

ᑭᐢᑭᒪᓂᓯᐊᐧᐳ ᐃᓂᓂ ᐃᐧᐱᒧᓭ 600 ᑕᓱᑎᐸᐦᐊᑲᐣ ᑭᐢᑭᒪᓂᓯᐊᐧᐳ ᐃᓂᓂ ᐃᐧᓂᔭᑦ ᒥᑭᓇᐠ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐁᐃᐧᐱᒧᓭᐨ 600 ᑕᓱᑎᐸᐦᐊᑲᐣ, ᐅᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᒋᐅᐣᒋᒪᒐᐨ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᐧᓂᓇᐧᐊᑲᐠ ᒋᐃᓇᐦᐊᑐᐨ, ᐁᐃᐧᔓᓂᔭᑫᑐᐨ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᓂ ᑲᐃᐧᑲᑫᐧ ᐳᓂᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐊᐧᓂᔭᐸᒋᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᒪᐡᑭᑭᐣ. ᒥᑭᓇᐠ ᐅᐃᐧᑲᑫᐧ ᑌᐱᓇᐣ $150,000 ᔓᓂᔭᐣ ᒋᐅᔑᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᑲᒥᐠ. ᒥᑭᓯᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 22 ᐅᑭᐃᔑᐅᓇᑐᐣ ᒋᐃᔑᒪᒋᐱᒪᐦᐊᑐᐨ. ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᐅᓇᔓᐁᐧᐃᐧᓂᓂ ᐃᑭᑐ ᒥᑐᓂ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐅᐱᒥᔭᓂᒥᐦᐃᑯᓇᐊᐧ ᐃᒪ ᐅᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ, ᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᑲᓯᓂ ᐸᑫᑲᒥᑯᓂ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑕᔑᐊᐧᐸᒥᑕᐧ ᑲᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑕᐧ. ᐅᒥᓴᐁᐧᑕᐣ ᑕᐡ ᑲᓇᑫ ᑲᓂᐦᓱ ᐸᑫᑲᒥᑯᐊᐧᓂᐠ ᒋᑭᐅᔑᒋᑲᑌᓂᑭᐸᐣ ᒋᑕᔑ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑕᐧ. ᐅᐁᐧ ᑲᐃᐧᐱᒧᓭᐃᐧᓂᑫᐨ ᐅᑎᓀᐣᑕᐣ ᐯᔑᑯᐱᒥᑯᓇᑲ ᒥᓇ ᐊᐱᑕ ᒋᐱᒧᓭᐨ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᔕ ᓂᐦᓯᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐣ ᐅᑭᑲᐧᔭᑯᒥᑯᐣ ᒋᐃᐧᒋᐃᐧᑯᐨ. ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐣ ᐃᑯ ᐁᓇᑐᒪᐨ ᒋᐃᐧᒋᐃᐧᑯᐨ.

Kingfisher man planning 600-kilometre walk Kingfisher Lake’s William Mekanak is planning to walk 600 kilometres from his community to Sioux Lookout to raise money for a Suboxone treatment center.

Mekanak’s goal is to raise $150,000 towards building the treatment center.

He plans to start walking on March 22.

The band councillor said it is tough for people in the community now, as there is only a small room to meet. He would like to see a three-room facility built.

The walk is expected to take one and a half weeks to complete.

Currently Mekanak has three other people confirmed to walk with him. He welcomes others who would like to participate.

Page 16

EgZ"EV^Y AdXVa IZaZe]dcZ HZgk^XZ 6 CZ^\]Wdjg]ddY

8dccZXi^dc

&"-++"(.&"',%%

E^caZhh egZ"eV^Y adc\ Y^hiVcXZ hiVgi^c\ Vi dcan ) XZcih eZg b^cjiZ#

$45.99 Bdci]an hZgk^XZ (.#..

IgVch[Zg ndjg XjggZci cjbWZg ;G:: CZl cjbWZg VXi^kVi^dc [ZZ (.#..

Jca^b^iZY adc\ Y^hiVcXZ Dcan '%#%% CD H:8JG>IN 9:EDH>I# (% G:;:GG6A 9>H8DJCI ID 8DCC:8I 6 ;G>:C9# L: 688:EI 86H= A>C@ E6NB:CIH 6I 6AA <G:6I CDGI=:GC HIDG:H

For more information contact your local health unit.

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

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

3

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Four Matawa chiefs pledge East-West corridor Shawn Bell Wawatay News

Four Matawa First Nations are examining building and operating their own Ring of Fire transportation corridor between Pickle Lake and Webequie Junction.

Eabametoong, Neskantaga, Nibinamik and Webequie First Nations have signed an agreement to work together on building an East-West corridor for the Ring of Fire.

The signing, a highlight of the Prospectors and Developers mining conference in Toronto, marks a shift away from letting industry plan its own transportation network between potential mines and processing plants further south.

“By taking control of our traditional homeland, we can ensure that our communities

really benefit in meaningful and long-term ways from the potential development in the Ring of Fire,” said Eabametoong Chief Harry Papah.

It comes as the debate over which way to move ore from the Ring of Fire to market continues.

Cliffs’ Natural Resources endorses a North-South transportation route, whereby a road would run from just south of the Ring of Fire to connect with Highway 11 near Nakina.

Noront Resources, on the other hand, has promoted an East-South route that would connect Webequie Junction to Pickle Lake, similar to the route endorsed by the Matawa chiefs.

Noront’s Chief Operating Officer Paul Semple said the signing endorses the review that his company has already conducted.

“We put our route together based on a technical, and socio-economic review, the route we think will be most palatable to get government financing,” Semple said. “What

of a First Nations-owned and operated transportation corridor to service the Ring of Fire would help the communities meet their needs, Moonias said.

“By taking control of our traditional homeland, we can ensure that our communities really benefit in meaningful and long-term ways from the potential development in the Ring of Fire.”

- Eabametoong Chief Harry Papah

we see are four communities interested in development.

That’s a positive for the industry and a positive for our company.”

Neskantaga Chief Peter Moonias said it is very important for companies to work with First Nations and respect the needs that communities have. The potential benefits

“As a group of First Nations, we can stand strong and direct companies that enter into our traditional lands to work in partnership with us with the expectation that each community’s protocols will be respected and that every person’s voice will be heard,” Moonias said.

Details of what a First

Nations-owned and operated corridor would look like are still being worked out. The next step is to complete a study to see how a corridor can be economically feasible.

In a press release, the four First Nations said that the ultimate goal is to “establish a joint venture that will operate an infrastructure, transportation and service corridor for potential mining companies in the Ring of Fire.”

Cliffs’ Manager of Aboriginal Relations Joe Gaboury said the company is continuing to work with all four First Nations.

He said that despite the announcement, Cliffs remains committed to the North-South transportation route.

“Our preferred route is the shortest,” Gaboury said. “We’re going to be hauling a lot of ore.”

Webequie First Nation has

repeatedly emphasized its autonomy when it comes to dealing with mining companies in the region. Webequie Chief Cornelius Wabasse said the transportation corridor agreement reaffirms First Nations autonomy on decision-making processes in the Ring of Fire.

“Our message here today is clear and aims to promote understanding of how to work with our northern Ontario First Nations,” Wabasse said.

During the Prospectors and Developers conference, Webequie also signed a letter of understanding to work with Cliffs on a Memorandum of Understanding.

Both Cliffs and Noront have projects undergoing environmental assessment.

Both plan to be in production by 2015.

Fort Severn blockades asbestos trucks School contract awarded for Attawapiskat Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

While citizens in Gillam, Man., protested the burial of asbestos near its small town on northern Manitoba, Fort Severn First Nation prevented the passing of the toxic substance through its land by putting up a blockade.

Early in the second week of March, community members put up a blockade east of the community, preventing trucks loaded with asbestos-infested insulation and tiles from passing through the First Nation.

The asbestos originated from Site 500 of the Mid Canada Line Radar site near Weenusk First Nation (Peawanuck). The shipping of the substance to Gillam was part of the site clean up project that began last summer.

Mike Cartan, who heads the project for the Ministry of Natural Resources, said that the Fort Severn leadership had two issues with the shipments passing through its land.

He said that they were concerned about a lack of inspection of the loads as they passed through the community and whether the material was packaged properly.

Cartan said they were also

Submitted photo

Fort Severn blockaded its portion of the winter road to stop trucks carrying asbestos from passing.

Photo by Lenny Carpenter/Wawatay News

The site of Attawapiskat’s future school. concerned about the contractor’s use of the winter road and whether the contractor would contribute to its maintenance.

Following a conference call between Fort Severn, Peawanuck, Cartan and the contractor on March 8, a resolution was reached and the trucks were allowed to proceed following inspections.

Cartan said that in working toward a resolution with Fort Severn, the First Nation brought in an independent engineering contractor from Thunder Bay. “This company is training someone in Fort Severn to do the inspections, so there’ll be someone employed in the community who will be an assistant

inspector,” Cartan said. “I think the plan is to move him into being the full inspector.”

Following the resolution, 14 trucks were expected to pass through on March 9 after inspections. Cartan said they plan to ship 30-40 truckloads of the asbestos-infested materials before the end of the winter road season and more in 2013.

Elementary students still out in Pik Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Parents are questioning whether their children will have to repeat elementary school classes next year after mould was discovered two months ago in Pikangikum’s teacherages.

While high school students in the community returned to school in January and Grade 8 students are back in class, elementary classes are still not running full time.

“Parents keep calling constantly to get an update on when their children should be receiving full-time instruction,” said Kyle Peters, Pikangikum’s director of education. “Their main question is whether their children should repeat their (school) year next year.”

Peters has been considering some options to save the

submitted photo

Pikangikum students remain out of school after mould was found in the teacherages.

Eenchokay Birchstick School elementary students’ school year, including continuing classes during the summer or extending class hours for the remainder of the school year once students return to class.

“We looked at a couple of options to try to save the

year, but I just don’t see them going to school during the summer,” Peters said.

Grade 7 students are expected to return to school on March 27 and Grade 5 and Grade 6 students are expected to return sometime in April, but Peters was not

sure when the other students would return to class.

“We just want our students back in school,” Peters said.

While most classes were closed Jan. 9 after mould was discovered in the accommodations of 25 of the community’s 31 teachers, high school students were back in class as of Jan. 27 after the high school teachers were moved into newer accommodations that had been occupied by elementary teachers.

The mould was found in the teacherages during an air quality assessment conducted by an independent consultant. The assessment was called for after a teacher became ill.

Peters said renovation work on the teacherages was almost completed as of March 5, but two of the teacherages had been condemned.

Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

The federal government and Attawapiskat leaders announced on March 6 that a Manitoba contractor will construct the new school for Attawapiskat First Nation.

Penn-Co Construction Canada (2003) Ltd. is based in Blumenort, Man., and has experience working with remote First Nation communities on the construction of large facilities such as water treatment plants, hospitals, schools, and commercial buildings, according to a press release put out by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC).

Construction will start this spring and the new school is expected to open during the 2013-2014 school year.

Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence said that the children and parents of Attawapiskat rejoiced with the announcement.

“Shannen Koostachin’s dream was, in part, a safe and comfy school. We are happy that this part of her dream will soon be realized,” Spence said in a press release.

Shannen Koostachin was a 15-year-old youth who initiated a national campaign urging the federal government to build a new school in the community after the old school was demolished more than 10 years ago due to diesel fuel contamination. Shannen never lived to realize her dream, as she died in a car accident in 2010.

“I wish to extend thanks to all those involved, including the working group that has worked diligently for the past year to bring us to this stage,” Spence said. “As Shannen said, ‘Never give up.’ The construction of the new school is a great accomplishment for our First Nation.”

AANDC Minister John Duncan said that his government believes that education is the foundation of strong healthy communities.

“Since 2006, we have invested in 22 new schools, 22 major renovation projects and 184 projects involving minor renovations, and we made education a joint priority in the Joint Action Plan launched in 2011 with the Assembly of First Nations,” Duncan said in a press release. “We are committed to working in partnership with Attawapiskat First Nation to ensure that its youth receive a quality education.”

When completed, the 5,808-square-metre school will accommodate 540 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8.

Duncan made the announcement in May 2011 that the federal government would set aside funding for the design and construction of the school for Attawapiskat. The announcement came after several INAC/AANDC ministers over the past 10 years promised a new school, only to tell the community that funding could not be committed.

The original school was closed in 2000 and later demolished, due to diesel fuel contamination.

4

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

From the Wawatay archives 16-5th Avenue North P.O. Box 1180 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B7 Serving the First Nations in Northern Ontario since 1974. Wawatay News is a politically independent 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.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER David Neegan

Editorial

Ahead of the curve Shawn Bell EDITOR

O

ne thing was overwhelmingly clear during last week’s Prospectors and Developers mining conference in Toronto: the eyes of the mining world are focused squarely on northern Ontario.

Booths for the two big Ring of Fire players, Noront and Cliffs Resources, were packed all week. But it was not only the Ring of Fire getting attention. From gold mining around Red Lake to uranium and other heavy metals near Lake Nipigon, the mineral potential across the vast north was on display.

That incredible amount of interest in northern Ontario makes it all the more important for governments – First Nations, provincial and federal – to get ahead of the curve and plan now for the future.

There is no doubt that mining, if done well, can have many benefits for communities and the region. There is also no doubt that if poorly planned and/or poorly managed, mining can leave huge messes – both environmentally and socially – behind it.

The disparity between the potential positives and the fear of negatives was on display at the conference. While an unprecedented number of First Nations leaders were inside the conference, participating in a variety of ways, community leaders and Elders from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) were outside calling for the government to step in and ban a gold mining exploration company from KI lands.

KI’s argument is that its community is not ready for mining – that it needs to finish community planning, get land use plans in place and decide where, when and how development should proceed before it allows companies to explore for deposits on its land.

The First Nation rightly knows that if it steps back and lets industry take the lead, it may never get control again. It also knows that in many cases there is only one shot to get these big, long-term decisions right.

Not all First Nations are at the same point of development, or have the same needs. Delegates from northern Ontario First Nations inside the conference made that quite clear.

While the sentiment on KI’s stance from First Nations leaders at the conference was generally supportive, it is clear that for some communities, mining - and other industrial development - is highly desired.

That is why the signing of the East-West corridor agreement for the Ring of Fire was such a fine thing to see.

The proposal between Eabametoong, Neskantaga, Nibinamik and Webequie essentially involves the four First Nations building, maintaining and operating a transportation corridor for the Ring of Fire.

Chief Harry Papah of Eabametoong said the deal allows the First Nations to take control of development on their traditional homeland, to “ensure that our communities really benefit in meaningful and long-term ways from the potential development in the Ring of Fire.”

In our opinion, Papah hit the nail on the head. If development in northern Ontario is going to proceed, First Nations have to benefit in meaningful and long-term ways. And for that to happen, First Nations need to be involved in all stages of the development. They need to have a say in how and where mining takes place, how environmental monitoring happens, and how and where the spinoffs of mining – things like roads, power lines, airstrips and railways – get built.

Up to this point the debate over transportation in the Ring of Fire has focused on whether Cliff’s North-South route or Noront’s East-West route was best. Both options were being led by industry. Both options placed the needs of communities second to moving tonnes of ore from the mines to market.

By signing the East-West transportation corridor agreement the chiefs have gone well beyond simply asking industry to take their interests into account. Instead, they have made their demands in a positive way. They have made it clear that not only do First Nations expect to be considered when decisions are made, but that First Nations plan to be involved on the ground and benefit economically from the development on their own terms.

The details of the East-West arrangement still need to be worked out. Whether the First Nations build roads and then charge industry to use them, whether the provincial and federal governments get involved on a partnership approach, or whether some other option may be best still remains to be seen.

But regardless of the details, local First Nations have outlined a positive, reasonable plan for proceeding with the transportation side of the Ring of Fire development.

They have gotten ahead of the curve, and passed the ball to the provincial and federal governments.

At the very least the governments should take the First Nations’ lead and do everything in their power to make sure this agreement comes to fruition.

Or they could go even further and do their own regional planning. They too could get ahead of the curve.

Wawatay News archives

Lac Seaul, date unknown.

New school in Attawapiskat is a dream come true Xavier Kataquapit UNDER THE NORTHERN SKY

I

n June 2000, I wrote a column on the J.R. Nakogee Elementary school and the fact that it had been closed down due to contamination from an estimated 70,000 litres of diesel fuel over many years of leakage. I pointed out that it was distressing to know that the leakage had been going on for years and parents as well as educators were lobbying for something to be done.

