September 3, 2009

Polar bear research questioned PAGE 3 www.wawataynews.ca Vol. 36 #18

Bill Nothing receives Tikinagan award PAGE 6

DFC students return to school PAGES 14-15 9,300 copies distributed $1.50

September 3, 2009

Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice since 1974

KI denies Platinex access to land

A stroke of genius

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Platinex’s Aug. 26 attempt to resume mineral exploration in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug territory was thwarted by traditional fishing activities.

“They (Platinex) attempted to come to the site,” said KI Coun. Sam McKay, one of the KI6 who were imprisoned in 2008 for standing up for their right to free, prior and informed consent before their traditional territory is mined or explored. “They were unable to land due to people out on the lake.”

McKay said a number of community members were participating in traditional fishing activities on Nemeigusabins Lake in a boat and a canoe when the Platinex charter plane attempted to land. Video of the attempted landing is posted on the www.kitchenuhmaykoosib.com website.

McKay said the plane flew away to another lake and returned later but was unable to land once again, after which it was seen flying south.

“I am very deeply concerned about what is happening at Nemeigusabins Lake,” said KI Chief Donny Morris. “I am deeply disappointed that the province has not intervened on this matter.

We made submissions to the province.

The premier never responded to our letter where I asked him for a meeting.

I think this is opposite to what he said when he talked about the proposed Far North Act. I was out on Nemeigusabins Lake because I am concerned about the safety of my people and I am concerned about protecting our land. I am glad that our presence on the land reconfirmed our Aboriginal and treaty rights and was peaceful.”

McKay said the Ontario Provincial Police were monitoring the situation from the shore of Nemeigusabins Lake when the Platinex chartered plane attempted to land, and the community has received support from Wapekeka and Bearskin Lake. see KI page 20

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Send your comments to: editor@wawatay.on.ca or send to: Wawatay News 16-5th Avenue North P.O. Box 1180 Sioux Lookout ON P8T 1B7

Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News

Fort William First Nation artist, Christian Chapman, working out of his Thunder Bay studio. Chapman has received multiple grants from the Ontario Arts Council allowing him to work on various painting projects including a portrait series on Aboriginal artists. Visit www.wawataynews.ca to watch a video interview with Chapman inside his studio.

ᑭᓂᒥᓇᐁᐧᑲᐧᔑᐁᐧᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑭ ᑭᐳᐡᑲᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᓄᑕᓯᓂᐁᐧᐣ ᐁᐱᑲᑫᐧᐳᓂᓂᐨ ᕑᐃᐠ ᑲᕑᐃᐠ ᐊᐧᐊᐧᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐃᐧᓇᐣ

ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᑲᐢᐟ ᐱᓯᑦ 26 ᑲᐃᓇᑭᓱᐨ ᐊᔕ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᑊᓫᐊᑎᓀᐠᐢ ᐅᓄᑕᓯᓂᐁᐧᐠ ᑭᑲᑫᐧ ᐃᔕᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐠ ᐁᐃᐧᐊᑕᐃᐧ ᐯᑲᐧᑕᐦᐃᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲᐧ ᔕᑯᐨ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᑭᐅᒋ ᐃᓯᓭᓂᐠ ᐁᑭ ᑭᐳᓂᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᐸᑭᑕᐁᐧᓂᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐣ. ᐊᔕ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᑭᐱᑲᑫᐧᐱᔕᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᓄᑕᓯᓂᐁᐧᐠ ᑲᐃᐧᑕᔑᐯᑲᐧᑕᐦᐃᑫᐊᐧᐨ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐅᓇᔓᐁᐧᐃᐧᓂᓂ ᓴᑦ ᒪᐠᑫ, ᐊᒥ ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᐯᔑᐠ ᑲᑭ ᑭᐸᐦᐅᑕᐧᐸᐣ ᐣᑯᑕᐧᓱ ᐅᓂᑲᓂᑕᒪᑫᐠ 2008 ᑲᔭᑭᐊᐧᓂᐠ ᐁᑲᑫᐧ ᒥᒋᒥᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑕᑭᒥᐊᐧ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᓂᑲᐣ ᒋᑭᑫᑕᒧᓂᑕᐧ ᒪᐧᔦ ᒪᑕᓄᑲᑌᓂᐠ ᐅᑕᑭᒥᐊᐧᐠ. ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᑕᐡ ᒋᑭᐅᒋ ᑲᐡᑭᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᐳᓂᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑭ ᑭᐸᑯᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᒋᒪᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᒪ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᐠ. ᒪᐠᑫ ᐃᑭᑐ ᒥᔑᐣ ᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐃᐧ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑭᐱᐸᑭᑕᐁᐧᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᒪ ᓇᒣᑯᓴᐱᐣᐢ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᐅᒋᒪᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐁᑭᐊᑯᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᐱ ᐅᓄᑕᓯᓂᐁᐧᐠ ᐁᐱᑲᑫᐧᐸᑭᒋᐊᐧᐨ. ᒋᒐᑲᑌᓯᒋᑲᑌ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᑲᑫᐧᐳᓂᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲᐧ ᐃᒪ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᒪᒪᑕᐃᐧᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᐠ ᑲᐃᔑᐊᐧᐸᑕᓇᐊᐧ. ᒪᐠᑫ ᐃᑭᑐ ᒥᐊᐱᐣ ᑲᐃᔑᒪᒋᑯᑌᐠ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐊᐱᐣ ᑯᑕᐠ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᑭᐃᓇᑯᑌ ᐁᑲᐧ ᓇᑫ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᑭᐱᑭᐁᐧᑯᑌ ᔕᑯᐨ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᑭᐅᒋ ᑲᐡᑭᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᑭᐳᓂᐊᐧᐨ, ᐁᐧᑎ ᐊᐱᐣ ᔕᐊᐧᓄᐠ ᑭᐃᔑᒪᒋᑯᑌ. ᒥᑐᓂ ᓂᒥᑯᐡᑲᑌᑕᐣ ᐅᐁᐧ ᑲᐃᔑᐊᐧᐸᑕᒪᐣ ᑲᐃᓯᓭᐠ ᓇᒣᑯᓴᐱᐣᐢ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᐠ, ᐃᑭᑐ

ᑭᒣᑯᓯᐱ ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᑕᐧᓂ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ. ᒥᑐᓂ ᑲᔦ ᐣᒋᔐᐣᑕᒥᐦᐃᐠ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᐣ ᐁᑲ ᑲᓇᑫ ᑲᑲᑫᐧ ᑭᐱᑎᓇᐠ ᐁᑲ ᐅᐁᐧ ᒋᐃᓯᓭᓂᐠ. ᐣᑭᐸᑭᑎᓇᒥᐣ ᑲᔦ ᐣᑐᔑᐱᐦᐃᑲᓂᓇᐣ ᐁᑭᐃᔑᓂᔕᐦᐊᒪᐊᐧᔭᐠ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᐣ. ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᐧᑲ ᒋᑭᐱᐅᒋ ᓇᑫᐧᐁᐧᔑᑐᐨ ᑲᑭᐅᔑᐱᐦᐊᒪᐊᐧᔭᐠ ᑲᑭᑲᑫᒋᒪᔭᑭᐸᐣ ᐁᐃᐧᓇᑭᐡᑲᐊᐧᔭᐠ. ᒥᓂᑐ ᑕᐡ ᐃᑯ ᓇᐸᐨ ᐃᓀᑫ ᐃᔑᓇᑲᐧᓂ ᑲᑭᐃᑭᑐᐸᐣ ᑲᑭᐊᔭᒥᐦᐃᑯᔭᑭᐸᐣ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑲᐃᐧᐃᔑ ᒪᑕᓄᑲᑕᐠ ᐅᐡᑭ ᒪᒋᑕᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᐃᔑᓂᑲᑌᐠ. ᐣᑭᐊᔭᓇᐸᐣ ᑫᓂᐣ ᐁᐧᑎ ᓇᒣᑯᓴᐱᐣᐢ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᐁᓂᓂᑌᓂᒪᑲᐧ ᓇᐣᑕ ᒋᐅᒋᒪᒋᓭᐊᐧᐨ ᐣᑕᓂᔑᓂᓂᒪᐠ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐁᐃᐧᒥᒋᒥᓇᒪᐣ ᐣᑕᑭᑦ. ᓂᒥᓀᐧᑕᐣ ᑕᐡ ᐃᒪ ᑲᑭᓇᑯᐦᐃᑎᓱᔭᐠ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᐁᑭᐁᐧ ᑲᓄᑕᒪᐠ ᐣᑕᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᒥᓂᑯᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐣᑐᑭᒪᐃᐧ ᐊᔓᑕᒪᑯᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ ᑭᔭᐱᐨ ᐁᐱᒧᓴᑕᒪᐠ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐁᑲ ᓄᑎᓂᑎᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᐁᐃᓇᑫᐡᑲᒪᐠ ᑲᑭᐱᐡᑲᑫᔭᐠ. ᒪᐠᑫ ᐃᑭᑐ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᔑᒪᑲᓂᔕᐠ ᑭᐱᒣᒣᒋᑲᒋᑫᐊᐧᐠ ᐃᒪ ᓇᓯᐱᐠ ᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐣᐢ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᐱ ᐅᓄᑕᓯᓂᐁᐧᐠ ᑲᐱᑲᑫᐧ ᐸᑭᒋᐊᐧᐨ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐁᐧᑎ ᐊᐧᐱᑭᑲᐠ ᒥᓇ ᒥᒋᑲᐣᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᐠ ᑭᐱᐅᒋ ᐊᓱᐡᑲᐊᐧᑲᓄᐊᐧᐠ. ᒥᐱᑯ ᐃᐁᐧ ᑲᓂᑲᓂᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᑕᒪᐠ ᐁᐃᐧᑭᐳᓂᔕᐊᐧᔭᐠ ᐅᓄᑕᓯᓂᐁᐧᐠ ᐁᑲ ᒋᐱᔕᐊᐧᐨ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᒪᐠᑫ. ᐊᔕ ᑲᔦ ᐣᑭᑭᔕᓯᓇᐦᐊᒥᐣ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑲᐃᐧᑐᑕᒪᐠ ᐅᓇᑯ (ᐊᑲᐢᐟ 26). ᐊᐱ ᑲᑭᑫᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᓂᐣ ᒥᓇᐊᐧ ᑲᐃᐧᑲᑫᐧ ᐃᔑᒋᑫᓂᐨ ᐅᓄᑕᓯᓂᐁᐧᐣ ᐁᐧᑎ

ᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐣᐢ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᐠ, ᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᐅᑭᐃᔑᓂᔕᐦᐊᐣ ᐅᑐᔑᐱᐦᐃᑲᐣ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᐣ ᑕᐧᓫᑎᐣ ᒥᐠᑭᐣᑎ ᐁᑭ ᑲᑫᐧᒋᒪᐨ ᐁᐃᐧᓇᑭᐡᑲᐊᐧᐨ, ᒥᓇ ᐁᑭᐅᒋᐃᐧᑕᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᑊᓫᐊᑎᓀᐠᐢ ᓇᐱᐨ ᒥᐢᑕᐃ ᐁᑭᐱᒥᑯᐡᑲᒋᒋᑫᐨ ᒥᓇ ᐱᑫᐧᐣᑕᒥᐦᐃᐁᐧᐨ ᐅᑕᓇᐠ ᑲᔭᑭᐊᐧᓂᐠ ᐁᐱᑲᑫᐧ ᐯᑲᐧᑕᐦᐃᑫᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂ ᐅᑕᑭᒥᐠ. ᐊᔕ ᐁᐧᐡᑲᐨ ᐣᑭᐱᐅᒋ ᑭᑭᐱᒪᑎᓯᒥᐣ ᑲᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᐅᒪ ᐁᐅᒋ ᐱᒪᑎᓯᔭᐠ ᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐣᐢ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᐠ, ᑭᐃᓇᓯᓇᐦᐃᑫ ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᑲᐢᐟ 17, ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐃᒪ ᑭᐊᒋᑲᑌ ᒪᒪᑕᐃᐧᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᐠ ᒋᐅᒋᐊᐧᐸᒋᑲᑌᐠ www.kitelecom. myknet.org. ᐣᑕᓂᔑᔑᐃᐧ ᒥᓂᑯᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐣᑐᑭᒪᐃᐧ ᐊᔓᑕᒪᑯᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᓇᑫ ᒋᐅᒋ ᑎᐸᐸᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐊᐱ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᐣ ᑲᑭᐃᔑ ᐸᑭᑕᔓᐊᐧᓇᐨ ᐅᓄᑕᓯᓂᐁᐧᐣ ᑊᓫᐊᑎᓀᐠᐢ ᑲᐃᓂᑕᐧ ᒋᐱᓇᓇᑕᐊᐧᓯᓂᐁᐧᓂᐨ. ᐣᐸᑯᓭᑕᒥᐣ ᑕᐡ ᐱᓇᒪ ᒋᑭ ᑭᐁᐧ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒋᑲᑌᑭᐸᐣ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐃᐁᐧ ᑲᑭ ᓇᑯᑕᒪᑫᐸᐣ ᐱᓫ 191 ᐅᐡᑭ ᐅᓇᔓᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᐃᐧᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌᐠ (ᐅᐡᑭᒪᒋᑕᐃᐧᐣ) ᑲᐃᑭᑐᒪᑲᐠ ᐅᓄᐁᐧᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᑐᑲᐣ ᒋᐅᒋ ᒪᓇᒋᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ ᑲᐃᐧᐃᔑ ᐅᓇᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐅᐡᑭ ᐅᓇᔓᐁᐧᐃᐧᓂᐠ. ᒪᐠᑫ ᐃᑭᑐ ᐊᐧᐁᐧ ᐅᓄᑕᓯᓂᐁᐧ ᐅᑭᐸᐱᒋᓂᔕᐦᐊᐣ ᐅᑐᔑᐱᐃᑲᓇᐣ ᐁᐃᑭᑐᐨ, ᑭᔭᒥᑯ ᒋᐱᔕᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒋᐱᑭᑭᐊᐧᐨ ᒪᐡᑲᐃᐧᓯᐃᐧᓂ ᑐᑲᐣ ᑭᒋᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᒋᐅᒋᓇᑕᒪᐃᐧᑕᐧ ᐃᒪ ᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᑲᐣ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑲᐅᒋᐸᑭᑎᓂᑲᑌᐠ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑲᓀᐢ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᐣ ᐊᔕ ᐅᑭᐸᑭᑎᓇᐣ ᐅᐃᐧᑕᒪᑫᐃᐧᐣ

ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᑲᐢᐟ 24 ᑲᐃᓇᑭᓱᓂᐨ. ᒥᑐᓂ ᑕᐡ ᑭᒋᐊᓂᒥᓭᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᓇᑭᐡᑲᓇᐊᐧ ᐣᑕᓂᔑᓂᓂᒪᐠ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᒪᐠᑫ. ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᔦ ᐣᑐᔓᓂᔭᒥᒥᐣ ᑫᑭᐅᒋ ᑲᑫᐧᓇᑕᒪᓱᔭᐠ ᐣᑕᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᒥᓂᑯᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐣᑐᑭᒪᐃᐧ ᐊᔓᑕᒪᑯᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ. ᓇᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᑯ ᒋᑭᑲᑫᐧ ᓂᓯᑕᐁᐧᒋᑲᑌᑭᐸᐣ ᑭᑕᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᒥᓂᑯᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑭᑐᑭᒪᐃᐧ ᐊᔓᑕᒪᑯᐃᐧᓂᓇᐣ ᐊᐱᐨ ᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᐃᓀᑫ ᐃᔑᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒥᑯᔭᐠ. ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᑭᑲᑫᐧᑐᑕᒧᐸᓂᐠ ᒋᒥᐡᑲᐧᒋᐸᑭᑎᓇᐊᐧᐨ ᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑲᐸᑭᑎᓂᐨ ᔓᓂᔭᐣ ᒋᐅᒋ ᑎᐸᐦᐃᑫᓯᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧ ᒣᑎᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ ᐊᑯᓇᐠ ᐅᐱᒪᐊᒧᐃᐧᐱᓯᑦ 2007 ᑲᔭᑭᐊᐧᓂᐠ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᐊᐱᐣ ᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑫᓭᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᑭᐃᓀᑕᒧᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᐁᑲ ᒋᑭᑐᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᓴᑦ ᐊᔕ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ $700,000 ᒥᓂᑯᐠ ᐁᒪᓯᓇᐦᐃᑫᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᐁᐧ ᐊᐱ. ᒪᐧᕑᐃᐢ 68 ᑕᓱᑭᔑᑲ ᑭᑭᐸᐊᐧᑲᓄ ᐊᔑᐨ ᑯᑕᑭᔭᐠ ᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐠ ᑲᐅᒋᐊᐧᐨ ᒪᐧᔦ ᐃᒪ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᑲᒥᑯᐠ ᑲᑭᐅᒋ ᐸᑭᑎᓂᑕᐧᐸᐣ, ᐁᑲᐧ ᐊᑲᐢᐟ ᐱᓯᑦ 27 ᑲᐃᓇᑭᓱᐨ ᑲᑭᓇᑫᐧᐱᐦᐊᒪᐊᐧᐊᐧᐨ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᑭᒪᐣ ᑯᕑᐃᐢ ᐯᐣᐟᓫᐃ ᐁᐃᓀᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᐅᐅᐁᐧ ᓇᐊᐧᐨ ᐃᑯ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᓂ ᐃᓀᑫ ᐊᐱᐨ ᐃᐧᐣ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᐁᐃᓀᑫᓭᐠ ᐁᐃᔑᓇᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑲᓇᑕ ᒥᓇ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᓇᐠ ᐁᑲ ᐁᑕ ᐁᐧᒥᑎᑯᔑᒧᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᑭᐊᐸᒋᑐᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᑲᔭᓂᒧᑕᒧᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᓂ ᐊᔓᑕᒪᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᒪᔭᑦ ᑲᐃᐧᑲᐧᔭᑯᓂᑲᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᐃᓇᐱᐣ ᐸᑭᑭᓂᑲᓂᐠ 9

2

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Steve Feeney/Wawatay News

Roy Morris, Kwayaciiwin project co-ordinator, speaks to participants of the ‘Let’s All Speak our Language’ conference Aug. 18-20 in Sioux Lookout.

Focus on language Steve Feeney Wawatay News

Native language teachers from northwestern First Nation communities gathered in Sioux Lookout for the ‘Let’s All Speak our Language’ conference Aug. 18-20.

The conference was hosted

by Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre.

Roy Morris, Kwayaciiwin project co-ordinator, said the conference was about providing support to Native and immersion teachers.

“We update them on our work,” Morris said. “We also provide them with all of our resource material we have developed so they can take them home.”

The third annual conference saw more than 50 individuals participating in workshops such as a sharing session, digital storytelling and balanced literacy.

Morris said the conference teaches the individuals teaching strategies and practices.

One of the highlights of the conference was Michael and Iva Redman from Wyoming, USA giving a presentation on accelerated second language acquisition to the participants.

Morris said the couple showed illustrated work to the participants to help them learn words from the Arapaho language.

“We had volunteers for (the couple) to teach with and within the hour they were able to pick up eight words, to be able to say it and pronounce it properly,” Morris said.

According to Morris, this conference helped build communication between northern communities.

“Before Kwayaciiwin and before the conferences, most of the teachers worked in isolation from each other,” Morris said.

“Bringing them here together, they’re able to share their experiences and they’re able to provide that support that they need.”

One of the biggest differences at the conference this year from previous ones was the interaction and participation from the individuals.

“There’s a lot more interaction, they’re a lot more sharing and the conference was more effective,” Morris said.

“This is one of the better conferences we’ve done mainly because the participants have already networked and they know each other and they’re able to work together in completing the activities and the tasks that were involved in the conference.”

The participants also enjoyed a feast, talent and entertainment night with live musicians and a square dance with live fiddle music.

Mamow Obiki-Ahwahsoowin “Help care for our children, Help care for our future.” ᒪᒪᐤ ᐅᐱᑭᐦᐊᐊᐧᓱᐃᐧᐣ

“ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᔑᓇᑦ ᑲᑲᓇᐁᐧᓂᒪᔭᑲᐧ ᑭᑕᐊᐧᔑᔑᒥᓇᓂᐠ, ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᔑᓇᑦ ᒋᑲᓇᐁᐧᑕᒪᐠ ᑭᓂᑲᓂᒥᓇᐣ” Tikinagan Child & Family Services has a great need for foster homes. We are looking for dedicated people who are able to provide a home and meet the needs of a child in care. There are a number of different types of Foster Homes, which can be specic to meet a child’s needs.

ᒥᔑᐣ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᓂᓇᑕᐁᐧᓂᒪᒥᐣ ᒋᑲᓇᐁᐧᓂᒪᐊᐧᓱᑕᒪᑯᔭᐠ ᐅᒪ ᑎᑭᓇᑲᐣ ᐊᓄᑭᑕᒪᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ. ᓂᓇᓇᑐᓇᐊᐧᒥᐣ ᑲᐸᑭᑎᓂᑎᓱᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᑫᑲᐡᑭᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᒋᑭᑲᓇᐁᐧᓂᒪᐊᐧᐸᐣ ᑲᑭᑎᒪᑭᓭᓂᐨ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐣ. ᒥᔑᓇᐧᔦᐠ ᐃᔑᐸᐸᑲᓂᓭᐊᐧᐣ ᑲᓇᐁᐧᓂᒪᐊᐧᓱᑕᒪᑫᐃᐧ ᑲᐯᔑᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᑫᑭᐅᒋ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ ᑲᐃᔑᓇᓄᑌᓭᐊᐧᐨ.

Specialized Foster Homes: For children that would require more care and attention.

ᑲᐅᒋᐱᒥᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑕᐧ ᑲᑕᔑᑲᓇᐁᐧᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ: ᒥᐦᐅᒪ ᐁᔑᔭᓯᑕᐧ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ ᑲᐱᒥᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑕᐧ ᒥᓇ ᑲᐱᒥ ᐊᔭᑲᐧᒥ ᑲᓇᐁᐧᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ.

Regular Foster Homes: Short or Long term placements for children.

ᑲᐃᔑᑕᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐃᐧᔭᐠ ᑲᑕᔑᑲᓇᐁᐧᓂᒪᐊᐧᓱᑕᒪᑫᐊᐧᐨ: ᒥᐦᐅᒪ ᐁᔑᔭᓯᑕᐧ ᐊᒋᓇ ᓇᐣᑕ ᑭᓇᐧᑲᐡ ᑲᐱᒥ ᑲᓇᐁᐧᑕᑯᓯᐊᐧᐨ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ.

Emergency Foster Homes: For children on an emergency basis.

ᑲᑲᐧᔭᒋᐊᐧᐨ ᑫᐱᔑᐱᑎᑲᓂᑕᐧ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ: ᒥᐦᐅᒪ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᔕᐠ ᐁᔑᔭᓯᑕᐧ ᑲᑫᐧᓇᐃᐧᐃᓯᓭᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓇ ᑲᐸᐸᔑᓭᐊᐧᐨ.

Tikinagan Child & Family Services is committed to keeping our Children within our Communities, but we need your help in order to make this happen.

ᐁᑲᐧ ᐅᒪ ᑎᑭᓇᑲᐣ ᐅᑕᓄᑭᑕᒪᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᑭᐃᔑᐸᑭᑎᓂᑎᓱᒪᑲᐣ ᒋᐃᔑᐱᒧᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᑭᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᓇᓂᐠ ᐃᑯ ᒋᑕᔑᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᑕᐧ ᑭᑕᐊᐧᔑᔑᒥᓇᓂᐠ, ᔕᑯᐨ ᐃᑕᐡ ᑭᐸᑯᓭᓂᒥᑯ ᑫᑭᐣ ᒋᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᔑᔭᐠ ᒋᑭᑲᐡᑭᑐᔭᐠ ᐅᐁᐧ.

Please contact us today if you are interested or need more information regarding how you can be a part of helping a child.

ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᐡ ᓄᑯᑦ ᑲᑭᔑᑲᐠ ᐱᑲᓄᓂᔑᓇᑦ ᑭᐡᐱᐣ ᒪᒥᑐᓀᑕᒪᐣ ᓇᐣᑕ ᑭᔭᐱᐨ ᐃᐧᑭᑫᑕᒪᐣ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑫᑭᑐᑕᒪᐸᐣ ᑫᐃᔑᐃᐧᒋᐦᐊᐨ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᐡ.

VALUES: Respect Trust Honesty Language Elders

ᑲᑭᒋᓀᒋᑲᑌᑭᐣ: ᑭᑌᓂᒥᑐᐃᐧᐣ ᐊᐯᓂᒧᐣᑕᑐᐃᐧᐣ ᑌᐯᐧᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᔑᑭᔐᐧᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᒋᔭᐦᐊᐠ

Culture Customary Care Accountability Spirituality

“It is a shared responsibility of a community to raise a child”

ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᑎᓯᐃᐧᐣ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᑲᐠ ᐅᐱᑭᐦᐊᐊᐧᓱᐃᐧᐣ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒥᑯᓯᐃᐧᐣ ᐊᒐᑯᐱᒪᑎᓯᐃᐧᐣ

“ᑲᑭᓇ ᑭᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒥᑯᐣ ᑭᑕᔑᑫᐃᐧᓂᓇᓂᐠ ᒋᑲᓇᐁᐧᓂᒪᔭᐠ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᐡ” Tikinagan Child and Family Services ᑎᑭᓇᑲᐣ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᐡ ᒥᓇ ᑎᐯᐣᒋᑫᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ Residential Services P.O. Box 627 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B1

Telephone: Toll Free: Fax:

(807) 737-3466 1-800-465-3624 (807) 737-1532

:ᒪᒋᑭᑐᐃᐧᐣ :ᐁᑲ ᑲᑎᐸᐦᐃᑲᑌᐠ :ᐸᐠᐢ ᐊᑭᑕᓱᐣ

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

3

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Researcher questions polar bear status Fiddler enjoying time at home

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

A Fort Severn researcher is questioning Ontario’s declaration of the polar bear as a threatened species.

“The past three years its been around 70 to 75 polar bears in a 135-mile (217 kilometre) stretch of coast,” said Tommy Miles, who completed the Survey of Polar Bear Migration and Habitat in Fort Severn Nation last winter. “But last fall we counted more than 100.”

Miles completed his research project last winter by mapping polar bear sightings in and surrounding his community and comparing what community members know about polar bears versus others who do not live in the north.

“The information we gather, we will be posting it online so people can access it,” Miles said.

“With global warming, I guess they have a way of adapting.”

Miles said his community had four polar bear tags last year; crafters use the polar bear hide and fur to produce traditional crafts, such as polar bear mitts which are made from polar bear hide and fur with caribou palms.

“That is the most expensive craft they make,” Miles said.

“The meat is pretty toxic. If the dogs eat the meat, they die from it.”

Miles said his community had told the Ontario government they didn’t want the polar bears put on the threatened list.

“I was disappointed when I heard they went ahead and put them on,” Miles said.

The province reclassified Ontario’s population of polar bears to the threatened list from the special concern list due a report from the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario; 10 species were added, one removed and eight reclassified on the Species at Risk in Ontario list. The province indicated the number of polar bears in Ontario has remained relatively stable over the last 20 years; however, their body condition and survival rates have declined.

All species newly designated as endangered or threatened are automatically protected, along with their habitat, under the terms of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007.

“I’m proud of the work we’re doing to protect and recover our most vulnerable species and their habitats,” said Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield. “Our goal is to reverse the rate of species decline in Ontario and ensure future generations enjoy and benefit from a healthy and diverse natural environment.”