Well, guess what? The federal government announced March 6 that it was moving ahead with plans to finally build a new school for the children of Attawapiskat. There are a lot of happy kids and parents in my home community right now.

It seems impossible that it would have taken so long for the government to do the right thing and commit to building a new school. If the same situation had happened in the nonNative world in cities or towns anywhere across this country I am sure a new school would have been built a lot sooner.

However, lets give thanks to

the federal government, John Duncan, minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and to all the people that worked so hard to make the new school a reality.

Let’s face it: there are often many people behind successful lobbying campaigns and in this case I was very proud to see so many students from Attawapiskat involved in fighting for their new school.

As a matter of fact the entire community is very proud of Shannen Koostachin who at the young age of 15 rose to the challenge and led a student movement to fight for a new school. Sadly, she lost her life in a road accident during this process and I know that her parents Andrew and Jenny will find some healing in the fact that Shannen’s dream through her hard work for a new school has come true. We will all keep her memory alive with this great achievement.

Thanks must also be given to the current chief, Theresa Spence and her council as well as past chiefs and councils for lobbying tirelessly for the new school. As well, the local educators, parents and most of all the students must be championed for their dedication in working for a brand new, state of the art educational facility.

The people of Attawapiskat also know that MP Charlie Angus and MPP Gilles Bisson were there for the community from the very beginning in the fight for a new school. They worked tirelessly helping to organize the community to lobby the government and they brought the issue before governments, the media and ultimately the public. We will remember their dedication to our First Nation and the students in making Shannen’s dream a reality.

Schools are important in any community but what many people don’t understand is that they are such an integral part of what makes a healthy First Nation. I know from my own experience that kids in First Nations that have schools see these facilities as places of safety and learning. These are places of refuge and they give our children hope. I was always happy to be able to head out to school every day and I was introduced to a whole new world through the work of so many teachers. I watched as more and more of our people graduated and went on to become teachers and leaders in the community.

It was great for our young people to know that they did not have to leave their fami-

lies and community to attend school outside the First Nation.

We had our own schools and that was a huge deal considering what our parents had to go through in being forced to leave and attend religious residential schools.

So, we can certainly choose to be bitter about the amount of time and the inconvenience we put our children through in second class, cold and imperfect portables while the long fight went on for a new school. Yes, we could be bitter and angry that the fight was so lengthy and hard but it is much better to take the high road and celebrate the fact that our children of Attawapiskat will have a wonderful new school to call their own. When completed, the 5,808-square-metre new school will accommodate 540 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. The new school is expected to open during the 2013-2014 school year.

It took Shannen Koostachin who headed up the largest youth led movement in Canada to bring together students, teachers, parents and leaders across this country to remind us all that hard work, dedication to a just cause and a pure heart can give us miracles.

Meegwetch to everyone for standing up for education.

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

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

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

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

TRANSLATORS Vicky Angees vickya@wawatay.on.ca Agnes Shakakeesic agness@wawatay.on.ca CONTRIBUTORS Xavier Kataquapit Joyce Atcheson Mike Metatawabin

St. John Kakekagumick Stephanie Wesley

Guest editorials, columnists and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of Wawatay News.

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

5

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Playing with fire Stephanie Wesley SPECIAL TO WAWATAY NEWS

in the bars. You are around 25; you are getting old in the scene – you may have finished school by this time, and you may be in your career working the 9-5.

Sure you deserve another night out!

So you go to your favourite bar and start drinking to your heart’s content. You drink so much that when you wake up the next afternoon, you can’t remember the night before.

The black-outs are more frequent now but who cares, you deserve it! You find your social networking profile is filled with photos of you having the time of your life every weekend for the last five years. People probably think you are so cool and popular.

You start to dislike all the other people in your bar who give you the evil-eye, so you purposefully bump their shoulder with yours as you pass.

They must be jealous of you because you have it all; a college education, a stable career, a place to live, and an amazing boyfriend.

And don’t forget your alcohol.

But then you wake up at the age of 27 and you are late for work because you went out on Thursday (Thursday being the new Friday). There are comments left on your profile about how you are always at the bar – like clockwork – so partying feels a little embarrassing now.

Everyone notices the smell of alcohol on your breath at work.

Who cares? You had fun while they were at home watching Blackstone.

More people comment on your drinking, so you don’t go to your bar as often. Instead you party at home and get into arguments with your boyfriend.

The fights become so bad that

the cops are called and noise complaints are filed. You take time off work because you are “going through a rough patch” and then eventually quit because “you don’t need that job anyway.” Your boyfriend breaks up with you and you can no longer make rent, so you are evicted because both your boyfriend and your landlord see too many problems with having you in their lives. No job, no boyfriend, no place to live but you still have your alcohol.

Nobody understands that you’ve had a rough life so the drinking is not your fault. You drink because that’s what your dad did, or your friends are doing it, or bad things have happened to you. You won’t realize that the party never stops until your heart does - once you pass out outside and succumb to exposure, or you pick a fight with the wrong person, or when you decide to drive a car while drunk and then crash it.

Many lives are lost thanks to alcohol. If you think about any of your loved ones whose light was drowned out in the flame that is liquor – do you believe they’d want the same for you? If you removed alcohol from the equation that was their death, they’d probably still be alive.

When you play with fire long enough, you will eventually get burned.

Stop the deadly habit that is alcohol. Better yet, don’t start it to begin with.

It’s easy to make excuses for irresponsible drinking, but consider why you are trying to rationalize consuming a poison that has destroyed the lives of countless Anishinaabe people in our history. There is no harmfree way that you can play with fire-water without getting burned. Be safe.

Pick up

at these locations

Play an active role in mineral exploration

Aroland First Nation Band Office Atikokan Native Friendship Centre Attawapiskat Northern Store Balmertown Diane’s Gas Bar Balmertown Keewaytinook Okimakanak 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 First Nation Band Office Cat Lake Northern Store Chapleau Cree First Nation Band Office Chapleau Value Mart Cochrane Ininew Friendship Centre Collins Post Office Couchiching First Nation Band Office Couchiching First Nation Gas Bar Curve Lake Rosie’s Variety Deer Lake Northern Store Dinorwic Naumans General Store Dryden A & W Restaurant Dryden Beaver Lake Camp Dryden Greyhound Bus Depot Dryden McDonalds Restaurant Dryden Northwest Metis Nation of Ontario Dryden Robins Donut’s Ear Falls Kahooters Kabins & RV Park Emo J & D Junction Flying Post First Nation Band Office Fort Albany Band Office Fort Albany Northern Store Fort Frances Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre Fort Frances Sunset Country Metis Fort Frances United Native Friendship Centre Fort Hope Corny’s Variety Store Fort Hope First Nation Band Office Fort Hope John C. Yesno Education Centre Fort Severn Northern Store Geraldton Thunder Bird Friendship Centre Ginoogaming First Nation Band Office Gogama Mattagammi Confectionary & Game Grassy Narrows J.B. Store Gull Bay Band Office Hornepayne First Nation Band Office Hornepayne G & L Variety Store Hudson East Side Convenience & Cafe Iskatewizaagegan Independent First Nation Band Office Kapuskasing Indian Friendship Centre

Register now for a unique 1-week accelerated learning program in:

Thunder Bay Outlets

I

f old habits die hard, then maybe it will be best to avoid developing certain habits to begin with.

One habit in particular sticks out the most for me – irresponsible alcohol consumption. If you read the label on any bottle of alcohol, it says to “please drink responsibly.” Does anyone really listen to the label? Those three words have little to no affect once the bottle is opened and the drinks start pouring.

It’s like images of cancer-ridden lungs and charts of mortality rates on cigarette packs - the warnings are pretty much ignored.

What could happen if you don’t drink responsibly?

First off, you may say or do things you regret when you’re sober. This is a rather small humiliation that is usually forgotten within a few days.

Secondly, you will be hung over the next day (or several days, depending on your system). Third, you will make new friends. Isn’t that great?

The more you drink - the more friends you make and the better your life feels.

Finally, you have a newfound sense of confidence (also known as “beer courage”). You feel like you could do anything.

This overinflated sense of self-esteem is one of the mostdesired feelings when it comes to drinking.

But then you get older, you are no longer the fresh-faced 19 year-old having harmless fun

đŏ đŏ đŏ đŏ đŏ đŏ đŏ đŏ

Business of mining Mining cycle and its timeline Operating a mineral exploration company Advance stage development and construction of a mine Consulting and Accommodating First Nations Capitalizing on business opportunities Land use planning Communications training

Pawitik Whitefish Bay Band Office Pays Plat First Nation Band Office Peawanuck First Nation Band Office Pic Mobert First Nation Band Office Pickle Lake Frontier Foods Pickle Lake Winston Motor Hotel Pikangikum Education Authority Pikangikum First Nation Band Office Pikangikum Northern Store Poplar Hill First Nation Band Office Poplar Hill Northern Store Rainy River First Nation Band Office Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre Red Lake Video Plus Red Lake Wasaya Airways Counter Red Rock First Nation Band Office Rocky Bay First Nation Band Office Sachigo Lake Co-op Store Sachigo Lake First Nation Sandy Lake A-Dow-Gamick Sandy Lake Education Authority Sandy Lake First Nation Band Office Sandy Lake Northern Store Saugeen First Nation Band Office Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre Savant Lake Ennis Grocery Store Seine River First Nation Band Office Shoal Lake First Nation Band Office Sioux Narrows Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawang Slate Falls Nation Band Office Stanjikoming First Nation Band Office Stratton Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah- Nung Historical Centre Summer Beaver Nibinamik Community Store Taykwa Tagamou Nation Band Office Timmins Air Creebec Counter Timmins Indian Friendship Centre Timmins Wawatay Native Communication Society Wabaskang First Nation Band Office Wabigoon First Nation Band Office Wabigoon Green Achers of Wabigoon Wabigoon Lake Community Store Wahgoshing First Nation Band Office Wapekeka Community Store Washaganish First Nation Band Office Wauzhusk Onigum First Nation 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

Landmark Inn Metis Nation of Ontario Native People of Thunder Bay Development Corporation Negahneewin College of Indigenous Studies Quality Market, Centennial Square Redwood Park Opportunities Centre Seven Generations Education Institute Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre Wawatay Native Communications Society

Wequedong Lodge 1 Wequedong Lodge 3 Westfort Foods Fort William First Nation Band Office Fort William First Nation Bannon’s Gas Bar Fort William First Nation K & A Variety Fort William First Nation THP Variety and Gas Bar

Who should attend? đŏ đŏ đŏ đŏ đŏ đŏ đŏ

Chief & Council Economic Development Officers Land Use Planners Community Communication Officers Mining Coordinators IBA Coordinators Environmental Officers

Central News Chapman’s Gas Bar Confederation College Satellite Office, 510 Victoria Ave. East Dennis F. Cromarty High School Hulls Family Bookstore John Howard Society of Thunder Bay & District Ka-Na-Chi-Hih Treatment Centre Lakehead University Aboriginal Awareness Centre

Sioux Lookout Outlets

Only two sessions available - Tuition cost $1,000, includes meals, accommodations, eight learning modules, course materials, access to industry and First Nation leaders.

Northern College Timmins, ON March 19 - 23, 2012 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Only 20 seats available

Kasabonika Chief Simeon McKay Education Centre Kasabonika First Nation Band Office Kashechewan First Nation Band Office Kashechewan Francine J. Wesley Secondary School Kashechewan Northern Store Keewaywin First Nation Band Office Keewaywin Northern Store Kenora Bimose Tribal Council Office Kenora Chiefs Advisory Office Kenora Migisi Treatment Centre Kenora Ne-Chee Friendship Centre Kenora Sunset Strip Enterprise Kingfisher Lake Omahamo Hotel Complex Kingfisher Lake Omahamo Store Kocheching First Nation Band Office Lac La Croix First Nation Band Office Lake Nipigon Ojibway First Nation Band Office Lansdowne House Co-op Store Lansdowne House Northern Store Long Lake First Nation Band Office Michipicoten First Nation Band Office Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation Band Office Mishkeegogamang First Nation Band Office Mishkeegogamang Laureen’s Grocery & Gas Missanabie Cree First Nation Band Office Moose Factory Echo Lodge Restaurant Moose Factory GG’s Corner & Gift Store Moose Factory Northern Store Moose Factory Weeneebayko General Hospital Moosonee Air Creebec Counter Moosonee Native Friendship Centre Moosonee Northern Store Moosonee Ontario Northland Railway Moosonee Polar Bear Lodge Moosonee Tempo Variety Moosonee Two Bay Enterprises Muskrat Dam Community Store Muskrat Dam First Nation Musselwhite Mine Naicatchewenin First Nation Band Office Namaygoosisagon Band Office Nestor Falls C & C Motel Nicikousemenecaning First Nation Band Office North Spirit Lake Cameron Store North Spirit Lake First Nation Band Office Northwest Angle First Nation Band Office Ochiichagwe’babigo’ining First Nation Band Office Ogoki Trappers Store Ojibways of Pic River Nation Band Office Onegaming Gas & Convenience Onegaming Public Library Pawitik Store

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education & Training Institute Thunder Bay, ON March 26 - 30, 2012 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Only 20 seats available

Register for the Strategic Mineral Exploration and Mining Training Course at www.miningready.com or call 1 (807) 767-4443 x.234

5 Mile Corner Al’s Sports Excellence Best Western Chicken Chef DJ’s Gas Bar Drayton Cash & Carry Fifth Avenue Club First Step Women’s Shelter Forest Inn Independent First Nations Alliance Jeremiah McKay Kabayshewekamik Hostel Johnny’s Fresh Market

Lamplighter Motel Mascotto’s Marine Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre Northern Store Pelican Falls First Nation High School Pharmasave Queen Elizabeth District High School Robin’s Donuts Sacred Heart School Shibogama Tribal Council Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Sioux Lookout Public Library

Sioux Lottery Sioux Mountain Public School Sioux Pharmacy Slate Falls Airways Sunset Inn & Suites Travel Information Centre Wasaya Airways Counter Wawatay Native Communications Society Wellington Inn William A. Bill George Extended Care Wilson’s Business Solutions Windigo Tribal Council

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

6

Wawatay News

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

MARCH 15, 2012

Residential school education needed

PARTICIPATE Decommissioning of Aber Lake Forestry Road The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Sioux Lookout District is inviting public comment on the MNR’s proposal to decommission approximately 15 km of the Aber Lake road. The decommissioning activities may include scarification of the roadbed, tree planting and culvert removal. The Aber Lake road was constructed by the MNR between 1980 and 1986 to provide access for forestry operations. Commitments in the Forest Management Plan required the road to be bermed in 1994 to protect values that had been identified. There are no forestry activities planned in this area for the next 20 + years.

A project screening is being conducted under the Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects to assign the proposed project to a category for further evaluation. The assigned category determines the level of detail of project planning and consultation that will be undertaken. This project has been tentatively assigned to Category ‘B’, on the basis that some level of public concern is anticipated with the project. MNR is requesting public input on this category assignment before proceeding further.

Comments must be received within the 45-day comment period, which expires on April 30, 2012.

If MNR decides that this is a Category ‘B’ or ‘C’ project, this notice will serve as the first of two public notices. The second notice, a Notice of Completion, will be provided to parties who have provided input or requested further notice.

MNR may proceed to implement the project without issuing a further general notice.

For more information about this project, please contact: Ed Evens, IRM Technical Specialist Box 309, Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A6 tel: 807-737-5056 e-mail: ed.evens@ontario.ca Comments and personal information regarding this proposal are collected under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act to assist MNR in making decisions related to this project. Comments not constituting personal information as defined by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act will be shared among the MNR and others as the MNR considers appropriate, and may be included in documentation available for public review.

Personal information will remain confidential unless prior consent to disclose is obtained; however, this information may be used by the MNR to seek public input on other projects.

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

First Nation leaders are calling for concrete reconciliation efforts after the Feb. 24 release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s interim report.

“Real reconciliation ... is achieved through action and change,” said National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. “We must all work together to ensure these important recommendations are implemented in ways that address the needs of all residential schools survivors and families, and to ensure that from now on education will only be used to support and improve the continued and sustained success of First Nations as an investment in Canada’s collective future.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin said the direct impacts of residential schools continue to be felt across NAN territory.

“The relationship between the trauma suffered by residential school students and their families affects every part of our lives,” Metatawabin said. “There is an immediate and urgent need to implement these recommendations. It is only through action that our communities can begin to heal.”

The TRC found there can be no movement toward reconciliation without an understanding of the rationale, operation and overall impact of the residential schools.