Two Lakehead University professors who have been studying the holistic aspects of polar bears for seven to 12 years also questioned the Ministry of Natural Resources’ research methods and ability to consult all parties involved.

“You need all three jurisdictions to co-operate,” said Martha Dowsley, a Lakehead University assistant professor in geography and anthropology who has been conducting research on polar bear management for the past seven years, noting that Ontario needs to cooperate with Quebec and Nunavut on an extended research project over a number of years to get an accurate picture of the polar bear status in the southern Hudson’s Bay region. “You need to do that (study) for three years, then you need to repeat that.

“You need to go into Quebec and the Belcher Islands (Nunavut islands off the western coast of Quebec).”

Harvey Lemelin, a Lakehead

James Thom Wawatay News

photo courtesy of Tommy Miles

Fort Severn’s Tommy Miles Jr. smiles at a polar bear during a European-tourist polar bear tour. The tours usually average 30-40 polar bear sightings per day over three to seven days on the coast of Hudson’s Bay all the way into Manitoba.

University associate professor in outdoor recreation, parks and tourism who has been conducting research on polar bears for the past 10 to 12 years, said such a research project would produce a more robust and legitimate study of how the polar bears are doing because polar bears often move from one jurisdiction to another over the year.

“They might want to engage other jurisdictions,” Lemelin said, noting the Cree and Inuit people as well as the province of Quebec and territory of Nunavut. “The government of Ontario does not understand that First Nations are not a stakeholder group. Nor does the Ontario government understand the concept of government to government.”

Dowsley said polar bears have been found up to 100 kilometres inland, adding the females often have their dens far inland.

“But the ice is definitely their preferred habitat,” Dowsley said. “The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources does not have to live with polar bears, the communities do. The communities have to live with what happens.”

Dowsley and Lemelin both expressed concerns about potential problems due to polar bears harassing communities or community members.

“We have to protect the kids and the community,” Dowsley said.

Lemelin brought up an incident this spring when a polar bear with a monitoring collar was harassing community members at an outlying camp.

“She would not respond to any deterrents, so for fear of protection of property and family, she was shot,” Lemelin said.

Lemelin said the community is looking for discussion of the different issues.

“The province of Ontario has never acknowledged the polar bear is a co-managed species,” Dowsley said.

Dowsley and Lemelin both said the Ontario government is relying on old research data for their calculations of the number of polar bears in the southern Hudson’s Bay region.

“The official record is 1,000

and stable,” Dowsley said.

“But that number is based on (research) that is considerably outdated.”

Lemelin said the communities of Fort Severn and Weenusk have been following a 12 polar bear tag limit total since the late 1960s.

“It’s been in policy that the communities have followed since the Polar Bear Provincial Park originally opened in the late 1960s,” Lemelin said.

While Dowsley and Lemelin believe the number of polar bears is stable, they said the exact numbers will not be known until a detailed study is completed.

“But some communities don’t want that research because it is invasive,” Dowsley said.

“Some polar bears have died from that (invasive research) as well,” Lemelin said. “That question has never been addressed.”

Dowsley said the Treaty 9 Cree have the right to harvest polar bears if there is a sustainable yield.

“The MNR hasn’t demonstrated that there is no sustainable yield, so Cree hunting rights should not be infringed upon at this time,” Dowsley said in an e-mail reply. “Polar bear harvesting is a treaty right, not a privilege.”

Martyn Obbard, a research scientist with the Ministry of Natural Resources, said there are about 900 polar bears in the southern Hudson’s Bay region.

“When you combine the data in research studies and the body condition, that suggests the population is about to experience a decline in numbers,” Obbard said, explaining he conducted followup research on about 15 to 20 per cent of the polar bear population each year from 2000 to 2006 which shows a decline in body conditions due to lower fat levels.

“Manitoba declared the western polar bear population threatened in 2008.”

Obbard said Manitoba had detected a decline in the polar bear’s body condition due to lower body fat content, and has since shown the western Hudson’s Bay polar bear population has declined by about 20 per cent.

“When you look at what

happened to the sea ice, those changes happened to the western sea ice first,” Obbard said.

“The same things have happened in the Hudson’s Bay, but lagged by five to 10 years.”

Obbard said polar bears typically hunt ring seals on the sea ice from April to June, but shrinking sea ice conditions in recent years have led to less of an opportunity for the polar bears to hunt ring seals to build up their body fat.

“They don’t get as much time to hunt as 20 years ago,” Obbard said.

Obbard said the MNR and the communities decided on a total harvest number of 30 polar bears per year for Fort Severn, Winisk, Attawapiskat, Kashechewan and Fort Albany after an aerial survey in the 1970s determined there were about 300 polar bears in the region.

Obbard said another MNR study in the 1980s discovered there were about 900 polar bears in the region, but the government decided to leave the harvest number at 30 polar bears because Nunavut had allocated 25 polar bears for harvest and Quebec had allocated 15 for harvest.

“If everybody was taking all the animals, that would be an over harvest of that population,” Obbard said.

While Obbard said the sea ice conditions have been deteriorating over the past number of years, he indicated this year has been colder and the bears were still out on the sea ice hunting ring seals during a recent trip he made to the coast of Hudson’s Bay. “We are experiencing very variable weather,” Obbard said. “Because the bears have been out on the ice for a longer period, they could be in better shape.”

Fort Severn Elders Sarah Miles and William Koostachin both said the polar bear harvest and crafts are important traditions in their community.

“It’s always been used,” Miles said about polar bear hide and fur. “The gloves keep you warm – it’s very cold in the winter: -55, -60 when it’s a very cold winter.”

Miles, who is 63 and has

been making polar bear crafts since 1969, said polar bear fur is very thick and prevents the wind from getting through to the body.

“It’s good for hats too,” Miles said. “The flap goes over your face and forehead.”

Miles usually sells her mitts for $250, hats for $200-250 and beaded mukluks for $300.

“She has requests from all over,” said Pauline Miles, who translated Sarah Miles’ comments. “Some of the people who ask for her crafts are Canadian Rangers. They do a lot of outdoor activities, they really like polar bear crafts because they are really warm.”

Koostachin said he first went out on the land with his father and brother when he was 15 or 16.

“It was part of the lifestyle,” said Koostachin, who is now 65.

“They use a polar bear bone for a chisel to clean the fur, to clean the fat off, to scrape the fat off.

She used it like a sharp knife on the edge.

“She uses it for any kind of skin she wants to clean.”

Koostachin said the placement of the polar bear on the threatened list is “pretty sad.”

“The ladies are talking about it,” Koostachin said. “My wife still has some of the polar bear hides.”

Miles and Koostachin also spoke about the threat polar bears can place on the community.

“She has a concern about the polar bears when they attack people,” Pauline Miles said while translating for Sarah Miles. “What will they do if people have to shoot a polar bear in self-defence.”

Pauline Miles noted a recent polar bear threat in the community when a polar bear was chasing a community member through the community and was eventually shot dead.

“One time my wife was walking alone,” Koostachin said.

“She heard a noise coming, she heard a growl right behind her.

She looked back to see a polar bear and she ran to her sleigh, (where) she managed to shoot the polar bear.”

Koostachin said his wife used every part of the bear, including the fur and bones.

While the results of the 2009 Nishnawbe Aski Nation elections didn’t go his way, Alvin Fiddler has found positive from not being elected Grand Chief.

“I’ve come to learn that things happen for a reason,” Fiddler, a Muskrat Dam band member.

“Elections can be unpredictable.

It’s time to move forward and move on.”

For Fiddler that means finding a new career and supporting his family.

But, being able to spend the past three weeks at home with his wife and two children has been great.

“I’ve taken some time off to be with my family this summer,” Fiddler said. “I want to be there for my kids; get them up in the morning and put them to bed at night.”

Being deputy grand chief of NAN for the Fiddler past six years, Fiddler had to make a lot of sacrifices for the good of the people of NAN. “There’s a certain level of commitment you make to that position,” Fiddler said. “You get back what you put in. I gave it everything I’ve had.”

That meant a lot of travel, late nights and early mornings.

“My family allowed me to do this job,” he said. “I may miss some aspects of it; working with the leadership, helping families and community members.

I enjoyed speaking and giving voice to people who need it. It was satisfying and fullfilling work.”

During his tenure as deputy grand chief, Fiddler’s focus was always on the future, thinking about what today’s decisions meant for future generations.

“I want my kids – all kids – to have opportunities in the future,” Fiddler, who previously served as executive director of the Tommy Beardy Family Treatment Centre in Muskrat Dam, said. “That was always in the back of my mind.”

When he looks back to his two terms as deputy grand chief, several things stand out.

“In healthcare, NAN was always very strong. NAN was the leading voice.”

During his time in office, Fiddler was able to help negotiate and bring a new hospital and hostel to Sioux Lookout.

“To see the new buildings going up is a source of pride,” Fiddler said.

During his term and under his watch, 24-hour nursing care was implimented in the NAN First Nations.

While he only held the police file for a short period, Fiddler, along with the negotiating team, finally secured a longterm funding deal for Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.

“For a while, it seemed like at every chief’s meeting, no one knew for sure what was going to happen,” Fiddler siad.

But armed with recommendations from the coroner’s inquest into the death of two men in a NAPS cell in Kashechewan, the NAPS board now has something to build from, Fiddler said.

4

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

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

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

MEDIA DIRECTOR Brent Wesley EDITOR James Thom

Commentary

Time to get schooled James Thom TO THE POINT

D

epending on who you talk to, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

With the end of summer looming, kids are heading back to school. That generally brings out negativity in the youth/students and joy from parents.

At least that’s the way it was when I was growing up.

My sister and I never really wanted to go back to school, be it elementary Catholic school or high school.

The only real highlight or positive was back-to-school shopping. New clothes, binders, pens and pencils somehow made it slightly more bearable to be back in class.

I’m sure other youth felt the same way.

I had the pleasure of spending much of Aug. 27 with new and returning students at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School.

The students returned to school Aug. 26 with registration and had a chance to meet their teachers and get acquainted with the school.

An assembly was held Aug. 27 with presentations geared to the students, trying to encourage the students to stay out of trouble.

Principal Brad Battiston spoke about the deaths of seven students in the 10 years the school has been open.

He said he did not want to have to attend a student’s funeral this year.

DFC is a different kind of school. Maybe it has to be to help prevent these senseless deaths.

Never have I seen a school like it.

The students are on a first name basis with the faculty and school staff.

It’s ‘Hi JK,” not ‘Hi Mr. Kakeg-

amic (the vice-principal).”

Calling a teach by their first name – if you could even find out what it was – was grounds for getting sent to the principal’s office at Lively District Secondary School where I completed five years of high school.

Not so at DFC. Wanting to make the students feel completely comfortable, Battiston said there is an open door policy at DFC – both literally and figuratively.

He said once again this year, the school gym and computer labs will stay open late to allow students to participate in extracurricular sports and do their homework.

His office, as well as that of Kakegamic, will “always” be open for students who are having a hard time and need to call home to their parents, families or other loved ones.

It’s an important gesture, given these 13- and 14-year-old Grade 9 students may be away from their parents and families for the first time.

To know they can call home whenever they want will likely keep students in school.

Being able to call home can help with homesickness.

It’s something many students struggle with.

Many students fail to return to school after they go home for Christmas or March break.

But I would like to think calling home will help keep a few more students in classes.

DFC has a lot of good things going for it.

I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know some of the faculty and teachers outside of the school in the past few years.

The people who are given your children an education are fine and upstanding individuals. I’ve gotten to know some as loving parents and giving teammates. I’d certainly have no qualms about them teaching my children.

I’m really looking forward to covering news and events coming out of DFC this year.

I feel like this will be a great year at the school.

Wawatay News archive

A kindergarden group in Pikangikum poses for photographer Lois Mombourquette in October 1983.

Just keep on truckin’ Xavier Kataquapit UNDER THE NORTHERN SKY

M

y truck is like an old friend. Beat up old half ton trucks have been part of my life for as far back as I can remember.

On the James Bay coast, a durable vehicle is a necessity if you wanted some form of transportation in the community. Back in the 70s and 80s, my home community of Attawapiskat, had a new series of gravel roads that circled the town.

There was barely enough coarse sand and pebbles to cover the thick mushkeg and over time, muddy potholes big enough to swallow a tire could be found throughout the community.

A tough truck was the only vehicle that could sustain the bumpy gravel roads and the deep muddy pot holes.

Dad made sure our family had a truck. He was constantly on the quest for new work in town and a truck provided an advantage to small time contracts for construction or building projects.

A truck could transport people and materials while it could also be used for pulling or even pushing objects and other vehicles. Dad was always on the lookout for a truck as we ran these vehicles into the ground on a regular basis.

He had a network of friends

CONTACT US Office Hours: 8:30-4:30 CST Phone: 1-800-243-9059 737-2951 (Sioux Lookout) Fax: (807) 737-3224 or (807) 737-2263 344-3022 (Thunder Bay) Office Hours: 8:30-4:30 EST Phone: 1-888-575-2349 Fax: (807) 344-3182 Publications Mail Registration No.0382659799

James Thom/Wawatay News

DFC principal Brad Battiston addresses students Aug. 27 at the beginning of the school year.

in Moosonee that had easier access to truck dealers and they replaced their vehicles often by delivery on the train.

The nearest truck dealer was in Cochrane and then to points south such as Timmins, North Bay and Sudbury.

We were privileged in that we actually had a driveway on our property. Most people did not require one because they had no vehicle. Twenty years ago not many people owned trucks back in Attawapiskat.

When I was growing up back home it seemed we always had a truck and an array of tractors and machinery. When the vehicle was not being used for work, it was transporting our family all over town.

Mom used it for grocery shopping and we travelled to the far reaches of the road network which added up to about five kilometres to enjoy family picnics at the popular rapids.

Every Sunday morning, we all got dressed up for mass and piled onto the half ton to drive to the Catholic church. We felt special as we pulled up to park alongside the three or four other vehicles in the church parking lot.

My brothers competed with each other for dad’s favour to fetch the keys and have the honour of parking the dirty old half ton after everyone filed into church.