“The truth about the residential school system will cause many Canadians to see their country differently,” said Justice Murray Sinclair, TRC chair.

“These are hard truths that we need to acknowledge.”

The interim report reflects the TRC’s activities since June 2009 and provides 20 recommenda-

tions that touch on five key areas, including the operation of the TRC, education, support for survivors, reconciliation and commemoration.

Specific recommendations include support for health and healing of all survivors, the need for culture and language programming, parenting supports, access to documents, and records as well as restoring funding to the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.

“Residential schools operated in Canada for well over a century,” said Chief Wilton Littlechild, TRC commissioner. “In the same way, the reconciliation process will have to span generations. It will take time to reestablish respect. It will take time and commitment to reverse this legacy.”

The report also provided a brief summary of what the TRC has heard directly from about 3,000 former students and staff who were most affected by the schools.

“It is vital the recommendations be implemented, especially educating Canadians on this shameful chapter in Canadian history,” Metatawabin said. “The rest of Canada must understand the enormous impacts this has had on our families over the last century. It would also go a long way in repairing the damaged relationship that exists between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.”

The TRC also released They Came for the Children, a new historical publication which examines more than 100 years of history, purpose, operation and supervision of the residential school system as well as its effects and ongoing legacy.

Copies of the interim report and They Came for the Children are available at www.trc.ca.

Hardcopies are available by calling toll free 1-888-872-5554.

Motorcraft®

BRAKE PADS OR SHOES WITH INSTALLATION

spring service event

“I take my y Ford to Ford-trained technicians because they know what my vehicle needs.”

18999

$

WORKS ‡

RENEWAL FOR YOUR BRAKES. NEVER BUY ANOTHER SET OF MOTORCRAFT® BRAKE PADS OR SHOES WITH OUR LIFETIME WARRANTY!V FROM

THE

▲

THERE’S MORE TO IT THAN OIL* AND A FILTER.

**

•

Ford-Trained Technicians using Ford-certified parts

•

Tire Rotation

•

Every hose, belt and fluid checked with an up-to-83-point inspection*

•

When performed with regularly scheduled maintenance, the Works could save you up to $350 in fuel a year◊

59

$

99

‡

Trust the experts who know your Ford best: Ford-Trained Technicians.

For more details and offers, see your Service Advisor or visit ford.ca All offers expire April 30, 2012. Offers may be cancelled at any time without notice. See Service Advisor for complete details. Applicable taxes and provincial levies not included. Dealer may sell for less. Only available at participating locations. ‡Applies to single rear wheel vehicles only. Diesel models not eligible. *Up to 5 litres of oil. Disposal fees may be extra. Does not apply to diesel engines. ◊Based on a Ford Fusion V6 automatic that has a fuel consumption rating of 10L/100 km in combined city/highway driving (properly tuned), a one-year driving distance of 24,000 km and $1.02 per litre for gasoline. Improved fuel efficiency and emission reduction levels depend on model, year and condition of vehicle. †† In order to receive a local competitor’s advertised price: (i) tires must be purchased and installed at your participating Ford Dealer; (ii) customer must present the competitor’s actual local advertisement (containing the lower price) which must have been printed within 30 days of the sale; and (iii) the tires being purchased must be the same brand, sidewall, speed and load ratings as shown in the competitive advertisement. Offer only available at participating Ford dealerships. This offer is valid on the cost of the tire only and does not include labour costs, valve stems, mounting, balancing, disposal, and taxes. Offer does not apply to advertised prices outside of Canada, in eBay advertisements, by tire wholesalers and online tire retailers, or closeout, special order, discontinued and clearance/liquidation offers. Limited time offer. Offer may be cancelled or changed at any time without prior notice. See your Service Advisor for details. ‡‡Rebate offers are manufacturer’s mail-in rebates. Rebates available on select General Tire (credit card gift card), Continental (credit card gift card), Goodyear, Pirelli, Yokohama, Bridgestone (credit card gift card), Firestone (credit card gift card), and Michelin tires. Offers are valid on qualifying sets of four tires, purchased and installed at participating locations during the respective promotion periods for each tire brand. Offer is valid on the cost of the tire(s) only and does not include labour costs, valve stems, mounting, balancing, disposal, and taxes. Amount of rebates, start dates and expiration dates vary depending on tire manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the customer to submit the required claim forms and proof of purchase to the relevant tire manufacturer with sufficient postage by the required deadline for that rebate offer. See your Service Advisor for complete details and claim forms. †Available on most brands at participating locations only. Limited time offer. Price reductions vary: $7.00 on 12”-14” rims, $10.00 on 15” and 16” rims, $12.50 on 17” rims, $15.00 on 18”-20” rims, $20.00 on 21” rims, $25.00 on 22” and up rims. See Dealer for full details. VFord Protection Plan is only available for non-commercial cars and light trucks. If an eligible Ford, Motorcraft® or Ford-approved part fails due to a defect in material or workmanship, wear out or rust through, it will be replaced at no charge as long as the original purchaser of the part owns the vehicle on which the part was installed. Labour is covered for the first 12 months or 20,000 km (whichever occurs first) after the date of installation. Emergency brake pads are not eligible under this plan. See Service Advisor for complete details and limitations. **Excludes emergency brake pads or shoes. Machining or replacement of rotors and drums available at additional cost. ©2012 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

25614_2B_R0_C1HalfpageWorks_10.25x7.14.indd 1

3/9/12 12:30 PM

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

7

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Aboriginal focus in schools improving student results Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Aboriginal student voice forums and other Aboriginal focused initiatives are paying off for students in the KeewatinPatricia District School Board.

Clinton Bruetsch, principal of Beaver Brae Secondary School in Fort Frances, said the school’s focus on alternative education programs that provide flexibility for students is resulting in higher attendance rates, decreased suspension rates and higher numbers of graduates.

“What we’ve seen in the school and what we’re heard from some of the students as well as the community is that the school seems to be presenting more of a welcoming environment,” said Bruetsch.

“Some evidence of that I believe is our attendance rates

and our numbers of tardiness in class; those things are all improving pretty significantly.”

Bruetsch said more First Nation students have been graduating from Beaver Brae and across the board over the past few years as well.

“We have started some activities in the school that students seem to be eager to participate in,” Bruetsch said, listing sports activities such as floor hockey, boormball and a wrestling program.

“We have spent a lot of work over the last few years trying to design alternative education programs that are a little bit more flexible in terms of how students can work at credits, where they can work, how much they have to attend and those have also allowed students to be more successful in achieving credits.”

With Shannen’s Dream motion passed, First Nations wait for funding commitment Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

Chelsea Edwards felt nervous going into the House of Commons in Ottawa on Feb. 27 as it was about to vote on Motion 202, called Shannen’s Dream.

After all, it was part of what the 16-year-old from Attawapiskat had been fighting for since she stepped up and became the spokesperson for Shannen’s Dream a year-and-half ago.

“I didn’t know how it would be and how the outcome would look like,” she said.

“But I knew that they were going to pass it.”

Shannen’s Dream is a campaign aimed at urging the federal government to ensure that every First Nation child in Canada is provided with a ‘safe and comfy’ school and equitable funding. It is named after Shannen Koostachin, a 15-year-old who was told face-to-face by then Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl that providing funds for First Nations schools was not a priority. Shannen’s own school had been closed in 2000 due to diesel fuel contamination and she and other students had to learn in badly built portables. She went on to initiate the biggest letter-writing campaign in Canadian history to urge the government to build Attawapiskat and other First Nations new schools.

In September 2010, NDP MP Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay) introduced the Shannen’s Dream motion to parliament, five months after Shannen’s tragic death in a car accident.

And last fall, Angus reintroduced the motion, which called on the government to close the funding gap on First Nations reserves.

Sitting with Shannen’s parents – Andrew and Jenny Koostachin – and Shannen’s older sister, Serena and her daughter, Baby Shannen, Chelsea didn’t realize what was happening as the members of parliament were voting unanimously to support the motion.

“Serena and I were sitting side-by-side with Baby Shannen, and we thought they were just taking attendance,” Chelsea recalls. “After everyone sat down, we were like ‘OK, good, everyone’s here, let’s get it started.’ And they looked at us and started clapping.”

Everyone in the House gave Chelsea and the Koostachin family a standing ovation.

“We looked at each other and were like, ‘Did we win?’”

And while Chelsea, the Koostachin family and supporters celebrated the outcome of the vote, Chelsea realizes that the Conservative government, which supported the motion, will still have to follow through.

“They have to put their words into action, to finally implement Shannen’s Dream,” she said. “I know it’ll take a lot of time for it, unfortunately. There are days where I just wish I could imagine one, and poof, there’s a new school. (But) we’ll have to be patient.”

Angus said that for the first time, Parliament has recognized the need to close the funding gap between provincial and reserve schools.

“We’ve come an extraordinary distance in the last 3-4 years, but we’re not there yet,” he said. “We need to now continue this national campaign to ensure the actual dollars are in place and that there is a government follow through on this promise.”

While the motion does not legally oblige the government to increase funding for First Nations education, Angus said it has a moral obligation to follow through.

The Shannen’s Dream campaign will continue to lead that push, but it will likely be without Chelsea at the forefront.

She said she considers the motion passing to be her last event as the spokesperson.

“I’m gonna let the children take it,” she said. “They’re the ones who are in those toxic portables, they’re the ones who are experiencing it, so I’m sure they want their say. I’m going to let them step up and let them speak instead of me speaking for them.”

Chelsea will not step down unrecognized, however. She recently received the J.S. Woodsworth Youth Award, which is presented annually to a person or organization for their outstanding commitment to eliminating racism.

Chelsea is close to graduating from high school in Timmins.

Afterwards, she plans on working for a year before attending Carleton Univeristy in Ottawa, where she will study human rights and possibly law.

The Aboriginal student voice forums were held over 2009-2010 with about 156 Aboriginal secondary school students from four schools involved in four one-day sessions. Aboriginal students accounted for 41.5 per cent of the board’s total student population in 2008-2009 and numbers have been increasing since then.

“We are empowering our Aboriginal students to plan their futures, take responsibility for problems and take leadership roles in finding the solutions.”

– Eleanor Skead

“Students came up with five recommendations that would help in their learning environment,” said Eleanor Skead, Aboriginal advisor with Keewatin-Patricia District School Board.

“These forums have been an incredible experience for everyone involved. We are empowering our Aboriginal students to plan their futures, take responsibility for problems and take leadership roles in finding the solutions.”

The recommendations were: native fundraising to provide opportunities for Aboriginal students to experience life outside of a reserve; Anishinaabe sports development to promote leadership, organizing skills and confidence in the sports environment; leadership project to allow Aboriginal students to become more outspoken,

young leaders and role models for younger students; teacher program to expose new teachers to the native culture; and Elder’s sharing Aboriginal culture within the school for a cultural drug awareness program to help native students deal with common problems they face today.

“We’re really focused on trying to build relationships with the teachers so that they will invite either discussions with the Elders or have conversations with Elders, advisors or even some of our other First Nations role models in the school,” Bruetsch said.

“So that becomes more of an approach in how courses are delivered.”

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has also developed a voluntary and confidential self-identification policy for parents to be used

for developing programs to meet the needs of First Nation, Metis and Inuit students.

Skead has seen some big improvements since the Aboriginal focused initiatives were implemented, including working with teachers oneon-one, giving insight into learning styles for Aboriginal students, looking at teaching strategies and including Aboriginal perspectives in the curriculum.

“The non-aboriginal students really are interested in learning about Aboriginal people and their history,” Skead said. “I have a lot of one-on-one conversations with teachers.”

Bruetsch emphasized the importance of modelling special interactions between staff.

“That discussion and openness seems to be percolating and spreading throughout our school,” Bruetsch said.

Nutrition North Nord Canada

Nutrition North Canada: Helping bring healthy food to northern homes Act now to save money.

Winter roads, sealift and barge are the cheapest ways to bring in non-perishable items such as rice, pasta, canned goods, toilet paper and diapers.

Plan to include these types of items in your upcoming orders.

Talk to your local sealift or trucking company WR ÀQG RXW PRUH

To learn more about how the program works: Call us: 1-800-567-9604 Visit: www.NutritionNorthCanada.ca

Nutrition Nord North Canada

Nutrition Nord Canada : Des aliments sains pour les familles du Nord Agissez dès maintenant pour économiser.

Le transport par route d’hiver, par navire ou par barge sont les moyens les plus économiques d’apporter des produits non périssables comme le riz, les pâtes, les conserves, le papier hygiénique et les couches.

3ODQLÀH] HW DMRXWH] FHV SURGXLWV j YRV SURFKDLQHV commandes.

Communiquez avec l’entreprise locale de transport par navires ou par camions pour en apprendre davantage.

Pour en apprendre davantage sur la manière dont le programme fonctionne : Composez le : 1-800-567-9604 Consultez le : www.nutritionnordcanada.ca

Visit Wawatay News online at www.wawataynews.ca for the latest news briefs, photo and video galleries

8

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Mining conference highlights First Nation issues Shawn Bell Wawatay News

For Neskantaga First Nation Chief Peter Moonias, the massive Prospectors and Developers Association mining conference was more than just a chance to promote the agreement his First Nation signed with three of its neighbours on building a transportation network to the Ring of Fire.

It was also a chance to bring a First Nation message of treaty rights in regards to land to companies and governments alike.

“The companies have to respect the communities, and understand the rights of treaties for First Nations people. They then have to sell that agreement to the government,” Moonias said. “It’s important to carry the message to companies and government that Native people have that right to the land, through treaties.”

Moonias, along with chiefs from Eabametoong, Nibinamik and Webequie made a splash at the conference on Mar. 5 when they signed an agreement to pursue the development of an East-West transportation corridor to the Ring of Fire.

Webequie chief Cornelius Wabasse made his own impact the next day, signing a letter of intent to work with Cliffs Natural Resources towards a Memorandum of Understanding on the Ring of Fire.

But the Matawa First Nations were not the only Aboriginal people having an impact. There

were entire sections of the fourday agenda dedicated to First Nations consultation, engagement and partnerships, and entire communities at the conference mingling with companies from across the world.

Prospectors and Developers Association President Glenn Nolan said the conference’s focus on Aboriginal issues is something he has watched grow over the past decade.

From the handful of native people he saw ten years ago, to having rooms full of interested parties for all-day sessions on Aboriginal rights and consultation, Nolan said First Nations issues on mining in Canada is on everyone’s mind.

“The interest in the issues are growing not only from the industry side to understand about Aboriginal issues, but the number of Aboriginal people attending our conference has grown and that is fueling it,” Nolan said. “It’s an exciting time, and it demonstrates the keen interest.”

The conference itself was massive, with nearly 30,000 delegates from mining companies and governments around the world.

Noront and Cliffs both received a lot of attention on their efforts to start mining in northern Ontario’s Ring of Ontario, with constant traffic at their displays on the industry floor.

Both companies have environmental assessments underway, with plans to start produc-

Photo by Shawn Bell/Wawatay News

From left to right: David Paul Achneepineskum, CEO of Matawa First Nations, Chris Moonias, band manager of Neskatanga First Nation, and Peter Moonias, Chief of Neskatanga First Nation at the Prspectors and Developers Conference in Toronto. tion over the next few years.

But the focus on mining in northern Ontario was not limited to the Ring of Fire. From gold mining and exploration around Red Lake to the prospect of uranium mining near Lake Nipigon, the buzz around companies operating in northern Ontario was some of the loudest at the event.

Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs was also on hand, trying to drum up support for his vision of having Thunder Bay be a mining hub for northern Ontario mining.

Hobbs has said he wants to see mining-related activity in Thunder Bay, from processors to supply companies, grow exponentially over the coming

INSPECTION Inspection of Approved 2012–2013 Annual Work Schedule Lake Nipigon Forest The Nipigon and Thunder Bay Districts of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) have reviewed and approved the Lake Nipigon Forest Management Inc. (LNFMI), April 1, 2012–March 31, 2013 Annual Work Schedule (AWS) for the Lake Nipigon Forest.

Availability The AWS will be available for public inspection at the LNFMI office and the MNR public website at ontario.ca/forestplans beginning March 16, 2012 and throughout the one-year duration.

ServiceOntario locations at 435 James Street South, Suite 114, Thunder Bay; 5 Wadsworth Drive, Nipigon; 208 Beamish Avenue, Geraldton; and 1004 Highway 17, Terrace Bay provide access to the Internet.

Scheduled Forest Management Operations The AWS describes forest management activities such as road construction, maintenance and decommissioning, forestry aggregate pits, harvest, site preparation, tree planting and tending that are scheduled to occur during the year.