At the end of the service, mom and dad hopped up into the front seat and myself and my brothers and sisters jumped into the open box for a quick ride through town, up to the rapids then along the dusty riverside road back home for

Sunday lunch with the entire family.

We enjoyed our leisurely Sunday drive even though it was a short one. I recall that often when there was a quiet moment we enjoyed a sense of freedom and exhilaration in a ride as a family around our dusty isolated little town. Only the most prominent families had a vehicle to strut about in.

In the winters, trucks were even more important in our community. Years ago, the winter road was a rough path that was hastily constructed and poorly maintained by bulldozers.

Traffic on the winter road consisted of snow trains which were in fact trailers on skis pulled by dozers.

There was some local traffic of four wheel drive half ton trucks. The 4x4 was the only vehicle capable of driving through deep layers of snow, heavy drifts and blowing storms on the winter road.

The combination of freezing temperatures and deep snow then spring thaws that produced muddy muskeg challenged the toughest vehicles.

An experienced driver with nerves of steel could pilot a four by four or even a two wheeled drive truck, with a heavy load of fuel, food or building material, through some of the worst driving conditions imaginable.

Even if a truck got stuck, the truck frame was tough enough to allow a jack all to be used to lift the vehicle up and onto a solid patch and send it on the way again.

My memories of trucks

include plenty of pain and anguish. When I was eight years of age, I watched from the sidelines as dad got the family truck stuck on a patch of ice in front of our house.

My brothers went out to help push and I decided to participate as well. In the excitement no one realized that a small piece of plywood that was used for traction under one of the rear tires was ready to launch.

As we pushed and the tires spun, the plywood spun out at high speed and hit my shin, breaking both bones in my lower leg.

All I can remember from that experience is the blinding pain and being rushed to the hospital while crying and wailing as the nurses set my leg for a cast. I spent six months with a full leg cast and every time I looked at that truck it made me angry.

My own trucks have brought me pain and misery in their own ways. I have spent many hours crammed under one of my trucks doing some makeshift repair with the hope of getting a few more miles out of her. Still, these tough old Fords and Chevies have provided me with lots of great memories of rides around Attawapiskat, with the windows down and the radio blaring while my friends and I hollered and sang.

Tomorrow I am saying goodbye to our 1994 Ford F150, a strong truck with a five speed transmission and straight six motor.

I feel a little like an old friend is leaving me.

MEDIA DIRECTOR Brent Wesley brentw@wawatay.on.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Javier Espinoza javiere@wawatay.on.ca

TRANSLATOR Vicky Angees vickya@wawatay.on.ca

EDITOR James Thom jamest@wawatay.on.ca

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

CONTRIBUTORS Joe Beardy Tommy Miles NAN Xavier Kataquapit

REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHERS Rick Garrick rickg@wawatay.on.ca Debbie Mishibinijima debbiem@wawatay.on.ca ONLINE EDITOR Chris Kornacki chrisk@wawatay.on.ca ART DIRECTOR Roxann Shapwaykeesic roxys@wawatay.on.ca

SALES CO-ORDINATOR Meghan Kendall meghank@wawatay.on.ca BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Brent Waboose brentnw@wawatay.on.ca CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Mark Kakekagumick markk@wawatay.on.ca

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

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

5

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

International FASD day marked Sept. 9 Wendy Trylinski

Executive functions

Special to Wawatay News

Every year on Sept. 9, International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day is observed.

Proclamations are issued in countries, states, provinces, and towns all around the world.

Bells are rung at 9:09 a.m. in every time zone from New Zealand to Alaska. People all around the world gather for events to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families who struggle with FASD. The first FASD day was celebrated on Sept. 9, 1999.

This day was chosen so on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol. Anytime is a good time to raise awareness FASD. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder can occur to the baby when a pregnant woman ingests alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol crosses the placental barrier and can stunt fetal growth, create distinctive facial features, damage neurons and brain structures and cause other physical, mental and behavioural problems.

The main effect of FASD is permanent central nervous system damage, especially to the brain. Developing brain cells and structures are underdeveloped or malformed by prenatal alcohol exposure, often creating primary cognitive and functional disabilities (including poor memory, attention

Brain of baby with no exposure to alcohol (left) and with heavy exposure (right). deficits, impulsive behaviour, and poor cause and effect reasoning).

Alcohol is a teratogen, meaning it is toxic to the baby’s developing brain.

Damage can occur in various regions of the brain. The areas that might be affected by alcohol exposure depend on which areas are developing at the time the alcohol is consumed.

Since the brain and the central nervous system are developing throughout the entire pregnancy, the baby’s brain is always vulnerable to damage from alcohol exposure.

Many women do not know they are pregnant until two to 10 weeks have passed. This is why it is so important not to drink even when you are planning a pregnancy. During this period crucial brain and central nervous systems are being developed.

Children with FASD can learn, they just need to use different paths to get there. Each child is unique and what may work for one child may not work for another child. If one technique is not successful, try something new.

Bedtime and bedroom routines that may be helpful include: • Shower/bath the night before- one less thing to do in the morning • Limit what is on his wall in the bedroom- very distracting • Use simple color schemessoft blue, white • Use consistent rituals for saying goodnight- do the same thing every night (ex. snack, book, bed) • Use quilts on the bed; forget top sheet and blanket • Consider the time between dinner and bed as a transitional time with slow down activities

(some children may take a long time to unwind from their day) One of the most important things you can do for your child is to reach out for help and support. It can be very confusing and frustrating trying to understand why your child does the things they do. You are not alone–there is help.

Contacts in the First Nation communities inlcude: nursing stations, Aboriginal Healthy Babies/Healthy Children community worker, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Aboriginal Head Start and Early Years programs and Healthy Generations Family Support Program in Sioux Lookout.

Wendy Trylinski is the community program manager at Nishnawbe Aski Nation. She can be reached at 807-625-4931, by fax at 807-623-7730 or by email at wtrylins@nan.on.ca

Executive functions of the prefrontal cortex of the brain: Effects of alcohol exposure on behaviors related to executive functions: • inhibition • problem solving • sexual urges • planning • time perception • internal ordering • working memory • self-monitoring • verbal self-regulation • motor control • regulation of emotion • motivation • judgment • socially inappropriate behavior, as if inebriated • inability to figure out solutions spontaneously • inability to control sexual impulses, esp. in social situations • inability to apply consequences from past actions • difficulty with abstract concepts or time and money • like files out of order, difficulty processing information • storing and/or retrieving information

What studies show 1. During the first trimester, as shown by the research of Drs. Clarren and Streissguth, alcohol interferes with the migration and organization of brain cells. [Journal of Pediatrics, 92(1):6467] 2. Heavy drinking during the second trimester, particularly from the 10th to 20th week after conception, seems to cause more clinical features of FAS than at other times during pregnancy, according to a study in England. [Early-Human-Development; 1983 Jul Vol. 8(2) 99-111] 3. During the third trimester, according to Dr. Claire D. Coles, the hippocampus is greatly affected, which leads to problems with encoding visual and auditory information (reading and math). [Neurotoxicology And Teratology, 13:357-367, 1991] Courtesy of the College of Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences at Brown University, Providence, RI.

Confirmation a sacred event in youth’s life Joe Beardy Special to Wawatay News

Sophie Mekanak is 11 years of age and has a secret life.

For the past year instead of playing with other girls her age she disappears into the night. This would happen every Thursday between 7-8 p.m.

The year-long secret was finally revealed recently when she and two other teens her same age were brought into the Anglican Church, not to be condemned but to bestow upon them an old ritual of sacrament called confirmation.

For the past year Sophie has been attending bible classes at the home of the local minister, Rev. Maryann Beardy. Her classes consisted of memorizing and studying bible verses from the New Testament to prepare her for this special day.

Her proud great-grandmother Eileen Beardy, brags that her ‘Soaps’ never missed one class and was always obedient to her teachings.

The act of confirmation dates back to the days of Moses and Jacob who blessed their followers and family through prayer.

The New Testament affirms this act of sacrament as God`s plan for redeeming the world

submitted photo

Three Bearskin Lake youth were recently confirmed into the Anglican Church. through his son, Jesus Christ.

Confirmation is a major event experienced by a baptized Christian during his/her Christian life and growth.

Already at birth one is signed on the forehead with the sign of

the cross in token, symbolizing his/her life and dedication to the creator.

Confirmation is confirming or renewing the promises which were taken for you by your godparents at baptism. They took

Introducing the NEWLY re-designed…

these promises for you till you were old enough to take them for yourself.

Confirmation in some churches happens at early adolescence. In the ancient church the rite was administered

immediately after baptism, and this is still the custom in the Orthodox and African Churches.

The Church of England has no specific age rule, but the rite is usually administered between the ages of 14 and 16. Confirmation is effected by the laying of hands and, in the Roman Catholic Church, anointing with consecrated oil.

In the Roman Catholic Church the ceremony is performed by a Bishop or a specially authorized priest. In the Church of England only Bishops may administer the sacrament.

In the Lutheran and Orthodox Churches the rite customarily is performed by pastors and priests; the Orthodox Church ceremony, however, omits the laying on of hands.

In the Anglican Church the laying of hands is the main process in the service performed by the Bishop as he blesses each person while reading from the scriptures.

The service was officiated by former Bishop Gordon Beardy who flew in from his neighbouring community of Muskrat Dam to carry out the confirmation.

As the Bishop starts his service confirming the three

Christian souls before him, he is surrounded by the Deacon Alex Fox and Minister Maryann Beardy.

“We bring before you our children that you have told us to protect, love and to raise them in your grace, we ask you now to bless them and protect them, that by the laying of the hands they may receive the strength from the Holy Spirit to guide them through life.”

Sophie stands ever proud strengthened by her two friends on either side of her, Shane Mckay and Iris Mckay, who are also being recognized for their loyalty to God. One by one they approach the bishop who is seated in a chair holding his bible and recites verses that each replies to accordingly confirming their belief.

The whole services lasts an hour and after all the pictures have been taken the children of God are treated to a meal and cake that was prepared by their parents, relatives and other supporters who attended.

Sophie’s life will return to its own chaotic and childish ways but knowing that a greater being is always watching over her every day life will be her salvation and strength.

Find online this week: ~ FORT WILLIAM ARTIST CHRISTIAN CHAPMAN ~ SANDY LAKE HOOP DANCERS ~ NEW PHOTO GALLERIES ~ JOB POSTINGS ~ & SO MUCH MORE…

6

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Bill Nothing receives Oneesh Tam Key award Chris Kornacki Wawatay News

Bill Nothing received the inaugural Oneesh Tam Key award from Tikinagan Child and Family Services.

The award’s name means “someone who sits in front of a boat or canoe guiding the direction.

“The others follow the direction given by the one sitting in the front. The Oneesh Tam Key points the way.”

The Oneesh Tam Key award was designed to recognize those people who have made a valuable contribution to Tikinagan’s development over its 25-year history.

Bill Nothing received this award Aug. 18 at Tikinagan’s 25th Annual Chiefs Assembly held in Sandy Lake First Nation.

In 1984, as the Deputy Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Bill Nothing negotiated a memorandum with the province of Ontario, which eventually led to the beginning of Tikinagan Child and Family Services and also another similar agency, Payukotayno James and Hudson Bay Family Services.

These two child and family services were the very first Aboriginal children’s aid societies in Ontario. They both were also designated as the Children’s Aid Society for their entire geographic area and are responsible for the protection of all children within their vast territories.

Bill Nothing then acted as Tikinagan’s first ever chairman of the board and guided its

Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News

Bill Nothing makes a speech after receiving the Oneesh Tam Key award from Tikinagan. Bill Nothing was one of the founders of Tikinagan 25 years ago. Tikinagan Child and Family Services held its 25th Annual Chiefs Assembly in Sandy Lake First Nation Aug. 18-20. development through the early years.

“I was actually very surprised and very honoured. It is something that I will cherish for the

rest of my life,” Nothing said about receiving the Oneesh Tam Key award at the Annual Chiefs Assembly.

“Twenty-five years later I see

Tikinagan now has developed in getting closer to the vision that the Elders and the chiefs talked about when they first decided they were going to take over the

welfare of their children. We’ve had growing pains of course, and legislation we had to deal with and change to do things our way.

“But I think you’ll see that the de-centralization of Tikinagan is now starting to work in a way that it should.”

Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin research project ends Chris Kornacki Wawatay News

When the provincial government created a fund for research on the transformation of child welfare in Ontario, the Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin research project was formed.

Its goal was to research the progress that the Mamow Obikiahwahsoowin Model, which is a customary care model implemented by Tikinagan in 2004, was having in northern First Nation communities in Ontario.

After three years of research the project is coming to an end.

The Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin Model is based directly on First Nations traditions in child welfare. Its primary focus is that the child remains in their community if at all possible. Also, the entire community shares responsibility for the care and education of children and decisions are made about a child in consultation with First Nation Chiefs and Councils, Elders, parents, children in care, Tikinagan staff, and other community members.

“In order to get a deep understanding of the Mamow Model, we had to go to as many different communities as possible. We did two kinds of interviews in those communities. We talked to partners, Chiefs, Council members, health care workers, teachers and Elders. The second time we came back we talked to actual families about their personal experiences with Tikinagan. We did a total of 80

Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News

Andrew Taylor and Sarah Lord addressed the assembly at the Tikinagan Child and Family Services’ 25th Annual Chiefs Assembly in Sandy Lake First Nation Aug. 18-20, 2009. Taylor and Lord have spent the past 3 years leading the Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin Research Project.

Thunder Bay’s Conference Destination “Looking Good” 2009 Award Winner 2080 Highway #61 Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1B8

Call 1.807.473.2453 to book your event!

Newly Renovated Hotel!

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

interviews,” said Andrew Taylor, who was the research team leader on the project.

The conclusions of the research project, which were presented at Tikinagan’s 25th Annual Chiefs Assembly in Sandy Lake First Nation, were that Tikinagan has a stronger presence in the communities than it did before the Mamow Model was implemented; Tikinagan’s practice is more culturally appropriate than before the Mamow Model; there is evidence that Tikinagan is doing a better job of detecting, reaching and serving a greater proportion of the families and children in need; and Tikinagan is helping parents access the treatment they need to be able to look after their children.

Also, the research project found that the Mamow Model is a good fit in the communities served by Tikinagan; that Tikinagan has prioritized keeping children in their home communities; Tikinagan workers have changed for the better; and that Tikinagan has improved infrastructure within the communities that is necessary for the Mamow Model to function.

The goal of the research project is to help Tikinagan keep improving its practices with children and communities in the future.

“I want to say thank you to the many people in communities who agreed to speak to us as part of this research project.

We’re very grateful,” Taylor said.

Wawatay News

7

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

Fire kills one, leaves family homeless

Deer Lake First Nation Powwow

James Thom Wawatay News

A fatal house fire in Pickle Lake has left a family of five homeless.

The fire struck the Ramona Avenue home Aug. 22. By the time emergency service personnel were at the scene at 8:25 p.m., the home was completely engulfed.

One male was unaccounted

for. He has not yet been identified. Ontario Provincial Police and the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.

A post-mortem on the deceased was conducted Aug. 26.

The home belonged to Percy Muckuck and Michelle Fox, along with their three children, who range in age from 14 to seven-months.

The family escaped the blaze

with only the clothes on their backs.

An account for donations to the family has been set up at the Northern Store, said Pickle Lake township Coun. Graeme Mackenzie.

Donations can be made by general delivery to Northern Store care of general delivery, Pickle Lake P0V 3A0 account number 0557 0919 or through a link card.

submitted photo

About 40 dancers came to show their support for the Deer Lake First Nation Powwow late August.

The theme for this year’s celebration was 10 years of Excellence in Early Childhood Development.

Let’s put our Hearts into it!

Lower your risk of heart disease and stroke Aboriginal People are more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes, and as a result, are at greater risk of heart disease and stroke than the general population.

You can lower your risk by: •

Eating a healthy diet

•

Being physically active

•

Achieving a healthy weight

•

Knowing and managing your blood pressure

•

Knowing and managing your diabetes

•

Quitting smoking

Talk to your healthcare provider to see how you can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Or contact the Heart and Stroke Foundation at: 1-888-HSF-INFO (1-888-473-4636)

www.heartandstroke.ca/Aboriginal

Let’s put our Hearts into it!

8

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Collaboration key for Executive Council Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit loves strumming the guitar.

“I’m a guitar player,” said the newly elected deputy grand chief who describes himself as a member of Fort Albany #67.

“I used to play in bands. I continue to do that on my own just to keep up with it. It’s very relaxing.”

Louttit also finds strumming a few tunes to be beneficial when dealing with challenging situations.

“I’ve played the bass,” he said.

“I like experimenting with other instruments. I’m a big blues fan, but I like all kinds of music – country, jazz. I’ve listened to classical music.”

Louttit has also been a commercial pilot and he used to play in a Thunder Bay pool league.

“Reading is a big thing, mostly a lot on business, finance, investing,” Louttit said.

“I’ve read some spiritual books as well that have helped me in my healing as a residential school survivor.”

Louttit, who has been working as a management consultant for the past 23 years in northern Quebec, Nunavut and northern Ontario, believes it is time to develop more economic power within the communities.

“We have all the resources in our communities,” Louttit said.

“The biggest resource is our people. We need to invest in our people now.”

Louttit studied leading-edge business strategies while he was

working on his Masters of Business Administration, which he completed in 1999 at Queen’s University School of Business.

“We studied corporations,” Louttit said. “We did a lot of case studies. We analysed them.”

Louttit wants to share his knowledge and experience with

the executive council at Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

“It will make for a very good executive council over the next three years,” Louttit said.

Although the deputy grand chiefs had not been officially assigned portfolios at press time, Louttit said it is important to share knowledge and experi-

ence with each other to build an effective executive council.

“When we do the portfolios, we need to collaborate,” Louttit said.

One of Louttit’s strategies is to develop a think tank approach at NAN. “I would like to introduce a think tank for when we talk

about our issues,” Louttit said, explaining he wants to involve community members from all the different disciplines on the think tank when discussing issues of importance to NAN. “My vision is to improve NAN’s standard of living through an inherent and treaty rights-based agenda,” Louttit

stated on his www.leslouttit. com website. “I am committed to have federal and provincial governments recognize NAN’s nation-to-nation government, laws and jurisdictions. I would ensure that before any resource development begins in our traditional homelands, it is approved of by NAN citizens.”

Rick Garrick/Wawatay News

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit at his desk in NAN’s Thunder Bay office. Louttit, who describes himself as a member of Fort Albany #67, was elected as deputy grand chief during the Keewaywin Conference along with Fort Albany’s Mike Metatawabin and Eabametoong’s Terry Waboose.

Larry Baxter to provide Olympic security James Thom Wawatay News

A Bearskin Lake band member will be among the nearly 7,000 police officers providing security at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Larry Baxter, a constable with the Thunder Bay Police Service, was one of dozens of applicants within the service vying for the chance. Twelve officers were selected.

For Baxter, being part of the largest integrated security operation in Canadian history is an opportunity he will relish.

“This will be a great experience,” Baxter said, both professionally and personally.

“To be part of an operation with so many officers and so

Join fishing hosts hosts Jerry Sawanas and Neil Michelin in...

The Cry of the Loon is on APTN North Tuesdays at 11:00 am CT

much going on will be beneficial to my career … if I’m ever in a position with a large scale operation like this again.”

Personally, it will be thrilling to be at the Olympics, something few people get to do, he said.

“I don’t know what to expect when we get there,” he said.

“But I’m willing to do anything. If they ask me to direct traffic, I’ll do that. If I have to control an unruly crowd, I’ll do that too. I’m sure they will put me where I will be the most useful.”

Not much is known yet about what will be expected of the officers.

“We’re still waiting to hear back from the RCMP (who are running the security),” Baxter

said.

The RCMP will cover all expenses including travel and accommodations for the officers.

“...I’m willing to do anything. If they ask me to direct traffic, I’ll do that. If I have to control an unruly crowd, I’ll do that too.”

– Larry Baxter

It is unclear how long the officers will be away from Thunder Bay. Police Chief Robert Herman has suggested the

officers will be away for 10 days to several months.

Being away from his family for so long is one of the few drawbacks.

“It will be tough to be away for so long,” Baxter said, adding his family understands what an opportunity this is for him.

Though the Olympics are still six months away, nerves are starting to set in.

“Not only am I going to be representing Thunder Bay but also my home community and First Nations people,” he said.

“That makes me nervous.

“But I’m humbled to have been selected. So many officers applied. They are all worthy to go.”

The Olympics are scheduled to open Feb. 12.

ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᐣ ᐸᑯᓭᐧᑕᑦ ᑕᐱᐡᑯᐨ ᒋᑭᐃᐧᒋᐃᓀ ᑕᒥᑎᐊᐧᐸᐣ

ᐱᐊᐧᐱᑯᑫᐃᐧ ᐅᓇᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᐣ (ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᒣᑲᐧᐨ ᒋᐅᑕᐱᓂᑲᑌᐠ) ᑲᑭᐃᓇᑯᓂᑲᓄᐸᐣ ᒋᐅᒋ ᑲᓇᐁᐧᑕᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᑲᑭᓇ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐣ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐃᐧ ᒥᓂᑯᐃᐧᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᓂ ᐊᔓᑕᒪᑫᐃᐧᓇᐣ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᑕᐡ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᐣ ᒥᓇ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᐊᓂᔑᓂᓂᐊᐧᐠ ᑕᑭᑲᑫᐧ ᓇᑯᒥᑐᐸᓂᐠ ᑕᐱᑕ ᑫᐃᔑ ᓇᐦᐁᑕᒥᐦᐃᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᒥᓇ ᑫᐃᔑ ᐸᔭᑕᑭᓭᓂᐠ ᐅᑕᑭᐃᐧ ᐅᓇᐸᒋᑫᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐧᒪᕑᐃᐢ. ᑫᐃᔑ ᑲᐡᑭᒋᑲᑌᑫᐧᐣ ᑕᐡ ᐱᓫ 173 ᒥᓇ ᐱᓫ 191 ᑕᐅᒋ ᑎᐸᐸᒋᑫᒪᑲᐣ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑊᓫᐊᑎᓀᐠᐢ ᒥᓇ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᑲᐃᔑ ᓇᓀᓯᑕᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒥᑐᐊᐧᐨ ᑫᑭᐃᔑ ᒥᓇᐧᒋᑲᑌᑫᐧᐣ. ᑭᒋᐅᑭᒪᑲᐣ ᐢᑕᐣ ᐯᕑᑎ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᐢᑭ ᐅᑭᒪᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᐅᒋᓂᓯᑕᐃᐧᓂᑲᑌ ᑲᐃᓇᑯᓂᑲᑌᐠ ᓂᔭᑲᓇ ᑭᑫᑕᒧᓂᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ, ᐃᐧᒋᐃᓀᑕᒧᒥᑐᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᓂᑲᐣ ᑲᑭᐃᔑ ᑭᑫᑕᒧᓂᑎᓇᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᑲᑭᐅᒋ ᐸᑭᔓᐊᐧᒋᑲᑌᐠ ᑫᑯᐣ. ᐸᐸᑲᓂᓭᐊᐧᐣ ᐸᐯᔑᐠ ᐃᐡᑯᓂᑲᓇᐣ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᐯᕑᑎ. ᐃᐧᓇᐊᐧ ᐅᑲ ᐅᓀᑕᓇᐊᐧ ᑭᐡᐱᐣ ᐃᐧᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒪᐊᐧᐨ ᐅᓄᑕᓯᓂᐁᐧᐣ ᐃᒪ ᐅᑕᑭᒥᐊᐧᐠ ᒋᐱᑕᓇᓄᑭᓂᐨ. ᐯᕑᑎ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᐢᑭ ᑎᐯᒋᑫᐃᐧᐣ ᐅᑕᔭᐣ ᐊᔓᑕᒪᑯᐃᐧᐣ ᑭᒋᐅᑭᒪᑲᐠ, ᐁᐃᔑ ᑲᓄᒋᑫᒪᑲᐠ ᑲᐧᔭᐠ ᐃᐧᒋᐃᐧᑎᐃᐧᓂᐠ ᒥᓇ ᒋᐅᒋ ᑕᐱᑕᐃᐧᓇᒪᑎᓇᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᐊᐦᑭᐃᐧ ᐊᐸᒋᒋᑲᓇᐣ. ᑭᑭᓇᑯᒧᒥᐣ ᒋᐅᒋ ᑕᐱᑕᐃᐧᓇᒪᑎᔭᐠ ᑭᑕᑭᒥᓇᐣ ᒥᓇ ᐊᐦᑭᐃᐧ ᐊᐸᒋᒋᑲᓇᐣ ᑲᐱᑕᑯᔑᓄᐊᐧᐠ ᐱᐃᐧᑌᐠ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᐯᕑᑎ. ᐁᑲᐧ ᒥᓇ ᐅᐣᑌᕑᐃᔪ ᐅᑭᒪᐅᐣ ᐅᐃᐧ ᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒪᐣ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᒥᓇ ᑊᓫᐊᑎᓀᐠᐢ ᑭᓀᐧᐣ ᒋᐱᒥᓭᓂᐠ ᐅᒥᓄ ᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒥᑎᐃᐧᓂᐊᐧ. ᐣᑕᓇᑭ ᓇᑐᒪᒥᓇᐠ ᐁᐃᐧᓇᑭᐡᑲᐊᐧᔭᐠ ᓄᑯᒥᑫ ᐱᐅᑕᓇᐠ ᒥᑕᐡ ᐃᑯ ᑭᔭᐱᐨ ᑫᐱᒥᑐᑕᒪᐠ, ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᑲᐢᑎᐣ ᑲᓯᑭ, ᑲᐅᒋ ᐊᓂᑫᐡᑲᐊᐧᐨ ᑭᒋ ᐊᑭᑯᑭᒪᐣ. ᑲᓯᑭ ᑭᐃᑭᑐ ᐃᐁᐧ ᒪᓯᓇᐃᑲᐣ ᑲᑭᐱᒋᓂᔕᐦᐃᑲᑌᐠ ᑭᐃᓇᐧᑌ ᒋᐅᒋ ᔑᑭᐡᑲᑯᐊᐧᐨ ᑊᓫᐊᑎᓀᐠᐢ ᒥᓇ ᑭᒋᓇᒣᑯᓯᑊ ᒋᐃᔑ ᑲᑫᐧᑌᐧᐊᐧᐠ ᑎᐸᑯᓂᑫᐃᐧᓂᓂᑲᐠ ᐁᒪᐧᔦ ᐅᓄᑕᓯᓂᐁᐧ ᑲᑫᐧᑭᐁᐧᐡᑲᐨ ᓇᒣᑯᓯᐱᐣᐢ ᓴᑲᐃᑲᓂᐠ. ᓂᓯᑕᐃᐧᓇᑲᐧᐣ ᐃᑯ ᑭᔭᐱᐨ ᐊᐊᐧᔑᒣ ᒋᑲᑫᐧ ᐊᓄᑲᑌᐠ ᐊᓂᐣ ᑫᑭᐃᔑ ᑲᑫᐧ ᑌᐱᓂᑲᑌᑭᐸᐣ ᐃᐧᑕᓄᑭᒥᑐᐃᐧᐣ ᐁᑲ ᓇᓀᓯᑕᒥ ᑲᓇᐊᐧᐸᒥᑐᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᐅᒋᑕᑲᐧᐠ, ᐃᑭᑐ ᑲᓯᑭ. ᑲᐃᐧᐣ ᒋᐱᐅᒋ ᓇᑫᐧᑕᐠ ᑊᓫᐊᑎᓀᐠᑊ ᐊᓇᑭ ᑲᑫᐧᑲᓄᓇᑲᓄᐸᐣ ᑫᑯᓇᐣ ᐁᐃᐧᑲᑫᐧᒋᒪᑲᓄᐨ.