Tree Planting and Fuelwood LNFMI is responsible for tree planting on the Lake Nipigon Forest.

Please contact LNFMI (contact information below) for information regarding tree planting job opportunities.

For information on the locations and licence requirements for obtaining fuelwood for personal use, please contact the MNR offices below. For commercial fuelwood opportunities, please contact LNFMI as listed below.

More Information For more information on the AWS or to arrange an appointment with MNR staff to discuss the AWS or to request an AWS operations summary map, please contact: Chris Leale, RPF Management Forester Ministry of Natural Resources 5 Wadsworth Drive, P.O. Box 970 Nipigon, ON P0T 2J0 tel: 807-887-5042 or fax: 807-887-2993 e-mail: chris.leale@ontario.ca office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bertha Strickland, RPF Management Forester Ministry of Natural Resources 435 James Street South, Suite B001 Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S8 tel: 807-475-1147 or fax: 807-475-1527 e-mail: bertha.strickland@ontario.ca office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Paul Poschmann, RPF General Manager Lake Nipigon Forest Management Inc. 78 Salls Street, P.O. Box 449 Red Rock, ON P0T 2P0 tel: 807-886-3024 ext. 1 or fax: 807-886-2641 e-mail: paul.poschmann@lnfmi.ca office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Renseignements en français, Nipigon : 807-887-5000

decade.

Ed Collins, Fort William First Nation’s economic development officer, supports Thunder Bay’s mining vision and the spin-off benefits it could bring for his First Nation.

Collins was also at the event, promoting Thunder Bay’s efforts.

He said some First Nation

businesses have already started working in mining related industries, and other opportunities are available.

“It really helps our young people stay in school,” Collins said. “They’re looking at jobs when they graduate that pay them $70,000 or more per year, so its really got them excited about school.”

Former chief takes on top job at mining industry association Shawn Bell Wawatay News

The new president of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is in a unique position to understand the pressing issues facing the mining industry when it comes to First Nations consultation and engagement.

After all, Glenn Nolan has been on the other side.

Nolan, the former chief of Missinabe Cree First Nation, became the first Aboriginal person to take on the top job at PDAC during this year’s mining conference in Toronto.

He does not deny that his previous experiences give him an advantage when it comes to understanding First Nations issues.

“It brings a sensitivity to the issues that communities have,” Nolan told Wawatay News.

“The day-to-day stuff, the poverty, the housing, suicides. All the hard stuff, that people on the outside can’t really appreciate.”

Nolan talks of losing a young woman close to his family to suicide, and the impact that still has on his family. He says he knows how it is to be busy and preoccupied with dealing with the day-to-day issues on a reserve, and how chiefs do not always have time to make dealing with a mining company a high priority. He repeatedly emphasizes that companies have to listen to First Nations, and give communities the time to talk about and address their concerns.

But he also notes that First Nations have a role to play in

facilitating these kind of partnerships. He says communities have to be clear and open about where their traditional territories are, and where sacred sites and burial grounds are located, in order that companies do not “inadvertently go in and cause damage to that site.”

“It’s about communicating effectively and timely with the company so that it doesn’t lead to conflict down the road,” Nolan says.

Nolan goes back to the need for communication when it comes to conflicts like Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) and Wahgoshig First Nation, both issues related to companies exploring on traditional lands without approval from the First Nation.

“Companies have to listen, learn, and leverage what they learn from communities to form effective partnerships,” Nolan says. “My position as chief has also demonstrated that communities have the right and authority to work with companies on their terms, for the benefit of their communities.”

In regards to the role of government in dealing with conflicts between First Nations and industry, Nolan says all three parties need to be there to support each other.

“The government needs to be there to consult and accommodate the communities. The industry needs to engage the communities on the project and the merits and opportunities around the project. And the communities need to articulate their part of the story as well, so that there can be an effective relationship ongoing,” Nolan says.

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

9

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority Health Care in Partnership with First Nations

Our Mission Help our people to better health through health-promotion and disease prevention Support communities to deliver quality, community-based primary health care ZLWK TXDOL¿HG )LUVW 1DWLRQV VWDII Provide specialized services and regional services not provided by communities and tribal councils

Services and Programs Primary Health Care Unit Tuberculosis Control and Surveillance Program &DQDGD 3UHQDWDO 1XWULWLRQ 3URJUDP Developmental Services Program Telehealth Program )LUVW 1DWLRQV DQG ,QXLW +HDOWK ,QIRUPDWLRQ 6\VWHP 1RGLQ &KLOG DQG )DPLO\ ,QWHUYHQWLRQ Services Client Services Department Mikinakoos: Short-Term Assessment & Treatment Unit

Careers at SLFNHA 1XUVHV Client Advocacy Health Educators Trainers Traditional Healing Administrative Assistants Client Services Supervisor Security

Data Clerks Mental Health Counsellors Crisis Coordinator Telehealth 'ULYHU ,QWHUSUHWHU $LUSRUW ,QWHUSUHWHU Human Resources Maintenance

,QWDNH :RUNHUV Transitional Youth ,QLWLDWLYHV Activity Coordinator Accommodation Clerks Quality Assurances ,QIRUPDWLRQ 7HFKQRORJ\ Housekeeping

Secretarial Arts Psychologist &KLOG DQG <RXWK :RUNHUV Case Managers Clinicians Communications Laundry Aides Dietary Aides

Working for the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority provides a unique opportunity to help deliver Health Services to 31 communities across a large geographic area

www.SLFNHA.com

10

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

Huge land withdrawal catches KI off guard Ontario sets 23,000 sq kms off from mining, but allows God’s Lake Resources to stay

Map submitted by Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

The yellow portion shows the area that has been withdrawn from development.

Shawn Bell Wawatay News

The Ontario government says its recent land withdrawal near Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) will help avoid future disagreements like the ongoing conflict between God’s Lake Resources and KI. The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines announced Mar. 4 that it has withdrawn 23,181 square kilometers “in the vicinity of KI” from prospecting and mine claim staking.

But KI Chief Donny Morris said the land withdrawal caught his community off guard, considering that negotiations between the First Nation and Ontario over land claims broke down months ago.

“I think they jumped ahead of us,” Morris said. “It should

be a historical event when you withdraw that much land.

There should have been meetings about it. But we were caught off guard.”

In a notice posted to the ministry’s website, the government stated that the land withdrawal will “give clarity to the province’s mineral exploration industry and avoid future disagreements over the land in question.”

The withdrawal does not affect God’s Lake Resources mining claim at Sherman Lake, which has become a flashpoint for conflict between KI, the government and the company.

God’s Lake, a junior gold mining company, plans to restart exploration work at the site this month despite ongoing protests from KI. KI’s chief said that since the

land withdrawal does not stop God’s Lake Resources from its planned exploration work at Sherman Lake, the government needs to go back to the drawing board and work with the First Nation on an appropriate land use plan.

A spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines said that the government remains committed to resolving the issue between God’s Lake Resources and KI, but that the government has so far had no success in “facilitating communication between KI and God’s Lake.”

“Our ministry is continuing discussions with God’s Lake Resources with a view to arriving at an agreement that balances company, community and provincial interests,” said Adrian Kupesic in an email response.

National Aboriginal Languages Day March 31, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

11

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

KI rallies Toronto as chief mobilizes in North Shawn Bell Wawatay News

Inside the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on March 6, the bustle of thousands of mining executives drowned out nearly everything but talk of the benefits of mining.

Outside however, in the cold wind on Toronto’s Front Street, a very different message was on display.

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) councillor Cecilia Begg was telling the national media and everyone else who asked that yes, she was ready to be arrested again for protecting her community’s traditional lands.

KI lands and environment coordinator Stephen Chapman was at the microphone, speaking to the hundreds of KI supporters who had gathered in the cold to wave banners, shout slogans and demand that the government take KI’s concerns seriously.

“If the world is contaminated, where else can we move to?” Chapman asked, to cheers.

“We need to realize now, before it is too late, that we are destroying ourselves and our future generations.”

KI’s message was incongruous with the surroundings that the community leaders and elders found themselves. Toronto’s Front Street is in the heart of downtown, lined by skyscrapers, sports stadiums and dwarfed by the massive convention center.

And their timing made the message even stranger, considering that across the road was one of the biggest shows of force that the Canadian mining industry has ever held.

Meanwhile, far to the north, KI Chief Donny Morris was riding a skidoo from his community to Sherman Lake to watch for God’s Lake Resources’ promised drilling exploration team.

Morris set up camp at Sherman Lake after releasing a series of Youtube videos informing the police, provincial government and public that his community was preparing to mobilize against God’s Lake.

His actions were those of a seasoned general, adept at drawing public support and media attention to his community’s cause.

Morris, of course, was also front and center during KI’s first big battle with a mining company. In 2007 and 2008 the KI 6, including Morris and Begg, made their community a household name across Canada by getting arrested for blocking a mining company from KI tra-

Photos by Shawn Bell/Wawatay News

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation councillors, community leaders and Elders held a speaking engagement and rally in Toronto during the Prospectors and Developers Association Conference. The community was protesting about its ongoing dispute with God’s Lake Resources, a gold mining company that was discovered on KI traditional lands last autumn. The company has said it will restart exploration work in the near future, prompting KI Chief Donny Morris to set up a vigil at the Sherman Lake exploration site. KI is calling on the Ontario government to ban the company from its exploration while land use planning is ongoing. Ontario responded by setting 23,000 square kilometers off limits for development, but leaving God’s Lake free to continue its work.

Above, Elder Mary Jane Crowe speaks to the crowd in her Oji-Cree language. The building across the street is the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, where the Prospectors and Developers mining conference was being held. Above right, the group from KI including Lands and Environment’s Stephen Chapman, front, and councillors Cecilia Begg and Randy Nanokeesic during the rally. And above right, the KI contingent held a speaker’s event at the Steelworker’s Hall in Toronto the evening before the rally. ditional lands and spending 68 days in jail.

In the end KI won that struggle in appeals court, and the Ontario government paid out the mining company in question – Platinex – millions of dollars in compensation.

Before heading to Sherman Lake, Morris told Wawatay News that the situation with God’s Lake Resources was going down the same path as the previous dispute with Platinex. The responsibility to alter that path, he said, rested on the provincial government, especially considering the money that the government paid to Platinex last time around.

“It’s happening again –

another company is intruding when we are in the land claims process with the provincial government,” Morris said. “And I’m not getting anything positive from (Minister) Bartolucci in regards to him putting a halt to God’s Lake Resources’ activity at Sherman Lake.”

Land withdrawal takes community by surprise One of the strangest turn of events of the week came on Mar. 4, just days before KI’s rally in Toronto, when the Ontario government announced it was withdrawing a huge parcel of land near KI – over 23,000 square kilometers

– from mining exploration.

The move was announced via a press release posted to the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines on a Sunday – generally a slow news day – with little fanfare, no signing ceremony and no contact with the First Nation.

As Morris said the next day, an agreement of that sort should have been treated as the historic event it was. Instead KI was taken off guard, and left wondering why the government had chosen to make an announcement of that magnitude without any First Nation involvement.

“I think they jumped ahead

of us,” Morris said of the land withdrawal. “There is a proper way to do these things. There should have been meetings about it. Instead we were not involved.”

A representative from the

lack of response to our many requests, the ministry withdrew land based on information previously provided by the community,” said Adrian Kupesic, a spokesperson in the office of Minister Rick Barto-

“Right now our lands are off-limit, because we are trying to prepare our young people and take care of future generations.”

- Cecilia Begg, KI councillor

ministry said the announcement was made after the government tried several times to work with KI on the issue, to no avail.

“In light of the community’s

lucci, in an email response.

“KI has continually indicated that they are not receptive to mineral exploration and development at this time, and as Ontario is responsible

for managing Crown lands and natural resources of the province, the ministry has withdrawn lands in the vicinity of KI from further mineral staking to prevent further disagreements.”

The land withdrawal was met with tentative praise by environmental groups such as the CPAS Wildlands League. The intent of the move was right, they said, but the fact that it did not address the ongoing situation with God’s Lake Resources means that the current conflict will drag on.

Meanwhile, in Toronto, KI members at the rally expressed their dismay at the govern-

ment’s lack of recognition of the First Nation’s right to make decisions over its traditional land.

“When we heard the announcement we were really surprised,” Chapman said.

“How can somebody give away a land that is not even theirs? That was very unreal to me. KI people have always thought that was our land.

How can we be given something that we already own in the first place?”

KI’s message makes it into mining conference By the time the KI rally on Front Street wrapped up, the

crowd had swelled to hundreds.

The national media was there, interviewing the KI councilors. And a range of partners had expressed solidarity with the community – including the Ontario Federation of Labour, NDP MPPs from northern Ontario and First Nations people from communities around southern Ontario.

An equally interesting thing was happening inside the Convention Center. KI’s message had seeped in there as well. On the floor of a busy showroom, for example, Neskantaga First Nation Chief Peter Moonias was discussing KI’s struggle in relation to his own community’s agreements with two separate mining companies.

“The companies have to respect the communities, and understand the rights of treaties for First Nations people,” Moonias said. “That’s why these things like KI are happening.

If the companies did not work with our community, it would be the same thing as KI.” Later, in a private boardroom, Prospectors and Developers Association President Glenn Nolan, himself a former northern Ontario First Nation chief, acknowledged KI when talking to Wawatay News on the importance of consultation between industry and communities.

“For the companies to take the time to listen to those communities, and how they want to work with the company, I think leads to positive relationship development,” Nolan said. “Companies have to listen, learn and leverage what they’ve learned from the communities to form effective partnerships.”

For KI’s head councilor Begg, the idea of companies and governments listening to her community is where resolutions to these conflicts has to begin.

But as she said, listening cannot only happen when a company hears what it wants to hear.

“We are willing to talk so that the mining industry and the government will understand,” Begg said. “Right now our lands are off limit, because we are trying to prepare our young people and take care of future generations. In the long run hopefully we will gain greater benefits, and I’m not just talking about getting better jobs. In the long run our people will be consulted, and we will have a say.

“Our lands are sacred,” she said. “And because our lands are sacred, we have a right to say what goes on in our country.”

For more information, please contact:

‘I see other people trying to tell us how to run our land’

Ojibway & Cree Cultural Centre 273 Third Avenue, Suite 204 Timmins, ON P4N 1E2

Phone: (705) 267-7911 Fax: (705) 267-4988 j<dog jfwjwn,nmU • jdUgU jfwjnWnmU • jvi{g{ jfwjnWnm{ • Be Proud of Your Language

Shawn Bell

Wawatay (wwt): First off, why was it important to bring this message to Toronto?

Wawatay News

Stephen Chapman speaking to the crowd at the rally.

KI lands and resource Stephen Chapman was a main speaker during the KI rally in Toronto, outside the Prospectors and Developers Association conference. He spoke to Wawatay News about his community’s struggle to protect its traditional lands from mining and on watching First Nations involvement in the Prospectors conference.

Stephen Chapman (SC): Toronto is a big place. We want to spread the word as much as possible, to Ontario, Canada and all over the world.

Wwt: The last time you went through this there was a lot of support down here in Toronto.

Does that make it easier this time?

SC: Yes. We made connections before, and our connec-

tions are growing. They support us and they spread the word.

Wwt: Recently God’s Lake Resources has said they are preparing to go out on the land and restart their exploration work. Does that tie into why you brought this message to Toronto now?

SC: We are concerned that they are going out onto our land without our permission.

With this conference here too, we came here to do this rally so that the world knows this is

happening. And also to let our other First Nations know that we mean business when we do this.

Wwt: There is a lot going on inside the conference on Aboriginal consulation and other things like that. What do you see as needing to happen with consultation?

SC: What I see is other people trying to tell us how to run our land, our animals and our water.

But we already know how to treat those things. We need respect.

Wwt: What message do you have for other Northern Ontario people who could not be here for the rally or the mining conference?

SC: My message for other northern Ontario people, especially First Nations, is how can we not know that if one lake and one river is polluted, then it will go everywhere? Not just your home areas, but everywhere in northern Ontario. If one river is polluted on the south side, it will go to the north side. If you look at it that way, all the land and all

the rivers and all the water will be polluted. And how can you say you are doing this for your future generations? If we don’t have good land, good water and good environment, how can we sustain ourselves? I just don’t understand that point of view.

I know it is all about the love of money. But money wont always be there when everything else is gone.

And I would like to encourage the people, the First Nations, to talk to their chief and council to make sure they

know what they are doing for them. Because what ever the chief and councilors are doing is what the people are going to be going through in the future years. And I know for a fact that lots of First Nations people still like to hunt, fish, trap, travel on the land, drink water out of the land, use the land and animals and everything. But when mining happens, everything will be gone. I can’t really see the picture when you say I am doing this for my future generations.