2010 Ford d Edge d SE

MSRP (Dealer may sell for less)

Employee Price Adjustment

Delivery Allowance

ontarioford.ca

$30,499 $2,235 $1,000

Total Price Adjustment

$3,235

$

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

Noah Chapman/Special to Wawatay News

UNT

HEL IL S

*

This summer, u pay what we pay. you

ᐃᒪ ᐅᒋ ᐸᑭᑭᓂᑲᓂᐠ 1

2009 Ford Ranger SuperCab Sport 4x2

MSRP (Dealer may sell for less)

Employee Price Adjustment

Your Employee Price

27,264

*

Your Employee Price

$

Offer excludes freight

13,119

†

*

Offer excludes freight

*Excludes CAW negotiated bonus.

EPT OVE EMB R ER T 5 H

D

Now get up to

$15,000

in price adjustments. offers vary by model

2010 Ford Fusion SE

MSRP (Dealer (De may sell for less)

Employee Price Adjustment

Delivery A Allowance

$22,799 $1,823 $1,500

Total Pric Price Adjustment

Your Employee Price Y

$3,323

$

19,476 *

Offer excludes freight

Delivery Allowance

$19,299 $1,680 $4,500

MSRP (Dealer may sell for less)

2010 Ford Mustang Coupe V6

Delivery Allowance

$25,999 $2,065 $1,000

Total Price Adjustment

$6,180

Total Price Adjustment

$3,065

Employee Price Adjustment

Your Employee Price

$

22,934

*

Offer excludes freight

If we have to order your 2010 vehicle, you’re guaranteed Employee Pricing until September 5th

We want you to experience the best vehicles we’ve ever built.

We believe that once you drive a Ford you won’t want to

We’re inviting you to take the Drive One Challenge.

drive anything else. If we still haven’t won you over and you

buy a qualifying competitive vehicle, we’ll give you $100†.

Hurry in to your Ontario Ford Store for the Drive One Challenge and your Employee Price Price.

*Ford Employee Pricing refers to A plan pricing ordinarily available to Ford employees and excludes any CAW negotiated bonuses or other special incentives that employees may receive from time to time. Ford Employee Pricing is only in effect from July 1st to August 31st, 2009 at participating Ford of Canada Dealerships. Ford Employee Pricing is available on most new 2009 and 2010 Ford vehicles (excluding 2009 Shelby KR, 2010 Mustang Shelby GT 500 and F-150 Raptor and 2009 and 2010 F-Series Chassis Cabs, E-Series Cutaways and Stripped Chassis, LCF, and Medium Truck). The new vehicle must be delivered or factory ordered from your Ford Dealer between July 1st and August 31st, 2009. Ford Employee Pricing does not include freight, fuel fill charge, license, insurance, registration, PPSA, dealer administration, and all applicable taxes. 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. Ford Employee Pricing is raincheckable. Ford Employee Pricing is not available on any vehicle receiving Competitive Price Allowance or Government Price Concession, SBIP, CFIP, Fleet Delivery Allowance, or Daily Rental Incentives. 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. Purchase a new [2010 Ford Edge SE / Ranger Super Cab Sport 4x2 /] [2010 Ford Mustang Coupe V6 / 2010 Ford Fusion SE I4] for MSRP [$30,499 / $19,299] [$25,999 / $22,799] or with Ford Employee Pricing for [$27,264 / $13,119] / [$22,934 / $19,476] after total Employee Pricing Adjustment of [$3,235 / $6,180] / [$3,065 / $3,323] deducted (Total purchase price adjustment is a combination of Employee Price Adjustment [$2,235 / $1,680] [$2,065 / $1,823], and delivery allowance [$1,000 / $4,500] / [$1,000 / $1,500]). Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Employee Price Adjustment, and Delivery Allowance have been deducted. Offer excludes freight [$1,350 / $1,300] [$1,350] / $1,350], fuel fill charge, license, insurance, registration, PPSA, administration fees and all applicable taxes. †Offer valid from July 1, 2009 until August 31, 2009 (the “Program Period”). This offer is only valid at participating dealers. A customer who test drives a new Ford vehicle during the Program Period and purchases or leases a new qualifying competitive make and model vehicle and takes delivery of that vehicle between 2 and 14 calendar days following the Ford test drive will be eligible to receive a $100 offer. To claim the $100 offer the customer must return to the Ford dealer where they took their test drive within 14 calendar days of the original test drive and present the dealer with proof of purchase/lease and delivery in the form of a dated and signed Retail Buyers Agreement. Retail Buyers Agreement must be dated between 2 and 14 calendar days after the date on which the Ford test drive took place. Eligible customers will be mailed a cheque from Ford Motor Company of Canada in the amount of $100 after eligibility is verified. Only one (1) $100 offer may be claimed per person during the Program Period. Qualifying competitive vehicles vary based on the model of the Ford test drive vehicle. See dealer for details regarding eligible competitive makes and models. Offer only available for use by Canadian residents and is in Canadian Funds. This offer may be cancelled at any time without notice.

Ontario FDAA, P.O. Box 2000, Oakville, Ontario L6J 5E4

Wawatay News

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

9

Without a Home Phone?

CALL:

HOME PHONE RECONNECT TOLL FREE

1-866-287-1348

Proudly serving Ontario and all of Canada Reasonable rates Friendly Service No Credit Information Required TOLL FREE

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Elders Mary Jane Crowe, Sarah Jane McKay, Martine Nanokeesic and Phyliss Semple sing hymns during Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug’s Aug. 26 protest at Nemeigusabins Lake.

1-866-287-1348

10

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Creefest 09

Brent Wesley/Wawatay News

Cooks from various Cree communities were busy cooking traditional foods Creefest 2009 in Missanabie Cree First Nation Aug. 19-21. Foods such as goose, moose, bannock and other meats were prepared for a traditional feast on the last day of the event.

TOP: A group of singers from Attawapiskat First Nation entertain passerby’s at Creefest 2009. From left, Rodney Hookimaw, Steven Hookimaw and Gordon Hookimaw.

MIDDLE: Sierra Noble, Métis fiddler player and singer/songwriter from Winnipeg, Man., was one of many performers at Creefest 2009 in Missanabie Cree First Nation Aug. 19-21.

BOTTOM: Aboriginal musicians, JC Campbell, left, and Tracy Bone, talked about healthy relationships during Creefest 2009 in Missanabie Cree First Nation Aug. 19-21. The duo also sang a few songs for participants.

KA-NA-CHI-HIH SAAFE WALK

(Solvent Abuse Awareness For Everyone) Ka-Na-Chi-Hih is holding its 9th annual SAAFE Walk in Thunder Bay. This year it is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 10:00 am. The event will commence with a traditional prayer, drumming and singing at Ka-Na-Chi-Hih on 1700 Dease Street (the old Ortona Legion) at 10:00 am. The Walk will then proceed on the trail at the end of Dease Street, around Friendship Gardens, east on Victoria Street, north on Waterloo, west on Dease and back to Ka-Na-Chi-Hih Centre. We will then have a feast, which will include traditional and western foods, to be concluded with a traditional smudging ceremony.

There will be a speaker, as well as information, regarding the growing issues of solvent abuse addiction.

The purpose of this Walk is to bring public awareness of the seriousness of solvent abuse, the many forms it can take on, and the dangers it poses. Solvent abuse is a continually growing problem and is not limited to remote First Nation communities

in Canada, but is also occurring in many other countries throughout the world, such as Australia, Japan, Thailand, Sweden, just to name a few. Parents and professionals have to be vigilant in all sectors of society.

As drugs of abuse, solvents are of particular concern. These chemicals are often the first drugs used by young people, as they are readily and easily available, and are often used before tobacco and alcohol. Solvent abuse is especially dangerous for young people because of their age, therefore, makes them especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of toxic chemicals in their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Medical management and treatment for solvent abuse is important to reduce the seriousness of its effects.

For more information on this event, please call Ka-Na-Chi-Hih Specialized Solvent Abuse Treatment Centre @ (807) 623-5577.

TOP: Marcus Wesley, 13, participates in an art workshop during Creefest 2009 in Missanabie Cree First Nation Aug. 19-21.

BOTTOM: Victoria Williams, 19, from Moosonee, Ont., participates in an art workshop during Creefest 2009 in Missanabie Cree First Nation Aug. 19-21.

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

Thank You I want to acknowledge and thank all those individuals who assisted in my campaign and subsequent election as Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief.

I want to thank all my friends throughout the NAN communities for their prayers, well wishes and words of encouragement throughout the campaign. A special thank you to my campaign manager, Pauline Cornell and assistant Jennifer Cornell for all their hard work. I look forward to serving all the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nationfor the next three years.

Grand Chief Stan Beardy

11

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Survivors of suicide gather in Wapekeka Debbie Mishibinijima Wawatay News If you heal an individual, then you can heal a family...

If you heal a family, then you can heal a community...

If you heal a community, then you can heal a nation

These words reflect the focus of the 17th Annual Survivors of Suicide Conference that took place in Wapekeka First Nation from Aug. 24-31.

The SOS Conference, as it has become known, drew about 200 attendees for the conference, including guests from 11 NAN communities.

The swine flu epidemic caused fewer people to attend the conference compared to previous years, according to organizers.

Wapekeka is a remote fly-in community with a population of 400 residents.

“The idea for the SOS conference came about following a youth suicide in the community,” said Chief Norman Brown.

“Four women got together to talk about the impact the suicide had. The community was stunned and needed a way to cope.”

First Nation members from the communities of Kingfisher, Fort Hope and Webequie came to Wapekeka to offer consoling.

It was then realized how suicide survivors needed one another to cope with trauma and grief.

“There may be one primary

victim but as with a bomb into a crowd of people the collateral damage done to others nearby is massive,” said Morley Beardy during the suicide prevention workshop.

Meetings took place that involved many community members. The people wanted to explore effective ways for healing.

There was religious counseling, and the use of music to help deal with the trauma.

In the early days of the conference, Ernest Moonias provided the entertainment. This year the trio of Bruce Beardy, Samson Barkman and George Crowe took to the stage to enlighten the crowd each night.

Over the course of four days there were several workshops.

This year’s workshops included

domestic violence, shame, abandonment/sexual abuse issues, introduction to trauma, cancer, suicide prevention, prescription drug abuse, mental health, marriage, parenting and family issues and spiritual well-being.

Mental health support counselors were available to help individuals with one on one counseling.

There were also daily healing and sharing circles to let go of grief in a supportive environment.

To honour those who have gone to the spirit world through suicide, there was a candlelight vigil, and the releasing of yellow balloons.

Working together in healing, there is hope for a better future for an individual, a family, a community, and a nation.

Debbie Mishibinijima/Wawatay News

In honour of those who passed along, yellow balloons are released into the sky.

Let’s take a stand against…Colorectal Cancer!

Do you know the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer? Do you know what you can do to prevent this disease?

Cancer Care Ontario wants everyone to learn ways to reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer and be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Let’s take a stand against…Colorectal Cancer! is an educational/ teaching tool for frontline health care service providers to teach Aboriginal communities about colorectal cancer prevention and screening using the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) through ColonCancerCheck, Ontario’s colorectal screening program.

When found early enough, there is a 90% chance colorectal cancer can be cured.

Some signs & symptoms of colorectal cancer are: • A change in your bowel movements • Blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool (feces) • Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that your bowel does not empty completely • Stools that are narrower than usual • Stomach discomfort • Unexplained weight loss • Fatigue (feeling tired, weak) • Vomiting If you have any of these symptoms talk to your health care provider during your next visit.

You can lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer by: • Eating a healthy diet; particularly a diet high in fibre and low in animal fats • Not smoking • Limiting or avoiding alcohol use • Exercising regularly • Visiting your health care provider regularly • Screening for colorectal cancer It is recommended that men and women 50 years of age or older, who do not have a family history of colorectal cancer, be screened every two years using FOBT. Talk to your health care provider about colorectal cancer and the screening method that is right for you.

If you are a health care provider and want more information on the Let’s take a stand against…Colorectal Cancer! toolkit, please contact: Rina Chua-Alamag, RD Cancer Care Ontario 505 University Ave. Toronto, ON M5G 1X3 (416) 971-9800 ext. 3271 Rina.Chua-Alamag@cancercare.on.ca www.cancercare.on.ca

http://www.cancercare.on.ca/english/home/about/programs/ aborstrategy/ltsacc/

Better cancer services every step of the way

12

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

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

Nishnawbe Aski Nation ᐊᓂᔑᓇᐯ ᐊᓴᑭᐃᓴᑯᓂᑲᓇᓐ ᐅᑭᒪᐧᐃᓐ BDO Dunwoody LLP 37 King Street Dryden, Ontario P8N 3G3

SUMMARIZED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT MARCH 31, 2009 2009 ASSETS CURRENT Cash and bank Accounts and grants receivable Prepaid expenses

$

Long-term investments Capital assets $

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

$

NET ASSETS Investment in capital assets Investment in Nishnawbe-Aski Investments Ltd. Restricted funds Unrestricted net assets

$

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

2008

$

4,039,395 1,650,007 6,758

5,711,530

5,696,160

1 383,956

1 344,225

6,095,487

4,422,547 881,281

$

5,269,972

383,956 1 168,223 299,479

344,225 1 107,963 318,225

791,659

770,414

6,095,487

To the Members of Nishnawbe Aski Nation

$

Booshoo! Wacheya!

We have audited the summarized statement of financial position of Nishnawbe Ask Nation as at March 31, 2009 and the summarized statements of changes in net assets, revenue and expenditures and changes in financial position for the year end. These financial statements are the responsibility of the organization’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

3,675,422 1,594,550

5,303,828

Message from the Grand Chief

Auditors’ Report on Summarized Consolidated Financial Statements

6,040,386

$

13

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

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

I am pleased to present the Summarized Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ending March 31, 2009 to you, the People and Leaders of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

This marks the ninth consecutive year we have been able to make this information available to everyone through Wawatay. We do so to be transparent and accountable to you, the people we serve, for the funds with which we are entrusted.

This past year has been busy with change and progress in many different issue areas that the staff of Nishnawbe Aski Nation work on as directed by Chiefs Resolutions. The Chiefs gathered in Chapleau Cree First Nation from August 11 – 13th, 2009 to review our progress and give direction for the future to best benefit our current and future generations.

The Annual Report presented at the Keewaywin Conference will be posted to our website at www.nan.on.ca

In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the organization as at March 31, 2009 and the results of its operations and changes in financial position for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

6,040,386

Grand Chief

Chartered Accountants, Licenced Public Accountants Dryden Ontario May 29 2009

Executive Director

Stan Beardy, Grand Chief

Finance Director

SUMMARIZED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2009 SUMMARIZED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

Budget 2009

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

2008

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

$

61,824

$

207,547

127,560 -

114,823 33,355

189,384

335,725

(122,558) (28,873) 747,145 (713,269)

397,648 22,252 (192,460) 1,300,820

(117,575)

1,528,260

71,809

1,883,985

(167,291) (40,579)

(155,532) -

(207,870)

(155,532)

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH for the year

(136,061)

1,728,453

CASH AND BANK, beginning of year

4,039,395

2,310,942

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

INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES Purchase of capital assets Surplus recoveries

CASH AND BANK, end of year

$

3,903,334

$

BALANCE, beginning of year

$

Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenditures for the year Invested in capital assets Surplus recoveries

344,225

INVESTMENT IN N.A.N.I.L

$

1

$

107,963

$

318,225

$

2009

2008

770,414

$

562,867

(127,560)

-

260

189,124

61,824

207,547

167,291

-

-

(167,291)

-

-

-

-

-

(40,579)

(40,579)

-

$

383,956

$

1

$

108,223

$

299,479

$

791,659

$

770,414

662,904

$

1,753,200 1,864,815 53,690

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

1,396,100 1,066,959 25,000

130,000 5,740,933 75,000 451,439 2,524,255 230,534 10,000 1,133,861 1,385,107

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

245,700 5,683,297 109,778 398,039 2,272,510 1,396,840 4,017 158,239 (26,536) 565,387 (1,316,970)

19,653,490

19,693,250

15,959,412

(6,180,138)

(6,168,511)

(5,353,433)

13,473,352

13,524,739

10,605,979

5,815 4,233,204 2,740,709 360,583 389,662 3,851,067 197,739 1,485,202 209,371

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

5,319 3,177,339 2,130,187 12,000 261,163 325,681 3,157,212 152,234 1,029,379 155,532

13,473,352

13,502,906

10,406,046

Excess of revenue over expenditures before other items

-

21,833

199,933

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

-

167,291 (127,560) 260

155,532 (114,823) (33,355) 260

-

39,991

7,614

$

-

$

61,824

$

1.PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION

412,284

3,568,768

TOTAL RESTRICTED UNRESTRICTED

$

2008

3,732,176

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

4,039,395

568,480

2009

3,732,176

Excess of revenue over expenditures for the year BALANCE, end of year

$

Funds transferred for First Nations operations

SUMMARIZED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2009 INVESTMENT IN CAPITAL ASSETS

NOTES TO SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MARCH 31, 2009

207,547

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a First Nations political organization that advocates and operates projects to protect and promote the government and socio-economic projects to protect and promote the political, social and economic interests of its member First Nations. The Executive was elected by the Chiefs on August 4, 2006, for a three-year term ending July 2009.

Grand Chief Stan Beardy Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose Deputy Grand Chief Roseanne Archibald The Organization receives its funding through contribution arrangements and contracts with various funding bodies and First Nations Institutions. The Organization was incorporated in 1983 as a not-for-profit organization. The Organization is dependent upon grants and transfer payments from various government agencies to finance its continuing operations.

2.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Elected Officials and Senior Management The remuneration for the year of elected officials and senior management totaled $464,537 (2008 - $415,411). Amounts paid to elected officials and senior management for travel amounted to $107.518 (2008 - $91,945). The Grand Chief and Deputies are provided salaries of $85,000 and $74,000, benefits of $5.457 and $4,751 respectively plus 12% pay in lieu of vacation. Travel allowances include mileage reimbursed at $0.53 per kilometre and meals/incidentals at $64 per day.

Specific salary, benefits and travel reimbursements were: Salary and Travel Benefits Reimbursements Grand Chief Stan Beardy

2009

2008

$ 100,657

$ 13,542

$ 114,199

$ 105,131

Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler

87,631

6,778

94,409

90,328

Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose

87,631

26,306

113,937

104,123

Deputy Grand Chief RoseAnne Archibald

87,631

35,316

122,947

108,365

100,987

25,576

126,563

99,409

Executive Director Flow Through Funding Agreements

The Organization receives funding which it distributes to member First Nations and First Nation organizations for specific projects and initiatives.

2009 2008 Total First Nation Allocations $6,168,511 $5,353,433

14

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

Wawatay News

DFC students return to school, bond with teachers

James Thom/Wawatay News

ABOVE: Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School students visited Chippewa Park Aug. 27 as a back-to-school activity. Students returned to school Aug. 26 for registration and orientation.

BELOW: Teacher John Eves pitches to students during a game of scrub.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is pleased to announce two funding initiatives aimed at supporting the development and implementation of Health Careers promotional activities:

Health Careers Day Grant Program

Health Careers Project Grant Program

This is an opportunity for NAN communities to receive $1,000 to create and deliver a Health Careers Day event!

This is an opportunity for NAN communities and/or associated organizations to receive $5,000 to create and deliver a Health Careers Project.

The grants are competitive as only ten (10) will be awarded in the NAN territory this year.

The grants are competitive as only seven (7) will be awarded in the NAN territory this year.

Eligibility Requirements:

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible to apply for the $1,000 Health Careers Day grant you/your community/group must: 1. Be a member of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

2. Plan and offer a “Health Careers Day” event/ experience to be completed by Monday, March 1, 2010.

3. Submit a final report of the event within two (2) weeks of completion.

To be eligible to apply for the $5,000 Health Careers Project grant you/your community/group/organization must: 1. Be a member of or serve residents of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

2. Plan and deliver an “Health Careers Project” targeting NAN secondary school youth to be completed by Monday, March 1, 2010.

3. Meet specific project requirements.

4. Submit a final report of the event within two (2) weeks of completion.

Deadline for both Applications is: Thursday, October 1, 2009 How to Apply: Applications are now available on our website: http://ahhri.nan.on.ca or can be obtained by contacting Susan Bale, AHHRI Policy Analyst toll free at 1-800-465-9952, directly at (807) 625-4955 or by email at sbale@nan.on.ca. *Please specify which program you would like to apply under.

Application Submission Process: All applications received by the deadline date will be reviewed by a Selection Committee and all applicants will be notified of the results. Due to the limited amount of available funding, incomplete or late applications will not be considered. www.nan.on.ca

Why advertise in Sagatay?

Complim

ntary

entary

Complime 2007 I June/July

Wasaya

Airways

LP Inflight

Magazine

Wasaya

Airways

LP Inflight

Magazin

y/March e I Februar

2008

Comp

ys LP ya Airwa Wasa

‘This

is fun’ se

st Fir e 10 Pag

Goo

ht Maga Inflig

zine

mber I Nove

nuary ‘07/Ja

Wasaya In-Flight Magazine

tary limen

‘08

t Hun rt hic A andibens grap Nadya Kw Photothe lens of gh throu page

12

• 85% of passengers polled read Sagatay on their flight • 82% of passengers polled noticed and read the advertising in Sagatay • Over 330 departures every week to 25 destinations across Northwestern Ontario • Magazines are also placed in all destination’s airports, band offices and local businesses

ies eliver in ial D wifery Spec ditional midmaykoogesib12 Tra

Kitch

enuh

Pa

The distribution date for the next magazine is scheduled for August 7, 2009. To meet this deadline, our ad booking and material deadline is July 9, 2009.

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

To advertise in Sagatay contact:

• Published 6 times per year, Sagatay reaches up to 20,000 Wasaya passengers Advertising Department 1-807-344-3022 with every issue

Booking Deadline September 3 October 29

Distribution Date October 2 November 27

1-800-575-2349 Email: brentnw@wawatay.on.ca 216 S. Algoma St. Thunder Bay, ON P7B 3C2 Fax: 807-344-3182

Wawatay News

James Thom/Wawatay News

RIGHT: Assistant Crown attorney Trevor Jukes speaks to DFC students during orientation Aug. 27. He told the students there are only two numbers to be concerned with: 19 and 130; you can’t drink if you’re under 19 and if you do drink and get caught, the average fine is $130.

BELOW: Teacher Kevin Kakegamic has some fun on a kiddie swing while watching a teachers versus students softball game.

BOTTOM RIGHT: About half the students who attended the Chippewa Park outing joined a softball game.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

15

16

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Tikinagan celebrates 25 years of service dum provided for the takeover of child welfare services by the Anishnabe people. This lead to the creation of the first two Aboriginal Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario: Tikinagan and Payukotayno.

“At the beginning Tikinagan was very small, as a matter of fact the first office was in the basement of my house. There were one or two staff hired and several consultants to develop a work plan for the set up of the agency,” said Catherine Beamish in a 25th anniversary address to the Chiefs Assembly in Sandy Lake. Beamish has acted as Tikinagan’s legal council since the beginning in 1984.

“But from those humble beginnings, Tikinagan Child and Family Services has grown into the large, modern agency it is today,” said Beamish.

There have been three major changes to Tikinagan over the past 25 years.

First, “Bringing the kids home and keeping them home,”

Chris Kornacki Wawatay News

Tikinagan Child and Family Services celebrated its 25th anniversary as an agency Aug. 18-20 at their Annual Chiefs Assembly in Sandy Lake First Nation.

“In the early 1980s there was a lot of discussion about First Nation self-government,” said Bill Nothing, who in 1984 was Deputy Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) in charge of selfgovernment and child welfare.

“The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs believed that their own people could look after their children…at the time there was a tremendous loss of the First Nations children to the child welfare system across Canada.”

A Memorandum was signed Aug. 22, 1984 at the Keewaywin Coference in Kitchenuhnaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation between NAN and the Ministry of Community and Social Services. The Memoran-

said Beamish. “Historically Children’s Aid Societies came into the communities, took the kids and got them out, and some of those kids you never saw again.

Particularly in the past 10 years there’s been a huge movement to keep the kids at home and in the culture.”

Secondly, the development of the Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin Model, which tries to resolve child protection issues in the community. “This has resulted in a paradigm shift,” said Beamish.

“The chiefs and council have now become partners with Tikinagan instead of being in an adversarial role against Tikinagan.”

Lastly, the de-centralization of Tikinagan has been a major change over the past 25 years.

At first all the staff was in Sioux Lookout but now over 60 per cent of Tikinagan workers are community based. “They are community people looking out for their own kids.”

Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News

Tikinagan Child and Family Services held its 25th Annual Chiefs Assembly in Sandy Lake First Nation Aug. 18-20, 2009.

Timeline of Tikinagan history Pre-Tikinagan: Until 1984 child welfare in the Sioux Lookout District First Nations was managed by the Kenora Children’s Aid Society (CAS). Chiefs expressed their dissatisfaction with this arrangement to the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services.

1984: The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and the Ministry of Community and Social Services Aug. 22, 1984.

The agreement provided for the gradual takeover of Child and Family Services by Anishnabe

people over a five-year period.

Tikinagan was established by the Chiefs just after the Agreement was signed.

1985: The framework for Tikinagan was established, especially its goal of protecting children and ending their removal from their families and communities.

1986-87: Tikinagan was designated as an approved agency by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

1987-88: Tikinagan received full designation as a Children’s Aid Society (CAS) with all the powers and

responsibilities for child welfare in NAN territory including child protection and apprehension.

1988-89: Tikinagan experienced a significant growth in demand for its services. More children were coming into care and more strain was placed on its resources. To respond, the agency stepped up its worker training, added a child abuse specialist, a direct services coordinator and an Elder-counsellor to its team.

1990-91: NAN commissioned a comprehensive organizational review of Tikinagan, which resulted

ABORIGINAL INITIATIVES AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: • OFFICE OF ABORIGINAL INITIATIVES (AI) • ABORIGINAL MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (AMC) • DEPARTMENT OF INDIGENOUS LEARNING (IL) • NATIVE NURSES ENTRY PROGRAM (NNEP) • NATIVE ACCESS PROGRAM (NAP) EDUCATION • DEPARTMENT OF ABORIGINAL EDUCATION • HONOURS BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (ABORIGINAL EDUCATION) • NATIVE TEACHERS EDUCATION PROGRAM (NTEP) • NATIVE LANGUAGE INSTRUCTORS PROGRAM (NLIP) • CANADA RESEARCH CHAIR (CRC) — INDIGENOUS EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES • ABORIGINAL CULTURAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES (ACSS) • ELDERS PROGRAM • LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY NATIVE STUDENT ASSOCIATION (LUNSA) • ABORIGINAL AWARENESS CENTRE (AAC) Office of Aboriginal Initiatives http://aboriginalinitiatives.lakeheadu.ca (807) 766-7219

in 94 recommendations to the agency.

1991-92: A Family Counseling Unit was established. Twelve family counselors were situated in selected First Nations and three were located in Sioux Lookout to travel to the remaining communities.

1994-95: Tikinagan’s number of children’s days in care reached an all time high in the agency’s history with more than 71, 500 days in care.

1995-96: Tikinagan’s children’s days in care increased to 74, 740 days.

1999-2000:

at Lakehead Lakehead University is dedicated to working with Aboriginal peoples in furthering their educational aspirations.

Aboriginal programs at Lakehead University offer academic, research, cultural, and support services tailored to Aboriginal needs.

Office of Admissions & Recruitment www.mylakehead.ca (807) 343-8500

Mediation and Facilitation Services available for individuals and organizations.

Call 738-1266 or email resolve@slarc.ca for more details.

Tikinagan staff increased by almost 40% with more workers based at the community level.

They also opened the Sioux Lookout office building. Total days of children in care reached 93, 700 days.

2001-2002: 15th anniversary of Tikinagan’s designation as a Children’s Aid Society. Tikinagan established Branch Offices in some communities and explored the implementation of a community based on-call system for after hour emergencies.