12

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

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

An â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;exhilaratingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ride over Lenny Carpenter Wawatay News

When the green Ford F-150 hits the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ice roadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; some 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, the six bodies crammed inside the truck rattle and bobble.

The keychain of the ignition continually smacks against the wheel and everything on the dashboard falls the floor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is (expletive) crazy,â&#x20AC;? says Sarah Furlotte, a 30-yearold from Thunder Bay, as she laughs and hangs on to the dash. The truck continues to rumble on, skidding from time to time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is nuts.â&#x20AC;?

The truck is bound for Sachigo Lake First Nation, one of the northern-most communities in northwestern Ontario.

Onboard are Henry Beardy, Sarah, and four other passengers who are on their way to Sachigo Lake First Nation, Henryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home community, to attend the reserveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ninth annual fishing derby on Feb. 25.

Sarah and two other passengers are classmates of Henryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

They are in their second-year of the film production program at Confederation College and have never been north of Thunder Bay. Igor Matic, a 21-year-old who grew up in Mississauga, Ont., Alex Dobson, from Ottawa, and Sarah, from Thunder Bay have never been to a northern reserve. For 20-year-old Jordan Bowes of Kingston, Ont., it is his second trip to Sachigo.

The truck left Thunder Bay that morning at 10:30 a.m. It was a bit late, Henry said, but the non-status members of the

photo by Lenny Carpenter/Wawatay News

Sarah Furlotte of Thunder Bay takes a break on a lake near North Caribou Lake First Nation after hours of driving. The 30-year-old was among five college students who took the winter road to Sachigo Lake First Nation on Feb. 24. party (everyone but Henry) needed to get a fishing license to be eligible for the derby.

The group drove northwest on Highway 11/17 until turning off onto Highway 599 just before Ignace. The truck ambled on through Savant Lake and then the first reserve the group would experience on the way â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mishkeegogamang. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a reserve?â&#x20AC;? Sarah asked, surprised at its rela-

tive small size. It is explained to her that there is more to the reserve off the highway and that the community spreads out into two parts.

Nearly six hours after leaving Thunder Bay, the truck pulls into Pickle Lake. The former gold mining town, with a population of less than 500, is the last stop before the isolated north. There are no gas stations or convenience

stores beyond here, so Henry advises the passengers to buy any food, drinks or cigarettes while they can.

By 4:30 p.m., after refueling and buying some minnow bait, the truck hits the road again.

The first leg of the trip leaving Pickle Lake is what travellers call the Windigo Road.

This road is an integral part of the winter road experience in going to or leaving the

northern communities, but Henry insists itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not part of the winter road. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually an all-season gravel road that has several turnoffs to other winter roads as well as Gold Corpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Musselwhite site.

While anyone with knowledge of Aboriginal mythology can point out the ominous name of the Windigo Road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that spirit thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a cannibal, right?â&#x20AC;? Sarah asks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the

name is derived either from the Windigo Lake where the road ends or the fact that the Windigo Tribal Council â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of which Sachigo Lake is a member â&#x20AC;&#x201C; maintains part of the road.

The truck passes a turnoff that leads northeast to the first winter road. A hand-painted sign reads: Webequie, Nibinimik, and Neskantaga. Later, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another northeastern turnoff with sign indicating it leads to Wunnumin Lake, Kingfisher, Kasabonika, Wapekeka and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug.

The travelers from southern Ontario inquire a lot about reserves and the way First Nations operate: does everyone have a job? Do you get paid to be the chief? How often are chiefs elected?

And the answers lead to more questions: if there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough jobs, why donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t they leave? Why is alcoholism a big problem on reserves? Those answers lead to a brief overview of Aboriginal history never taught in school: the treaty signings and oral promises, the Indian Act and the agents that enforced it, and, of course, the residential school system.

Igor, who was born in Macedonia before moving to Canada, compares residential schools to the attempts of Serbians to assimilate his people. They also targeted the children and it involved acts violence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honestly, I think the way they do it here is a lot of more sick,â&#x20AC;? Igor says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because, like, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot more orchestrated and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot slower. And over

9? <) [) WiWW) =<&9R) & N[ =# V<h# ==[ R<) &

Bachelor of Education Program A joint Initiative of Northern Nishnawbe Education Council and Brock University Accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers When:

Next intake - September 2012

Where:

Sioux Lookout Area

Program content:

Accredited program to train Primary/Junior teachers

Application Requirement:

Grade 12 or GED Diploma and Brock Admission form Must be a member of Sioux Lookout Area First Nation

Application deadline:

June 30, 2012

For application information contact: Katie Brown â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Post Secondary Counsellor 1-800-465-3626 ext 249 -or- kbrown@nnec.on.ca

Closing the education gap, and shaping the world according to our cultural values.

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

13

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

Sachigo Lake winter road there, at least, you know who the enemy is. Here, if you fight (the government), itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;whoa, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fighting your friend.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

There is still daylight when the truck hits Windigo Road but within two hours, dusk settles and the road is enshrouded in darkness.

Henry drives about 90 km/h on the Windigo Road, but the many turns make it unnerving. Sarah advises Henry to stay behind a white van up ahead so that they can anticipate the turns. It works for a while until the van speeds ahead and disappears from view.

By 8:30 p.m., the Windigo road ends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hate this part,â&#x20AC;? Henry says as he makes a tight turn onto the winter road. The momentum and anticipation of going on the road for the first time is deterred however as two gas trucks block the entrance.

The white van that disappeared from view now sits idly by while the truckers unchain tires that were dragged behind.

Sarah asks why they do that. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So they pack the snow down,â&#x20AC;? Henry says.

Once the trucks move, the van takes the lead again and the group follows.

The winter road is full of bumps as the ice forms around the natural mounds of the muskeg earth. Henry slows down but still maintains a steady pace of 50-60 km/h. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is this normally how you drive the road?â&#x20AC;? Sarah asks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on a horse.â&#x20AC;?

Later, Alex remarks: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on a Universal rideâ&#x20AC;Ś.like we should be paying for this.â&#x20AC;?

Henry first drove on the winter road when he was 14 years old, but only from Sachigo Lake to Round Lake.

When he was about 17, he took turns driving from Sachigo to Pickle Lake. The Highway & Traffic Act does not apply on the winter road, so Henry was able to drive without a license.

The 25-year-oldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience is evident as the truck skids at various times and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s able to regain control. At one point, he does it while holding a cigarette. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was a one-hander,â&#x20AC;? he remarks matter-of-factly.

The van, which had been ahead since the Windigo road, slows down and allows the truck to pass. Henry continues at his speed unfettered.

As the van disappears behind, the truckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headlights are the sole source of light on the road. Igor stares into the darkness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man, this is crazy,â&#x20AC;? Igor remarks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It really makes you feel that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the middle of nowhere.â&#x20AC;?

There are a few spots where

a vehicle had slid into the snowbank. Alex asks if anyone has gotten stranded out here. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, people get stuck but someone usually comes along and helps,â&#x20AC;? Henry says. He does not know of anyone dying while on the road, be it due to being stranded or crashing into another vehicle. The experienced winter road drivers are usually prepared by having an ax, shovel, and rope in the back of their truck.

And while some might be reluctant to drive the winter road at night, Henry says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better than the day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That way you can see the textures (of the road) with the headlights,â&#x20AC;? Henry explains.

The group reaches a turnoff that leads to North Caribou Lake First Nation, but Henry continues down the road that bypasses the community, ultimately driving on the actual lake.

With no trees on either side, Sarah stares out into the darkness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing out there,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just nothing.â&#x20AC;?

The truck stops on the lake as the travelers step out to stretch. The constant bumps of the road create an odd feeling now that the truck has finally stopped. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still moving,â&#x20AC;?

Alex remarks.

After they resume, the group passes another turnoff that heads west. The sign reads: K.W.W (Keewaywin), Kouchiching, and Sandy Lake.

The group continues north and, after a couple more hours of bumps and trees, reach a checkpoint just before Muskrat Dam. The two workers manning the checkout inspect the luggage and truck interior for any alcohol or drugs. The checkpoint is part of tri-party agreement between Muskrat Dam, Sachigo Lake and Bearskin Lake. Each community contributes to fund its operation and community members from each reserve alternate shifts.

Once it is certain that they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t smuggling any illegal substances, and a toll of $15 is paid, the group passes through the community and continues northwest to Sachigo.

The last leg of the trip, which lasts more than an hour, is the worst for road conditions. Whereas the other roads had relatively smooth bumps to transverse, sections of this road have been obliterated by trucks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been pretty mild this year,â&#x20AC;? Henry says as the truck bounces and bounces. Add in the fact that this road receives less traffic, and thus the snow isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t packed down as much as the other roads.

photo by Lenny Carpenter/Wawatay News

A gas truck approaches on the winter road to Sachigo Lake First Nation. The trucks and other rigs are a common sight on the winter roads to First Nations communities as they stock up on fuel and supplies before the road closes for the season.

Henry drives 20-30 km/h on this section of road, which did not exist until the early 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

At 12:30 a.m., after nearly 15 hours since departure, the travellers reach Sachigo Lake.

Henry gives a brief tour of the community before stopping to check in with his parents. Then the travellers settle into his grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vacant home. Like most people in the

north, they are taking advantage of the winter road by visiting family in other communities.

To complete their northern experience, the travellers get the fireplace going and forego running water. Then, exhausted, they go to bed to sleep after a day of traversing the winter road.

When Igor sits on Sachigo Lake the next day with his

fishing line dropped into the ice hole, he remarks how the long journey was worth it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I gotta say, this is nothing like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen before, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for sure,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never been on a frozen lake before, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kinda blowing my mind right now.â&#x20AC;?

While the winter road was more â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;brutalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; this year compared to last year, Jordan says he still had a great time.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun trip,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just 14 hours with your buddies (on the drive) and taking part in the community event.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awesome.â&#x20AC;?

Sarah describes herself as a thrill-seeker and adventurer and found the winter road drive exhilarating. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The drive up here was so awesome,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d definitely come up again next year.â&#x20AC;?

INSPECTION Inspection of Approved Forest Management Plan for the Kenora Forest 2012â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2022 The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Kenora Forest and the Kenora Local Citizens Committee (KLCC) would like to advise you that the 2012â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2022 Forest Management Plan (FMP) for the Kenora Forest has been approved by the MNR Regional Director and is available for inspection.

The Planning Process The FMP takes approximately two years to complete. During this time, five formal opportunities for public and Aboriginal involvement are provided. The fourth opportunity (Stage 4) for this FMP occurred between November 18, 2011â&#x20AC;&#x201C;January 18, 2012 when the public was invited to review and comment on the draft FMP. This â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Stage 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122; notice is to advise you that the MNR-approved FMP will be available for inspection for 30 days.

FMP Inspectionâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Final Opportunity During the 30-day inspection period, you may make a written request to the Director, Environmental Assessment Approvals Branch, Ministry of the Environment for an individual environmental assessment of specific forest management activities in the FMP. A response to a request will normally be provided by the Director, Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch, Ministry of the Environment after the completion of the 30-day inspection period.

The MNR-approved FMP and summary are available for inspection during normal office hours for 30 days from March 2 to April 2, 2012 at the following locations: t .

JJTVO *OUFHSBUFE 3FTPVSDF .BOBHFNFOU *OD PGGJDF /JOUI 4USFFU /PSUI ,FOPSB 0/ UFM t ./3 ,FOPSB %JTUSJDU 0GGJDF 3PCFSUTPO 4USFFU ,FOPSB 0/ UFM t ./3 QVCMJD XFCTJUF BU ontario.ca/forestplans (the Ontario (PWFSONFOU *OGPSNBUJPO $FOUSF BU #BZ 4USFFU 5PSPOUP BOE UIF 4FSWJDF0OUBSJP MPDBUJPO JO ,FOPSB BU .BJO 4USFFU 4PVUI QSPWJEF *OUFSOFU BDDFTT

*OUFSFTUFE BOE BGGFDUFE QFSTPOT BOE PSHBOJ[BUJPOT DBO BSSBOHF BO BQQPJOUNFOU XJUI ./3 TUBGG BU UIF BQQSPQSJBUF ./3 District or Area Office to discuss the FMP. For further information, please contact: Ian Pyke, RPF Area Forester Ministry of Natural Resources 808 Robertson Street P.O. Box 5080 Kenora, ON P9N 3X9 tel: 807-468-2559 e-mail: ian.pyke@ontario.ca

Robert (Bob) Boyce, RPF Plan Author Miisun Integrated Resource Mgmt. Inc. 510 Ninth Street North Kenora, ON P9N 2S8 tel: 807-467-3351 e-mail: bob.boyce@miisun.ca

Mr. Henry Dribnenky Kenora Local Citizens Committee c/o 42 Ryerson Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3T 3S2

The approved FMP will be available for the 10-year period of the FMP at the same locations listed above.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is collecting your personal information under the authority of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. Any personal information you provide (address, name, telephone, etc.) will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Your personal information may be used by the Ministry PG /BUVSBM 3FTPVSDFT UP TFOE ZPV GVSUIFS JOGPSNBUJPO SFMBUFE UP UIJT GPSFTU NBOBHFNFOU QMBOOJOH FYFSDJTF *G ZPV IBWF RVFTUJPOT BCPVU UIF VTF PG ZPVS QFSTPOBM JOGPSNBUJPO QMFBTF DPOUBDU 4UFQIFO %VEB BU

Map to Sachigo Lake First Nation.

14

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

From homelessness to center stage Joyce Atcheson Special to Wawatay News

submitted photo

Author Richard Wagamese of Wabaseemoong First Nation received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in Media and Communications at an awards ceremony on Feb. 24. Wagamese began his writing career in 1979 as a newspaper columnist and reporter and has written 12 books in the last 18 years.

Humble man and master storyteller Richard Wagamese from Wabaseemoong First Nation won the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in Media and Communications.

Sitting in his writing space in the mountains near Kamloops, BC, the author of 12 books in 18 years, Wagamese talks candidly with blunt honesty about the award he received Feb. 24 in Vancouver.

“It didn’t mean much. It’s more important to the Aboriginal youth than to me,” he says.

“Seeing 15 people getting national recognition tells them they can dream big, do the work, and succeed.”

When Wagamese walked onto the stage and looked from

INSPECTION Inspection of Approved 2012–2013 Contingency Plan and Approved 2012–2013 Annual Work Schedule for the Abitibi River Forest The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), First Resource Management Group Inc. (FRMG) and the Cochrane Local Citizens Committee (LCC) advise you that the 2012–2013 Contingency Plan (CP) for the Abitibi River Forest has been approved by the MNR Regional Director. The associated April 1, 2012–March 31, 2013 Annual Work Schedule (AWS) for the Abitibi River Forest has also been approved by the Cochrane, Timmins, and Kirkland Lake MNR Offices. Both documents are now available for inspection.

Availability The CP and AWS will be available for public inspection at the FRMG office during the office hours listed below and on the MNR public website at ontario.ca/forestplans beginning March 15, 2012 and throughout the period that they are in effect. The Ontario Government Information Centre in Toronto and the following ServiceOntario offices within the Abitibi River Forest provide Internet access.

ServiceOntario 143 Fourth Avenue Cochrane, ON

ServiceOntario Main Floor, 33 Ambridge Drive Iroquois Falls, ON

ServiceOntario 5520 Highway 101 East South Porcupine, ON Implementation of the CP and AWS will commence April 1, 2012.

the bright lights into the crowd he says, “I was deeply honoured and humbled, thinking ‘Hoolee!

Look at all the Indians!’ I had to make sure my fly was up and I had no ketchup stains on my shirt. They lifted me up.

I thought, ‘This is amazing; I work alone in an empty room.

I seldom get the option to be in a room with people who are touched by my words, 3,000 of them.’”

Wagamese’s writing began in 1979 as a newspaper columnist and reporter. Since then he has worked in radio and television as a broadcaster, producer and documentary producer and written such books as Ragged Company, Dream Wheels, One Sure Thing, The Terrible Summer and his first book of poetry: Runaway Dreams (2011).

He draws on his own life experience of foster homes, adoption by a non-Native family, homelessness, addictions, living a carnival worker’s life, and his struggle to find himself as an Ojibwe man. His ability to tell frank stories in a sensitive way has led to Wagamese being recognized with numerous awards and an honorary doctor of letters.

His latest book Indian Horse, reviewed in the last Wawatay News, is the story of Saul Indian Horse, a youth in residential school, his life playing hockey and his healing journey.

The story speaks directly to the heart as a youth beats racism and finds his gift that he won’t let anyone take from him but which he gives up when he finds he has crossed a line.

Asked about the parts of his life that led to this award, Wagamese says: “Ten years ago I wrote For Joshua, that was me talking to my son and two books that really speak about my life are One Native Life and One Story One Song. I’ve had the quintessential experience in Canada.

I survived what I inflicted upon myself. My frame of reference is as an Aboriginal man in Canada,

and I draw on it.”

His regrets? Wagamese says he has only one: “The Boston Red Socks haven’t invited me to spring training.”

He does hope that he has not hurt people through his addictions and post-traumatic stress.

“I look at the good. I’m making amends and regret doesn’t hang around.”

His story in Keeper ‘n Me speaks to a large extent of Wagamese’s own journey to find his origins, learn about being Ojibwe, and make peace with who he is.

“I have an unyielding desire to be OK. I’ve fallen down, found myself on my hands and knees and that’s when I stand up and step off in the opposite direction. My aim is to be fully functional and present in my life. I have found a well of courage to frame my life.”

He credits Elders at a traditional gathering in northwestern Ontario for helping him to become a storyteller. He was 25 years of age when they told him; he believed them and he got busy.

“It’s a tremendous gift I’d been given. To reach everybody through my words, to open hearts, minds and spirits. That’s where I write from (heart, mind, spirit) and the writing does reach them.”

Wagamese, who has been a loner for most of his life, learned 10 years ago to reach out. Today he has a handful of close friends who live around him. If he doesn’t see them, he uses the phone.

“There’re lots of people like me (loners), who had no parenting.”

His message to Wawatay News readers: “As First Nations People we’ve learned we can become whatever we choose to.

As long as we dream and do the work to make the dream come true, everything is possible.”

His message to future generations: “Stay brown and be the blessing.”

Why is a Contingency Plan required?

The CP is required to enable the implementation of forest operations until the 10-year, 2012–2022 Forest Management Plan (FMP) is approved.

Announcement

Scheduled Forest Management Operations The AWS describes forest management activities such as harvest, site preparation, tree planting, and tending, road construction, maintenance and decommissioning that are scheduled to occur during the year.

Tree Planting and Fuelwood FRMG is responsible for tree planting on the Abitibi River Forest. Please contact Paul Fantin at FRMG and for information regarding tree planting job opportunities.

For information on the locations and licence requirements for obtaining fuelwood for personal use, please contact the local MNR District Office. For commercial fuelwood opportunities, please contact FRMG. More Information For more information on the CP and AWS or to request an AWS operations summary map, please contact: Ministry of Natural Resources Cory Wiseman, RPF Cochrane District Office P.O. Box 730, 2-4 Highway 11 South Cochrane, ON P0L 1C0 tel: 705-272-7195 fax: 705-272-7183 e-mail: cory.wiseman@ontario.ca office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

First Resource Management Group Paul Fantin, RPF P.O. Box 550 Englehart, ON P0J 1H0 tel: 705-544-2828 fax: 705-544-2921 e-mail: paul.fantin@frmg.ca office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Cochrane LCC c/o Mark Jones, LCC Chair P.O. Box 730 Cochrane, ON P0L 1C0

Nikki Wood, RPF Timmins District 5520 Highway 101 East South Porcupine, ON P0N 1H0 tel: 705-235-1339 fax: 705-235-1377 e-mail: nikki.wood@ontario.ca office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Bill VanSchip, RPF Kirkland Lake District P.O. Box 910, 10 Government Road Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 3K4 tel: 705-568-3243 fax: 705-568-3200 e-mail: bill.vanschip@ontario.ca office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sales Representative

Ministry of Natural Resources: Stephen Foley, RPF Cochrane District P.O. Box 730, 2-4 Highway 11 South Cochrane, ON P0L 1C0 tel: 705-272-7129 fax: 705-272-7183 e-mail: stephen.foley@ontario.ca office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Glenn Cheechoo

The Ministry of Natural Resources is collecting your personal information under the authority of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. Any personal information you provide (address, name, telephone, etc.) will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Your personal information may be used by the Ministry of Natural Resources to send you further information related to this forest management planning exercise. If you have questions about the use of your personal information, please contact Denis Clement at 705-272-7122.

Half-Way Motors Nissan Thunder Bay is pleased to welcome Glenn Cheechoo to our new and used car sales department. Originally from Constance Lake First Nation near Hearst, Ontario - Glenn has been a resident of Thunder Bay for over 25 years. He has worked in the customer service field for over 15 years including the last 8 years as a sales consultant at Home Depot. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hunting and billiards.

Please contact Glenn if you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle toll free at 1-800-665-7207 or email glenn@halfwaymotors.com

Renseignements en français : 705-272-7155 Cochrane, 705-235-1314 Timmins, 705-568-3222 Kirkland Lake

940 Memorial Avenue, Thunder Bay halfwaymotors.com

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

15

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Project Beyshick 2012

Notice to General Public Emergency Department renovations are now underway.

The expected completion date is early April 2012.

During the construction period, the public access doors ER-1008 will be CLOSED. The temporary entrance will be through the Ambulance garage.

photo by Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Chancillor Crane, Mason Strang, Chrisshaun Kakegumick, Daniel Turtle, Jessica McLaughlin, Craig Waboose, Ken Strang and Steven Strang learned more about careers they were interested in during this year’s Project Beyshick in Thunder Bay.

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Project Beyshick was a big success for Eabametoong’s Craig Waboose.

“It actually helped a lot of First Nation community members dip their toes into a field they are really interested in,” Waboose said. “One of the other delegates said he got a job offer with Wasaya. Congrats on him.”

Waboose also received an offer to do another placement with Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation, where he did his Project Beyshick placement from Feb. 25 to March 2, once he completes his Working Words program at Matawa Learning Centre in Thunder Bay. He first developed an interest in the legal field while studying a law course in high school and is currently planning to study law after he completes an undergraduate degree in university.

“It just clicked something in me and then I thought I really want to get into the legal field,” said Waboose. “Since my parents were social workers, I am familiar with this field and when I took that course in high school regarding law and the history with First Nations, it was like hey, maybe I can help out.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose said the nine youth who par-

ticipated in Project Beyshick gained invaluable experience they can use to achieve their own personal success.

“Project Beyshick allows First Nation youth to foster a vision for personal success, while at the same time, boosting their confidence to achieve that success,” the deputy grand chief said. “The firsthand experience these young persons will get in a business environment will be invaluable in their future endeavors.”

Project Beyshick was developed by POA Educational Foundation and NAN in 2005 to nurture prosperity and financial independence among First Nations communities and individuals by encouraging and mentoring entrepreneurial efforts.

“They’re matched up with a manager or a supervisor each day and they walk them through the business,” said Pauline Cornell, coordinator of special projects and policy analyst with NAN. “A lot of (the participants) did not know exactly what some of these businesses actually do on a day-to-day operation and this is what they were finally exposed to and they were like ‘wow,’ they didn’t have no idea. They just thought, for instance, that Wasaya was just an airline company.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund, Albert Drake-

Traditions raised at Dilico conference Rick Garrick Wawatay News

The use of traditional and cultural ways to help combat prescription drug abuse was raised at Dilico’s Revisiting Our Journey: Healing Starts at Home conference.

“Our First Nations ... are trying to gather together and use their culture, use their knowledge of traditional ways as well as mainstream ways to put together things that are going to help and heal them in their own community,” said Rose Pittis, director of mental health and addictions services at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care. “We want people to use the things that they are used to and go back to their roots to help themselves heal.”

Pittis said prescription drug abuse is a “fairly large problem” in the 13 First Nation communities Dilico serves in the Thunder Bay area.

“But we have to recognize that it is a really large problem across Ontario, and it’s not just First Nation communities,” Pittis said.

Pittis said youth in the 13 Dilico communities are affected by prescription drug abuse, both through using themselves and watching their parents

using.

“We have a six-bed children’s residential unit and they have a lot of mental health issues, but it is also flavoured with addictions,” Pittis said.

“What we’re trying to do is catch them early enough that we can work with them therapeutically and have them managed in a way that is healthy so they can go on and become healthy adults.”

The addictions treatment and healing conference was held Feb. 14-15 at the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay to provide participants with knowledge, understanding and takeaway tools for communities coping with issues of substance abuse and misuse.

The need for a conference on the issue was identified in Dilico’s community drug strategy, which was developed in 2010 with the cooperation of the 13 First Nation communities.

“We really want to provide community members with a place to start, which comes from identifying strengths within their own communities,” Pittis said. “It is our hope that those in attendance will take what they learn over here the next two days back to their First Nations and share it with the people who live there.”

Security staff are posted in the temporary entrance to help clients, visitors and staff get through the construction area safely.

Financial Advisor, Thunder Bay City Hall Aboriginal Liaison Officer and TBayTel were among the companies and organizations providing placements for the participants.

The one-week career mentoring/job-shadowing program is focused on entrepreneurship among First Nation youth aged 21-35 from the NAN communities. It also serves as a way to cultivate a mutual understanding and equal relationships between First Nation and nonFirst Nation Canadians.

“There are a lot of positives back from the participants who enjoyed their placements,” Cornell said. “I’m excited and hoping next year is going to be even bigger and better.”

Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre thanks everyone for their patience and cooperation during the renovations.

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

INSPECTION Inspection of Approved 2012–2013 Contingency Plan and Approved 2012–2013 Annual Work Schedule for the Black River Forest The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), GreenForest Management Inc. (GFMI) and the Pic River Public Consultation Committee (PRPCC) advises you that the 2012–2013 Contingency Plan (CP) for the Black River Forest has been approved by the MNR Regional Director. The associated April 1, 2012–March 31, 2013 Annual Work Schedule (AWS) for the Black River Forest has also been approved by the Wawa District Office of the MNR. Both documents are now available for inspection.

Availability The CP and AWS will be available for public inspection at the GFMI office during the office hours listed below and the MNR public website at ontario.ca/forestplans beginning March 15, 2012 and throughout the period that they are in effect. Implementation of the CP and AWS will commence April 1, 2012.

The Ontario Government Information Centres in Ontario and the following ServiceOntario offices within the Wawa District provide Internet access: ServiceOntario 48 Mission Road Wawa, ON

ServiceOntario 40 Manitou Road Manitouwadge, ON

ServiceOntario 52 Peninsula Road Marathon, ON

Why is a Contingency Plan required?

The CP is required to enable the implementation of forest operations between April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 until the Pic River Forest 2013-2023 Forest Management Plan is approved.

Scheduled Forest Management Operations The AWS describes forest management activities such as harvest, site preparation, tree planting, tending, road construction, maintenance, and decommissioning that are scheduled to occur during the year.

Tree Planting and Fuelwood GFMI is responsible for tree planting on the Black River Forest. Please contact Ryan Murphy, RPF, GFMI at 807-343-6471 for information regarding tree planting job opportunities.

For information on the locations and licence requirements for obtaining fuelwood for personal use, please contact Doris Zagar, Wawa District at 705-856-4745. For commercial fuelwood opportunities, please contact Jeffrey Cameron, RPF, GFMI at 807-343-6418.

More Information For more information on the CP and AWS or to request an AWS operations summary map, please contact: Virginia Thompson Area Biologist Ministry of Natural Resources 40 Manitou Road Manitouwadge, ON tel: 807-826-3225 ext. 235 fax: 807-826-4631 office hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Jeffrey Cameron, RPF Plan Author GreenForest Management Inc. P.O. Box 22004 470 Hodder Avenue Thunder Bay, ON tel: 807-343-6418 fax: 807-343-6424 office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Grant Goodwin PRPCC Chair Manitouwadge, ON tel: 807-826-3875

The Ministry of Natural Resources is collecting your personal information under the authority of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. Any personal information you provide (address, name, telephone, etc.) will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Your personal information may be used by the Ministry of Natural Resources to send you further information related to this forest management planning exercise. If you have questions about the use of your personal information, please contact Paul Gamble at 705-856-4701.

Renseignements en français : Jennifer Lamontagne, 705-856-4747.

16

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

ARE YOU AN INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SURVIVOR? WERE YOU THE VICTIM OF SEXUAL ABUSE?

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Lac Seul artist in LU major studio exhibit Rick Garrick Wawatay News

The INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT PROCESS allows Residential School survivors who experienced serious abuse to apply for compensation but you must do so before the SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 DEADLINE. We have been involved in Residential School litigation for 14 years.

We have three lawyers, two of whom are descendants of Residential School survivors, ready to help you every step of the way.

We can meet with you in your home community or at our ofÀce in Thunder Bay. If you don’t already have a lawyer, please call us.

RICHARD W. COURTIS LAW OFFICE 816-34 N. Cumberland Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4L3 Toll-free 1-877-266-6646

Place Your Business Ad in Wawatay News 1-800-243-9059

The geology-focused art of Lac Seul’s Noreen Wilkins is among the works featured in the 2012 Annual Lakehead University Major Studio and Juried Student Exhibition.

“My paintings are based in geology, land forms,” Wilkins said. “I’ve kind of blown up specific areas and brought detail to them.”

Wilkins wants to show how the “earth operates” through her art and how that affects people.

“The smallest things can have a big change on our environment,” Wilkins said. “I’ve been taking geology courses along with the art most of the four years (at Lakehead University), so it’s a big interest of mine.”

Wilkins uses dripping, layering and texture techniques to produce her geology-focused art.

She also has a knitting-based piece in the major studio exhibition, which incorporates a vision of both women and men’s work into one work.

“I tried to combine the ideas of how men used to build houses, they did all the heavy lifting and the big jobs, and women were like the knitters at home,” Wilkins said.

“So I kind of combined those ideas. I used the crank more as a symbol of male construction.

The clay is the tools; they have the equipment for what they’ve got to do and the equipment for knitting is really just a needle.”

The major studio exhibition

photo by Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Lac Seul artist Noreen Wilkins organized the media campaign for the 2012 Annual Lakehead University Major Studio and Juried Student Exhibition, being held March 9-April 1 at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. also features a wide range of artwork, including hand-bound books, paintings, installations and ceramics, by graduating fourth-year Visual Arts students Aaron Veldstra, Ashley Walter, Breanna Bakkelund, Brittany Dupuis, Christina Kehler, Cindy Arpin, Elizabeth Hoskin, Ella Bell, Ginnie Culver-Antoniazzi, Hannah Johnson, Jessica Buzanko, Kathleen Twomey, Leanna Rosengren and Sarah Eby. Wilkins first began drawing when she was a child, noting she always loved art.

“I always wanted to become an artist,” Wilkins said. “I pretty much liked to draw on paper, I sanded or I doodled in school.

I was always picking up something.”

Wilkins found the sculpture classes to be the most interest-

ing and challenging during her four years of study at Lakehead.

“I couldn’t really do that for my own self, and I never really thought I could do it for myself,” Wilkins said. “It covered such a wide variety of areas, like wood, like knitting, like steel.”

Wilkins organized the media campaign for the exhibition, which included production of the exhibition catalogue and getting the message out to local media.

The major studio exhibition runs from March 9-25 at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, while the juried student exhibition runs from March 9-April 1.

Awards and special commendations will be presented to students during the opening reception and awards event at 7:30 pm on March 16.

Councillor to walk to Sioux Lookout

The Future Matters!

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Starting in February 2012, Statistics Canada will be conducting the Aboriginal Peoples Survey with First Nations people living off reserve, Métis and Inuit across Canada. You may be invited to participate on a voluntary basis.

Your participation will help provide a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges that lead to success in education and employment. Your information will help support the efforts of Aboriginal communities, organizations and governments as they work towards making improvements in the well-being of Aboriginal peoples.

Take part, complete the survey and help make a better future!

Aboriginal Peoples Survey Education and Employment

For more information, call 1-800-263-1136 or go to www.statcan.gc.ca/aps

Kingfisher Lake’s William Mekanak is planning a 600-kilometre walk on the winter road to raise funds for a Suboxone treatment centre.

“As a leader, it’s time to help these clients that are doing the Suboxone program,” said the Kingfisher Lake band councillor. “In the community, they don’t have a place or a facility.

They say it’s pretty tough when you don’t have anything to do or any place to hang out with the other ones.”

Mekanak is looking to raise about $150,000 to build a three-bedroom Suboxone detoxification program treatment facility for clients to meet, talk, share and work together on their healing journey.

“It’s just a small room where they (currently) meet,” Mekanak said. “I’m hoping to get a building probably the next winter road season.”

Mekanak is planning for a one-and-a-half-week walk from his community to the Shibogama First Nations Council office in Sioux Lookout, beginning March 22.

“There’s going to be people walking with me,” Mekanak said. “I have three right now.

More people are welcome to join me.”

Mekanak would like to see clients from other Shibogama communities attending the proposed Suboxone treatment centre as well as from his community.

Wawatay News

Wolverine trapped at Pagwa

MARCH 15, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

INSPECTION Inspection of Approved 2012–2013 Annual Work Schedule Pic River Ojibway Forest The Nipigon District Office of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has reviewed and approved the GreenForest Management Inc. on behalf of BDO Canada Ltd., as receiver for Great West Timber Ltd., April 1, 2012– March 31, 2013 Annual Work Schedule (AWS) for the Pic River Ojibway Forest.

Availability The AWS will be available for public inspection at the GreenForest Management Inc. office and the MNR public website at ontario.ca/forestplans beginning March 15, 2012 and throughout the one-year duration. Ontario Government Information Centres at the Nipigon District and Terrace Bay Area Offices provide access to the Internet.

Scheduled Forest Management Operations The AWS describes forest management activities such as road construction, maintenance and decommissioning, forestry aggregate pits, harvest, site preparation, tree planting and tending that are scheduled to occur during the year.

photo courtesy of the Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa

Wolverines, the largest land-dwelling members of the family Mustelidae (weasels), are found primarily in remote reaches of the northern boreal forests and the subarctic and alpine tundra.

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Constance Lake’s Larry Gillis and grandson Jeff Gillis recently caught a wolverine on their trapline near the old Pagwa community site.

“We put a lynx trap there because something was breaking our boxes, wrecking our traps,” Larry Gillis said. “We figured it was a lynx so we put up some lynx sets and that is where we caught it.”

Gillis said the wolverine was dead when they arrived back at the trapline.

“We figure it got caught during the night because it wasn’t even frozen,” Gillis said. “The traps we used are pretty wicked — 330 Conibears. The new ones are very strong. If you get them by the head, that’s it. I don’t even think they would last five minutes.”

Gillis was surprised when he realized they had caught a wolverine, as he had never seen one before except on television even though he has been trapping for about 40 years.

“At first I thought it was a fox,” Gillis said.

“I saw the ring on its back — it was almost white or reddish in colour. I talked to people that have been around (the area) and they haven’t heard of anything being caught like that up here.”

Gillis hasn’t had any trouble with his traps since he caught the wolverine.

“You know how we trap marten — we have boxes nailed onto trees (about three-anda-half to four feet high),” Gillis said. “They were getting knocked off or ripped up. He

was after the bait or whatever was caught in it.”

Gillis didn’t realize wolverines were an endangered species when he caught it, but after speaking about the wolverine with a marine biologist in Hearst, a Ministry of Natural Resources representative from Manitouwadge confiscated it.

“They said I couldn’t sell it or possess it,” Gillis said.

Gillis said the wolverine looked like a “pretty tough animal.”

“They say bears and wolves are leery of them,” Gillis said.

“I’d say the one we caught was about 35-38 pounds, it was about 40 inches long from tail to the tip of its nose and around his chest was about 23 inches. I was talking to the biologist and she claimed a full grown male would be up to 60 pounds.”

Gillis has been teaching his eighteen-year-old grandson about trapping for the past four years.

“It’s time to learn when they are young,” Gillis said. “If everybody did that, it would be good for the young people. It’s the only way you learn.”

Gillis remembers going out on the land with his father when he was a “young kid” to learn about traditional activities.

“But back then you were allowed during your school year to go out a couple of weeks or something to go trapping,” Gillis said. “We were living in Pagwa. The rail line was still open back then. Now everything is shut down — there’s only a few houses left.”

Gillis would like to get the wolverine stuffed if the MNR returns it to him.

Pow wow at DFC

Tree Planting and Fuelwood BDO Canada Ltd., as receiver for Great West Timber Ltd., is responsible for tree planting on the Pic River Ojibway Forest. Please contact GreenForest Management Inc. for information regarding tree planting job opportunities.

For information on the locations and licence requirements for obtaining fuelwood for personal use, please contact the Nipigon District Office. For commercial fuelwood opportunities, please contact GreenForest Management Inc. More Information For more information on the AWS or to arrange an appointment with MNR staff to discuss the AWS or to request an AWS operations summary map, please contact: Raymond Weldon, RPF Management Forester Ministry of Natural Resources Nipigon District Office 5 Wadsworth Drive Nipigon, ON P0T 2J0 tel: 807-887-5058 fax: 807-887-2993 office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Jeffrey Cameron, RPF Planning Forester GreenForest Management Inc. P.O. Box 22004 470 Hodder Avenue Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8A8 tel: 807-343-6418 fax: 807-343-6424 office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

INSPECTION Inspection of Approved 2012–2013 Annual Work Schedule Caribou Forest The Sioux Lookout District of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has reviewed and approved the AbiBow Canada Inc. April 1, 2012–March 31, 2013 Annual Work Schedule (AWS) for the Caribou Forest.

Availability The AWS will be available for public inspection at the AbiBow Canada Inc. Sioux Lookout Office, MNR’s Sioux Lookout District Office and the MNR public website at ontario.ca/forestplans beginning March 14, 2012 and throughout the one-year duration. The Ontario Government Information Centre at 62 Queen Street, Sioux Lookout provides access to the Internet.

Scheduled Forest Management Operations The AWS describes forest management activities such as road construction, maintenance and decommissioning, forestry aggregate pits, harvest, site preparation, tree planting and tending that are scheduled to occur during the year.

Tree Planting and Fuelwood AbiBow Canada Inc. is responsible for tree planting on the Caribou Forest. Please contact John Lawson at 807-475-2440 for information regarding tree planting job opportunities.

For information on the locations and licence requirements for obtaining fuelwood for personal use, please contact the MNR’s Sioux Lookout District Office at 807-737-5038. For commercial fuelwood opportunities, please contact AbiBow Canada Inc. at 807-737-7280.

More Information For more information on the AWS or to arrange an appointment with MNR staff to discuss the AWS or to request an AWS operations summary map, please contact: Tara Pettit, RPF Area Forester Ministry of Natural Resources Sioux Lookout District Office 49 Prince Street, P.O. Box 309 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A6 tel: 807-737-5040 fax: 807-737-1813 Please call for an appointment.

Photo by Lenny Carpenter/Wawatay News

Dancers, in regalia or plain clothes, took part in a powwow at the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School on Family Day.

John Bastone, RPF Operations Coordinator AbiBow Canada Inc. 34C Front Street, P.O. Box 568 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A8 tel: 807-737-7280 fax: 807-737-7281 Please call for an appointment.

17

Wawatay News

$

INCLUDES $6,500†† IN MANUFACTURER REBATES AND $750‡ CUSTOM EVENT CASH ALTERNATIVE.

21,249

*

OFFER EXCLUDES TAXES.

_02XUE_25283_G_R1_CustomTruck_8.5x11.5.indd 1

TRACTION CONTROL

AVAILABLE 4X4

AVAILABLE SYNC

8.9L/100km 32MPG HWY^^ 12.7L/100km 22MPG CITY^^

$

MARCH 15, 2012

Lenny Carpenter

Wawatay News

James Wilkinson performs a duet with Jamie Labrador, a member of Eagle Lake First Nation, on March 10 at a fundraiser that aims bring a vocal coach and talent agent to Thunder Bay. photo by Lenny Carpenter/Wawatay News

OWN N FOR ONLYY

BEST SELLING LINE OF TRUCKS FOR 46 YEARS YEARS..

±

UP TO

MAKE IT YOUR FORD TODAY AT THE CUSTOM TRUCK EVENT. ONLY AT YOUR ONTARIO FORD STORE. In a part of the country where few talent agents go, James Wilkinson felt he should bring one to Thunder Bay. Wilkinson organized a concert on March 10 at Confederation College as a fundraiser to bring vocal coach Diana Yampolsky of 4 A.M. Talent Development and Artist Managerment Group Inc. to Thunder Bay to hold workshops and auditions for aspiring singers.

Yampolsky also founded Royans Universe Records.

Wilkinson said he wanted to give people in northwestern Ontario an opportunity to demonstrate their skills to talent agencies.

NOW GET THE FORD YOU WANT WITH THE ACCESSORIES YOU WANT.

2012 F-150 STX SUPER CAB

$

22,999 *

INCLUDES $7,500 $7 500†† IN MANUFACTURER REBATES AND $750‡ CUSTOM EVENT CASH ALTERNATIVE.

OFFER EXCLUDES TAXES

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

IN MANUFACTURER REBATES

ON MOST NEW 2011 & 2012 MODELS

INCLUDES $7,500†† IN MANUFACTURER REBATES AND $750‡ CUSTOM EVENT CASH ALTERNATIVE.

28,249

* TRACTION CONTROL

2012 2F F-150 150 STX REGULAR CAB

2012 012 F F-150 150 XL S SUPER UPER UP ER C CAB AB 4 4X4 X4

OWN FOR ONLY

OWN FOR ONLY

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

AVAILABLE SYNC

8.9L/100km 32MPG HWY^^ 12.7L/100km 22MPG CITY^^

Super Cab XLT model shown

•TOWING •PAYLOAD •FUEL ECONOMY ‡‡

‡‡

***

TOWARDS THE ACCESSORIES YOU WANT

OR

ON MOST NEW 2011 & 2012 MODELS

TOWARDS YOUR PURCHASE

ON MOST NEW 2011 & 2012 MODELS

TRACTION CONTROL

AVAILABLE SYNC

9.7L/100km 29MPG HWY^^ 13.4L/100km 21MPG CITY^^

Our advertised prices include Freight, Air Tax, PPSA and the Stewardship Ontario Environmental Fee. Add dealer administration and registration fees of up to $799, fuel fill charge of up to $120 and applicable taxes, then drive away.

OFFER EXCLUDES TAXES.

ontarioford.ca

Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers may be cancelled at any time without notice. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. ††† “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under license. *Purchase a new 2012 [F-150 STX Regular Cab 4x2/ F-150 STX Super Cab 4x2/ F-150 Super Cab XL 4x4] for [$21,249/ $22,999/$28,249] after Total Manufacturer Rebate of [$6,500/$7,500/$7,500] deducted. Vehicle shown is a 2012 F-150 Super Cab XLT 4X4 With MSRP of $37,399. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebate has been deducted. Offers include freight, air tax, PPSA and Stewardship Ontario Environmental Fee but exclude administration and registration fees of up to $799, fuel fill charge of up to $120 and all applicable taxes. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Delivery Allowances can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at either the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. Delivery Allowances are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. †† From Feb. 1, 2012 to Apr. 2, 2012, receive $250/$500/$750/ $1,000/$1,500/ $1,750/$2,000/$3,000/$3,250/ $3,500/ $4,000/ $4,500/$5,000/ $5,500/$6,000/ $6,500/$7,000/ $7,500/$8,000 in Manufacturer Rebates with the purchase or lease of a new 2012 Focus (excluding S)/2012 Flex SE, E-Series/2012 Explorer (excluding Base)/2012 Taurus SE, Escape I4 Manual, Transit Connect (excluding Electric)/2011 Fiesta S, Ranger Super Cab XL and Regular Cab/2012 Mustang Value Leader/ 2012 [Fusion S, F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cabs], 2011 [Taurus SE, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 Value Leader] /2012 [Flex (excluding SE)], 2011 [Fusion S]/ 2011 Fiesta (excluding S)/2012 Mustang V6 (excluding Value Leader)/ 2012 [Taurus (excluding SE), Edge (excluding SE), Expedition], 2011 [F-350 to F-550 Chassis Cabs]/ 2012 Mustang GT/ 2012 [Fusion (excluding S), Escape and Hybrid (excluding I4 Manual)], 2011 [Taurus (excluding SE)]/2012 [Escape V6, F-250 to F-450 gas engine (excluding Chassis Cabs)], 2011 [Fusion (Excluding S), Ranger Super Cab (excluding XL)]/2011 Expedition/2012 F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2) non-5.0L/ 2012 F-150 Regular Cab (excluding XL 4x2) 5.0L /2012 [F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew non-5.0L, F-250 to F-450 diesel engine (excluding Chassis Cabs)], 2011 [F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew non-5.0L and 3.7L engines]/2012 [F-150 Super Cab and Super Crew 5.0L], 2011 [F-250 to F-450 Gas engine (excluding Chassis Cabs) - all Raptor, GT500, BOSS302, and Medium Truck models excluded. This offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at either the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. ‡Offer valid from February 1, 2012 to April 15, 2012 (the “Program Period”). Receive CAD$1,000 towards select Ford Custom truck accessories, excluding factory-installed accessories/options (“Accessories”), with the purchase or lease of a new 2011/2012 Ford F-150 (excluding Raptor), Ranger or Super Duty (each an “Eligible Vehicle”) delivered or factory ordered during the Program Period (the “Offer”). Offer is subject to vehicle and Accessory availability. Offer is not redeemable for cash and can only be applied towards eligible Accessories. Any unused portions of the Offer are forfeited. Total Accessories may exceed CAD$1,000. Only one (1) Offer may be applied toward the purchase or lease of an eligible vehicle. Customer’s choosing to forego the Offer will qualify for $750 in customer cash to be applied to the purchase, finance or lease price of an Eligible Vehicle (taxes payable before customer cash is deducted). This Offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford of Canada at the time of factory order or delivery, but not both. This Offer is not combinable with CPA, GPC, Daily Rental Allowances, the Commercial Upfit Program, or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). Limited time offer. Offer may be cancelled at any time without notice. Some conditions apply. Offer available to residents of Canada only. See Dealer for details. ^^Estimated fuel consumption ratings for the [2012] [F-150 4X2 3.7L –V6 6 speed SST/F-150 4x4 3.7L V6- 6 speed SST]. Fuel consumption ratings based on Transport Canada-approved test methods. Actual fuel consumption will vary based on road conditions, vehicle loading and driving habits. ***F-150: Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR, non-hybrid. Estimated fuel consumption ratings for the 2012 F-150 4X2 3.7L V6 SST: 12.7L/100km city and 8.9L/100km hwy based on Transport Canada approved test methods. Actual fuel consumption will vary based on road conditions, vehicle loading and driving habits. Super Duty: Based on Ford drive-cycle tests of comparably equipped 2011 Ford and 2010/2011 competitive models. Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR. ‡‡F-150: When properly equipped. Max. towing of 11,300 lbs with 3.5L EcoBoost and 6.2L 2 valve 4X2 V8 engines. Max. payload of 3,120 lbs with 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engines. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs GVWR, non-hybrid. Super Duty: Max. conventional towing capability of 17,500 lbs. on F-350 and max. 5th Wheel towing capability of 24,500 lbs. On F-450 when properly equipped. Max. payload capability of 7,110 lbs. on F-350 when properly equipped. Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR vs. 2011/2012 competitors. ±F-Series is the best-selling pickup truck in Canada for 46 years in a row based on Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association statistical sales report, December 2011. ©2012 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

18 ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Youth showcase talent “It’s not something that people would have a chance for,” he said.

“I think the talent up here is in the same caliber as some of the bigger cities...”

– James Wilkinson

“I know a lot of musicians in town and I talked to them and asked if they got a lot of exposure in Toronto or New York, and everyone’s like no. Everything’s grassroots and there’s a small circuit to play here: cultural events and some small venues.”

Available in most new Ford vehicles with 6-month pre-paid subscription

†††

3/9/12 10:09 AM

Wilkinson said that, coming from Toronto and having performed in various cities, he’s heard a lot of talented singers over the years.

“I think the talent up here is in the same caliber as some of the bigger cities I’ve been to and played myself,” he said. “So I thought it’d be a good idea for her to come up, see the people here and give them an opportunity.”

Ten local youth performed in the fundraiser, including Jamie Labrador of Eagle Lake First Nation, Natasha Fisher of Long Lake #58 First Nation, and Sara Kanutski of Lake Helen First Nation.

Wilkinson said the performers are the ones who will be taking part in the workshops.

“I decided it would be a good idea to get everybody who’s going to participate in this first round to come and sing for the community so they would get an idea of why I would actually do something like this,” he said.

The two-day workshops will take place on Apr. 7-8 to teach the basics of singing, performing and how to deal with record companies.

“She’ll assess them and provide feedback, and kind of tell them where they’re at, where they could go,” Wilkinson said.

“And she’s on a recruiting mission right now, so if she finds somebody she could work with right now, she could scoop them up.”

Choices for youth

Rick Garrick

Wawatay News

A new social skills program focused on decision making, goal setting, alcohol, prescription drugs and self-respect has been established for youth at risk in Thunder Bay. “As parents and guardians we all really try to teach our children the difference between right or wrong so they can make positive life choices as they face outside influences at school and in the community,” said Nancy Chamberlain, executive director at Thunder Bay Counselling Centre. “Unfortunately making the right choice is not always easy. The Choices program will provide guidance, role models, and support to help young people find the right direction in life.”

The Choices program is a free 10-week program led by volunteer mentors and role models for youth from different walks of life.

“We are actively seeking youth to participate in the program,” Chamberlain said. “Our mentors will show them that there are better choices available and will provide participants with someone to look up to and help them focus on the more important things in life.”

The Choices program was originally created in SarniaLambton, located in southern Ontario, and has since successfully served more than 13,000 youth.

Information is available by contacting the Thunder Bay Counselling Centre at 6841880.

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

Mushkegowuk Challenge Cup

19

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

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) is looking for your story told through images and words The purpose of the NAN PhotoVoice Project is to collect photoVoice stories from NAN youth who wish to share what being a First Nations person means to them. Photographs and stories should describe what being a First Nations person in Canada means to you.

Enter the NAN Youth Facebook Draw for another chance to win.

To enter, simply type â&#x20AC;&#x153;NAN Youth Pageâ&#x20AC;? on Facebook, join the group, and you will be automatically be entered to win.

Prizes include Acer laptop computers, Apple iPods and Canon digital cameras.

submitted photos

ABOVE: Mushkegowuk Challenge Cup Sr. Girls Champions Kashechewan Icedogs poses with members of the finalist team, Attawapiskat Northwind. The 5th Annual Mushkegowuk Challenge Cup took place in Timmins during the Feb. 25-27 weekend, where close to 40 teams played in eight age-divisions. The tournament featured teams from Peawanuck, Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort Albany, Moosonee, Moose Factory, Taykwa Tagamou, Chisasibi, Waskaganish and Wemindji. Tournament co-organizer Linda Carey called the tournament a success.

The NAN Youth Draw and PhotoVoice Contest are open to both on and oďŹ&#x20AC;-reserve NAN Youth, 29 years old and under. You can also submit your PhotoVoice entry without using Facebook.

The entry deadline for both the draw and contest is March 31, 2012.

The winners will be announced after April 5, 2012.

BELOW: The Chisasibi Hunters took home the Mushkegowuk Challege Cup novice championship.

The team consisted of (in no particular order): Jayden Bobbish, Tristan Petawabano, Dainius Pelchat, Dominic Lameboy, Skylar Georgekish, Jarris Chiskamish, Jayden Sealhunter, Josie-James Sam, Christina Sam, Wayne Sealhunter, Linneirria Matthew, Keyshawn Chakapash, Kaylin Kanatewat, Alex Chewanish, Riley Duff, Justin Mianscum, Mayson Sam and Storm Blackned.

For more information about these contests or to submit PhotoVoice entries send end n questions/submissions to Stephan Kudaka, Oshkaatisak (Young Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Council) Coordinator, at skudaka@nan.on.ca or call toll free at 1(800) 465-9952.

Visit www.nan.on.ca for complete contest rules.

Do You Have Bad Credit, Experienced a Bankruptcy or Have No Credit?

We will help make you feel comfortable in an understanding and professional environment.

Let our Financial Services Manager, Joanna work together with you to find the right payment, the right vehicle and guide you through the process of re-establishing your credit.

/DNHYLHZ 'U .HQRUD Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021; www.bayviewtoyota.com

2012 Tacoma Access Cab 4x4

28,475

$

1.8Ltr 4Cyl, Auto Trans, Air, Tilt, Power Door Locks, AM/FM/CD, Keyless Entry & Much More! Stk #B2850

Or Lease for $0 Down**

Cash Price*

+HST

7R\RWD 7XQGUD /WG &UHZPD[

6-spd auto., CD player, air conditioning, sunroof, MP3, fully equipped! 97,070 kms. Stk#977A

Sale Price + HST

)RUG (VFDSH ;/7

4-spd auto, CD player, air conditioning, MP3 player & more! 77,629 kms. Stk#926A

Sale Price + HST

$

/mth+HST

PRE-OWNED VEHICLES

2005 GMC Safari SLT AWD

2005 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 4-spd auto, overdrive switch, CD player, air conditioning, fully equipped! 127,913 kms. Stk#B2958B

Sale Price + HST

+HST

Or Lease for $0 Down**

222

$

/mth+HST

2.5Ltr 4 Cyl., Auto Trans, Air, Tilt/Telescopic Steering, Cruise, Power Windows, Power Locks, AM/FM/CD, Keyless Entry & Much More! Stk #B2994 Cash Price*

25,390

$

+HST

Or Lease for $0 Down**

318

$

/mth+HST

*Cash price includes all rebates and incentives, freight, PDI, block heater, OMVIC fee, + HST. No payments for 90 days OAC. **Lease based on 60 month term, 20,000 kms per year, lease payments and down payments plus HST. Cash Rebate used as cash down OAC. See dealer for details.

4.3L 6 cyl. 4-spd auto., power pkg, cruise, CD player, fully equipped, one owner. LOCAL TRADE! Stk #B2957A

Sale Price + HST

Cash Price*

16,765

363

$

2011 RAV-4 AWD Standard Pkg

2011 Corolla Convenience Pkg

2.7Ltr 4 Cyl., 5 Spd Manual Trans, Air, Tilt Steering, AM/FM/CD, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Star Safety System & Much More! Stk#B2963

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T LET A BAD CREDIT HISTORY BECOME AN OBSTACLE. CONTACT JOANNA TODAY TOLL FREE AT

)RUG (VFDSH ;/7 :'

3.0L, 6-cyl., 4-spd. auto, air, cruise, tilt, pwr. pkg., CD/MP3, roof rack, tow hitch, alloy wheels, and more! Stk#B2906A

Sale Price + HST

2006 Toyota Rav4 Base AWD 2.4L 4 cyl., 4-spd auto., power pkg., air, cruise, CD/MP3 player, roof rack, bucket seats, remote start & more! 113,876 kms Stk#B3002A

Sale Price + HST

3RQWLDF 7RUUHQW 3RGLXP $:'

2010 GMC Acadia SLE AWD

3.4L, 6-cyl., 5-spd auto., AWD, fully equipped, CD, pwr.pkg., cruise, bucket seats, alarm system & more! 67,640 kms. Stk# B2878A

6-spd auto., fully equipped, air, CD/MP3 player & more! Stk #B2997A

Sale Price + HST

Sale Price + HST

2006 Toyota Matrix 4WD 1.8L 4 cyl., 4-spd auto., bucket seats, air cond., remote starter, cruise, tilt, CD player. 88,120 kms Stk#B2998A

Sale Price + HST

)RUG ) ;/7 [

2005 Toyota Tundra SR5 TRD 4x4 4.7L 8 cyl. 5-spd auto.,1 owner local trade with clean car-proof!

New BF All-Terrain tires, fully equipped & super low kms!

Sale Price + HST

7R\RWD +LJKODQGHU 65 9

5.4L 8 cyl., 6-spd auto.,fully equipped, CD player, air cond., cruise, heated mirrors, tow hitch & more! 63,256 kms Stk#B2858A

5-spd auto., CD/MP3 player, air conditioning, fully equipped! 96,262 kms. Stk#983A

Sale Price + HST

Sale Price + HST

20

Wawatay News

MARCH 15, 2012

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

sgdn Aboriginal Engagement

Q. A.

Why is the Nuclear Waste Management Organization working to engage Aboriginal peoples at this early point in the siting process?

Listening to and addressing the interests and concerns of Aboriginal peoples are integral to the development and implementation of Canada’s plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel. Since its inception, the NWMO has been committed to the meaningful involvement of Aboriginal peoples. The NWMO’s site selection process, initiated in May 2010, is intended to identify an informed and willing host community for a safe and secure deep geological repository. The siting process commits the NWMO to involving surrounding communities, regions and other jurisdictional levels, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit who are potentially affected by the project.

Engagement des Autochtones

Q. R.

Throughout our work, we strive to build relationships at all levels of the community and province and nationally, and work to understand Aboriginal culture and protocols.

Meaningful involvement and informed decision-making by potentially affected Aboriginal communities as we work together must be built on a foundation of trust, knowledge and vision. The long-term well-being of the community is of primary importance.

Tout au long de nos travaux, nous nous efforçons de bâtir des relations à tous les niveaux de la collectivité et de la province et au niveau national, et nous travaillons à comprendre la culture et les protocoles autochtones. Une participation concrète et la prise de décisions informée par les collectivités autochtones potentiellement touchées alors que nous travaillons ensemble doivent être fondées sur la confiance, les connaissances et une vision. Le bien-être à long terme de la collectivité est d’une importance capitale.

The NWMO acknowledges, respects and honours that Aboriginal peoples have unique status and rights as recognized by section 35 of the Constitution Act (1982), and is committed to respecting the Aboriginal rights and treaties of Aboriginal peoples potentially affected by our work.

Q. A.

How has the NWMO been engaging Aboriginal communities and organizations in its work?

Following our establishment in 2002 under the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act, the NWMO undertook a three-year national dialogue and study to evaluate options and recommend a management approach for used nuclear fuel which involved 2,500 Aboriginal people.

We have worked with communities, provincial and national organizations, and Elders to develop long-term engagement and dialogue processes that respect traditional Aboriginal practices, culture, protocols and approaches to decision-making.

La SGDN reconnaît, respecte et honore le fait que les peuples autochtones détiennent un statut et des droits distincts, lesquels sont reconnus par l’article 35 de la Loi constitutionnelle (1982), et s’est engagée à respecter les droits et les traités des peuples autochtones potentiellement touchées par nos travaux.

Q. R.

The NWMO has had an Elders Forum in place since 2005. The Elders Forum (currently being restructured) includes Elders from many parts of the country who have assisted in the development of the NWMO’s engagement with Aboriginal communities, and our approach to important matters such as Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and how it should be applied to the project.

Nous avons également veillé à ce que les collectivités autochtones soient invitées à participer aux journées portes ouvertes organisées dans les collectivités voisines participant au programme En savoir plus de la SGDN. Cette année, nous prévoyons étendre nos contacts à d’autres collectivités et organisations autochtones locales. Ces efforts d’engagement nous donneront l’occasion d’entendre directement de ceux qui pourront être touchés, et d’améliorer notre compréhension des préoccupations exprimées et de répondre aux questions soulevées.

As well, the NWMO has established agreements with many Aboriginal organizations to learn from one another and to support Aboriginal involvement in the site selection process.

Q. A.

Are there Aboriginal communities involved in the site selection process?

Yes. Currently, there are two Aboriginal communities in Saskatchewan that have indicated they want to learn more about the NWMO site selection process and Canada’s plan for the safe long-term storage of used nuclear fuel. Those communities are English River First Nation and the Northern Village of Pinehouse.

What are some of the benefits of working together?

Finding a long-term approach to the safe storage of used nuclear fuel is a global issue.

Elders have told us of the genius and wisdom that reside in Indigenous peoples and have stressed the importance of working together. NWMO experts have already incorporated knowledge derived from looking at how Nature herself protects the environment and us from potentially dangerous substances. Together, we have an opportunity to set new standards in Indigenous-Corporate relations.

In addition, this is a major national infrastructure project that will bring with it the opportunity for large job creation, training and economic development for a host community and its regional neighbours.

Moving Forward Together: Overview of Canada’s Plan for the Long-Term Management of Used Nuclear Fuel is available online in nine different Aboriginal languages at www.nwmo.ca/sitingprocess_overview1.

Various videos on the NWMO and Adaptive Phased Management are available in the nine Aboriginal languages at www.nwmo.ca/aboriginal_dvds.

De quelle manière la SGDN a-t-elle procédé pour consulter les collectivités et les organisations autochtones dans le cadre de ses travaux? À la suite de notre création en 2002 conformément à la Loi sur les déchets de combustible nucléaire, la SGDN a entrepris un dialogue national et une étude, qui ont fait participer 2500 Autochtones, sur une période de trois ans pour évaluer les options et recommander une approche de gestion pour le combustible nucléaire irradié. Nous avons travaillé avec des collectivités, des organisations provinciales et nationales, et des Aînés pour élaborer un engagement et des processus de dialogue à long terme qui respectent les pratiques, la culture, les protocoles et les approches pour la prise de décisions autochtones.

La SGDN a constitué un Forum des Aînés en 2005. Ce Forum des Aînés (actuellement en cours de restructuration) est composé d’aînés de diverses régions du pays qui ont participé à l’élaboration des activités d’engagement de la SGDN auprès des collectivités autochtones et de notre approche concernant les questions d’importance, telles que le savoir traditionnel autochtone et la façon dont il devrait être appliqué au projet.

We have also made sure Aboriginal communities are invited to open houses held in neighbouring communities involved in the NWMO’s Learn More process. This year we will be reaching out to more local Aboriginal communities and organizations. This engagement will provide us with the opportunity to hear directly from those who might be affected, and increase our understanding of the concerns expressed and answer questions that are raised.

Q. A.

Pourquoi la Société de gestion des déchets nucléaires souhaite-t-elle être en relation avec les peuples autochtones aussi tôt dans le processus de sélection d’un site? Écouter et répondre aux intérêts et préoccupations des peuples autochtones font partie intégrante de l’élaboration et de la mise en œuvre du plan canadien pour la gestion à long terme du combustible nucléaire irradié. Depuis sa création, la SGDN s’est engagée à faire participer les peuples autochtones de manière concrète. Lancé en mai 2010, le processus de sélection d’un site de la SGDN a pour but d’identifier une collectivité hôte informée qui consentira à accueillir un dépôt géologique en profondeur sûr et sécuritaire. Le processus de sélection d’un site engage la SGDN à faire participer les collectivités voisines, régions et autres niveaux juridictionnels, y compris les Premières nations, Métis et Inuits qui seront potentiellement touchés par le projet.

En outre, la SGDN a conclu des ententes avec plusieurs organisations autochtones pour apprendre les uns des autres et pour soutenir la participation des Autochtones au processus de sélection d’un site.

Q. R.

Est-ce que des collectivités autochtones participent au processus de sélection d’un site?

Oui. En ce moment, deux collectivités autochtones de la Saskatchewan ont indiqué qu’elles souhaitaient en savoir plus sur le processus de sélection d’un site de la SGDN et sur le plan canadien de stockage à long terme sûr du combustible nucléaire irradié.

Ce sont la Première nation d’English River et le Northern Village of Pinehouse.

Q. R.

Quels avantages seront tirés de cette collaboration?

Trouver une approche à long terme au stockage sûr du combustible nucléaire irradié est un enjeu qu’il faut approcher selon une perspective globale. Les aînés nous ont parlé de l’intelligence et de la sagesse des Autochtones et ont souligné l’importance de travailler ensemble. Les experts de la SGDN ont déjà commencé à incorporer le savoir tiré de l’observation de la façon dont la Nature elle-même parvient à protéger l’environnement et l’humain des substances potentiellement dangereuses. Ensemble, nous avons l’occasion d’établir de nouvelles normes en matière de relations entre les Autochtones et les entreprises.

De plus, ceci est un projet d’infrastructure national majeur qui entraînera des retombées importantes en ce qui a trait à la création d’emploi, à la formation et au développement économique pour la collectivité hôte et l’ensemble de la région.

Façonnons l’avenir ensemble : Survol du plan du Canada pour la gestion à long terme du combustible nucléaire irradié est disponible en ligne dans neuf différentes langues autochtones à l’adresse www.nwmo.ca/sitingprocess_overview1.

Plusieurs vidéos sur la SGDN et la Gestion adaptative progressive sont disponibles dans ces neuf langues autochtones à l’adresse www.nwmo.ca/aboriginal_dvds.

Bob Watts is the Director of Aboriginal Community Relations at the Nuclear Waste Management Organization. He has worked on a broad range of Aboriginal issues at the regional and national levels for many years, including working to establish the historic Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Mr. Watts is also an adjunct professor at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

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

Bob Watts est directeur des relations avec les collectivités autochtones à la Société de gestion des déchets nucléaires. Il a travaillé sur un large éventail de questions autochtones à l’échelle régionale et nationale pendant plusieurs années, notamment pour l’établissement de la Commission de vérité et de réconciliation relative aux pensionnats indiens. M. Watts est également professeur auxiliaire à l’Université Queen’s, à Kingston, en Ontario.

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

www.nwmo.ca