2002-2003: Tikinagan received designation as a Charitable Organiza-

tion, which would give potential donors favourable tax incentives and enable the agency to establish a foundation to assist children and families.

2003-2004: Tikinagan celebrated its 20th anniversary of service from 1984-2004.

2005-2006: The Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin was launched as a service model with Board approved policy and procedures manuals.

2008-2009: Tikinagan celebrated its 25th anniversary of service.

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

Practice makes perfect

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

17

OAHS launches FIMUR Assisted Homeownership Program

Official Signing of FIMUR Housing Program (April 16, 2009) Seated left to right: Sylvia Maracle (Chair OAHS, ED OFIFC); Dawn Harvard (Director OAHS, President ONWA), Jim Watson (Minister Municipal Affairs and Housing), Doug Wilson (Director OAHS, CAO MNO). Standing left to right: Brad Duguid (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs), Donna Cansfield (Minister Natural Resources), Michael Gravelle (Minister Northern Development and Mines), and Don McBain (Executive Director OAHS).

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario September 1, 2009

Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News

Sandy Lake First Nation hoop dancer Miles Kakekagumick practices his dancing inside the Catholic Church in Sandy Lake. Kakekagumick was joined by fellow hoop dancers Tre Fiddler and Korwin Linklater who all perform together. Visit www.wawataynews.ca to watch a video on the three Sandy Lake hoop dancers.

BEAR WISE

Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) is pleased to announce the launch of the First Nation, Inuit, Métis Urban & Rural Housing (FIMUR) Assisted Homeownership Program.

The goal of the FIMUR Assisted Homeownership Program is to help address housing needs for Aboriginal people in Ontario living off-reserve, designed and delivered based on community engagement processes, to move from rental to homeownership.

The program will provide funding through forgivable loans for the purpose of purchasing primary residences for a limited number of eligible self-identifying Aboriginal individuals and families with low- to moderate-income. Eligible homes can be in off-reserve urban communities and rural locations across Ontario excluding the Greater Toronto Areas. The value of a home cannot exceed the average market value in the respective area.

Applicants will be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, against the mandatory criteria.

Priority will be given to those who are currently residing in social housing, and families escaping situations of violence.

For complete details, including information on the Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Trust (OAHT) engagement process, Program Guidelines which contain application forms, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) please go to http://www.OntarioAboriginalHousing.ca, call 1-866-391-1061, or write to: Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services Attn: FIMUR Assisted Homeownership Program 500 Bay Street, Suite 200 Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1X5

You’re in bear country

Be Bear Wise.

Exploring Ontario’s outdoors? Remember that you’re in the natural habitat of black bears.

Avoid surprise encounters with black bears: 1. Make noise as you travel through wooded areas 2. Watch for signs of bear activity, like tracks or claw marks on trees 3. Be aware of your surroundings – do not use music headphones While the chance of seeing or encountering a black bear is low, it is best to be prepared – 쎱 쎱 쎱

Do not approach the bear Slowly back away Do not turn and run

To report bear problems call:

1 866 514-2327 TTY 705 945-7641 In a life-threatening emergency, call your local police or 911.

For more information, visit our website:

ontario.ca/bearwise Paid for by the Government of Ontario.

About the FIMUR Housing Program The provincial Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Trust (OAHT) engagement process was led in partnership by the Ontario Federation Indian Friendship Centre (OFIFC), Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) from April to August 2008 across the province, with the exception of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Subsequent to the provincial OAHT engagement process, the OFIFC, MNO and ONWA prepared the Ontario Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Trust (OAHT) Report which identified the specific housing needs, priorities and issues of Aboriginal people living off-reserve in Ontario as identified in the engagement process, and provided Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) with policy recommendations on the design, which included a Homeownership forgivable loan component in the amount of $6 million.

About Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) OAHS is a Corporation without share capital that is mandated to: provide housing and repair programs with a specific focus on the Aboriginal community, to be delivered cost-effectively; provide central policy/program administration and develop training for Aboriginal Housing provider groups; undertake responsibility for matters related to socially assisted, culturally appropriate offreserve housing; and utilize the talent, skills and experience of the Aboriginal community to the greatest extent possible in the allocation, delivery, construction and long term management of programs.

The OAHS Board is comprised of representatives appointed by Métis Nation of Ontario, Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, and Ontario Native Women’s Association.

For more information on OAHS, please go to: http://www.OntarioAboriginalHousing.ca “Supported by the Province of Ontario”

18

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Employment Opportunity

COMMUNITY WELLNESS FACILITATOR Contract Position

POSITION SUMMARY The Community Wellness Facilitator is responsible to travel to Northwestern Ontario First Nation Communities to deliver workshops to communities and families.

The Community Wellness Facilitator is responsible for developing culturally appropriate resource materials. These materials are designed to provide First Nation communities and families with the skills and tools required to deal with the challenges involved in living in remote communities in Northwestern Ontario.

This position will be based in Sioux Lookout ON, serving communities within the Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) catchment area.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Health Policy Analyst (Full-Time) The role of the Health Policy Analyst is to review, monitor and analyze provincial and federal government initiatives and legislation in order to advise the Executive with the Health portfolio, Health Planning Group, and the Chiefs on possible impacts relating to health, mental health and social issues within Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN).

The Analyst documents and/or coordinates the articulation of recommendations or options to promote improvement to health care services available to the people of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation through various health service delivery bodies, as well as strengthen the understanding of traditional spiritual values, and build public support for the goals of the health program of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

NAN seeks an individual with a university degree in a public health administration or related discipline and a minimum of 5 years experience with federal and provincial health program and policy analysis and significant knowledge of health needs of the Nishnawbe Aski communities.

The deadline for applications is 4:00pm EST September 23rd, 2009. For complete information, including job description and submission information, please visit www.nan.on.ca. www.nan.on.ca

NORTHERN NISHNAWBE EDUCATION COUNCIL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence, which provides professional training for water and wastewater plant operators at its state of the art training facility in Dryden, requires a highly motivated and dedicated individual to fill the position of Program Assistant.

This is a one year contractual position Applications from qualified applicants must address their ability to meet the following minimum requirements: - Completed Grade 12 or equivalent.

- Working knowledge of Microsoft office suite of computer applications.

- Working knowledge of database computer applications.

- Strong interpersonal communication skills, oral and written.

- Valid driving license for the Province of Ontario and access to a personal vehicle.

Assets that may guarantee success include: - Working knowledge of the applicable Ontario Regulations relating to the certification of water/wastewater operators.

- Understanding of process for obtaining Director Approval for training programs.

This is much more than a clerical position and candidates chosen for an interview will be tested on their knowledge of the above mentioned topics as well as:

Northern Nishnawbe Education Council is a not for profit educational organization. Under the direction of the Sioux Lookout Area Chiefs, NNEC delivers secondary and post secondary education programs and services for First Nations people. NNEC operates a Bachelor of Education Program in partnership with Brock University and welcomes applications for the following position:

NNEC BACHELOR OF EDUCATION COORDINATOR NNEC seeks a Bachelor of Education Coordinator to coordinate operations of the Bachelor of Education Program in partnership with Brock University QUALIFICATIONS • Post secondary education and/or training in a related field, candidates with relevant experience will be considered • Proven leadership, recruitment, computer and data management skills • Advanced oral and written communication skills in English • A working knowledge of NNEC First Nation communities and education issues • Fluency in Oji-Cree, Cree or Ojibway is a strong asset • NNEC requires a vulnerable person check to be completed for all staff at time of hiring LOCATION:

Sioux Lookout, Ontario

- Ability to monitor expenditures and work to a budget.

- History of working with minimal supervision.

- Understanding of confidentiality.

TERM:

Candidates who feel they qualify for this challenging career opportunity should submit a resume with cover letter and three professional references to:

Only those persons selected for an interview will be contacted

Hiring Committee Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence 100 Casimir Avenue, Suite 209 Dryden, Ontario P8N 3L4 Deadline for submission: September 16, 2009 - 4:00 PM All applicants, whether chosen for an interview or not will be contacted.

Permanent

SALARY: CLOSING:

$25,885.00 - $39,473.00 Monday, September 14, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.

Submit your resume, covering letter and written permission for NNEC to contact two employment references to Personnel Officer at NNEC: by fax : (807) 582-3865; by postal mail @ Box 1419, Sioux Lookout, Ontario, P8T 1B9 or by email @ humanresources@nnec.on.ca For more information please contact: Personnel Officer, Dorothy Trout @ 807 582-3245 www.nnec.on.ca

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Appropriate educational qualifications and/or equivalent combination of experience and training to manage the tasks and responsibilities of the position.

2. Must be willing and able to travel to Northwestern Ontario First Nation communities.

3. Demonstrated experience and skills in working with First Nation people.

4. Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity to First Nation issues and values.

5. Knowledge of curriculum development and production of culturally based resource material for First Nation families.

6. Experience in planning and facilitating workshops.

7. Must be self motivated and able to work without supervision.

8. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

9. Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

10. Fluency in Ojibway/Cree is required.

11. Ability to write syllabics would be an asset.

12. Administrative skills such a computer, electronic communication and report writing.

13. Current Criminal Records check with a Vulnerable Persons check.

14. Valid Ontario driver’s licence would be an asset.

15. Minimum Grade 12 required.

Send updated resume, covering letter and three (3) most recent references to:

Equay-wuk (Women’s Group) 16 Fourth Avenue, P.O. Box 1781 Sioux Lookout ON P8T 1C4 Fax: (807) 737-2699

Closing Date: September 11, 2009 Deadline: 12 noon We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

NORTHERN NISHNAWBE EDUCATION COUNCIL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

SECRETARY (EDUCATION) GENERAL: The Secretary provides secretarial and clerical support to the Director of Secondary Education and the Executive Secretary of Northern Nishnawbe Education Council. Secretarial services include, but are not limited to, reception, secretarial, record keeping and bookkeeping duties. Secretaries are required to maintain confidentiality and to exhibit professionalism.

QUALIFICATIONS: • A two-year Post-Secondary degree/diploma in business and/or office administration and experience in secretarial and administration functions OR a minimum four years related work experience • Ability to communicate in Oji-Cree, Ojibwe or Cree is an asset • Must have excellent word-processing skills; knowledge of Word Perfect 9/10, MS Word and related computer software programs an asset • A co-operative attitude when working with the public, staff and, in particular, First Nation people of the Sioux Lookout District • Must be free to travel and to attend evening meetings • Must have excellent interpersonal, organizational and communications skills (oral & written) • Must have excellent minute taking skills RESPONSIBILITIES: • Word process reports, letters, memoranda, correspondence and other documents for Director of Secondary Education • Arrange travel for Director of Secondary Education • Provide assistance at Board, Committee and Annual General Meetings • Record, prepare, distribute materials as required • Photocopy, collate, and distribute materials as required • Maintain and update student information files (computer and paper files) • Perform other duties as required ACCOUNTABILITY: The secretary will be directly accountable to the Director of Secondary Education or designate.

LOCATION: Sioux Lookout, Ontario TERM: One year renewable contract SALARY: $25,885 - $35,132 commensurate with education and experience CLOSING: Monday, September 7, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.

NNEC requires a Vulnerable Persons Check to be completed for all staff at time of hiring.

Only those persons selected for an interview will be contacted Send resume with cover letter and permission for NNEC to contact three current references to:

Northern Nishnawbe Education Council

Box 1419, 21 King Street Sioux Lookout ON P8T 1B9 Attention: Dorothy Trout, Personnel Officer or fax to 807-582-3865 or by email: humanresources@nnec.on.ca

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

EMPLOYMENT

Employment Opportunity

COUNSELLOR/ COACH MENTOR

BAND MANAGER TRAINEE

Reporting to the Project Manager, the Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor is part of the Project Team. The Project Team works together to plan, implement and document the apprentice and training support and services developed throughout the project.

The Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor designs and implements outreach strategies to engage potential and eligible apprentices from remote First Nations to participate in the project. In addition, working/liaising with the MTCU representative, s/he provides assistance, counseling and information to project participants and community members on all aspects of career advancement and, in particular, on apprenticeship development. S/he works proactively with participants to identify and overcome barriers to achieving success in the apprenticeship/upgrading/ employment path they are following.

The Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor provides one-on-one support, information and assistance to project participants both in the community and while on the job site. Working in an online or distance environment and face-to-face, the Mentor is the content helper for apprentices, pre-apprentices and students: clarifying problems, identifying solutions, and providing training and support. Using the resources of the MTCU, the Coach Mentor is responsible for developing and delivering appropriate learning interfaces for participants, e.g. online chat to verify progress of participants; delivering video seminars on topics geared to small groups; information bulletins on available work, upcoming courses and fact sheets; and a variety of life skills and pre-employment workshops and seminars.

The Mentor liaises between the employee and employer to clarify job responsibilities, expectations and behaviour norms. S/he ensures project participants are properly oriented to new jobs and training programs and meets with individuals frequently and regularly online or in person. The Mentor and worker co-identify the appropriate strategy or tool to assist the employee in their successful integration to the workplace and/or training program.

In addition, the Employment Counsellor/Mentor acts as a “coach” who encourages people to achieve their goals and helps them believe they are capable of achieving success through the development of selfesteem, skills and job-related condence. Counsellor/ Mentors are also advocates for project participants, working with them to remove barriers that may impede success.

Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor Requirements A Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in a related eld such as social services, education or psychology or equivalent experience. A minimum of ve years in employment and/or career counseling or in a helping profession. Experience in trades and/or trade experience knowledge an asset. Ability to speak OjiCree or Ojibway an asset. Demonstrated ability to animate and co-manage community-based initiatives and strong oral and written communications skills.

Must have knowledge and proven experience in use and basic understanding of computer hardware and software and interest in learning online pedagogical techniques.

Ability to speak Oji-Cree, Ojibway or Cree is an asset.

MUST be willing to travel to the First Nation remote communities.

SALARY – negotiable up to $ 45,000/annual D.O.E. Contract position up to 7 months with possibility of extension depending on funding.

Location: Sioux Lookout, Ontario Please submit resume with a cover letter and three most recent references must be attached to:

Bob Bruyere, Coordinator Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board (SLAAMB) P.O. Box 56, 80 Front Street Sioux Lookout, ON. P8T 1A1 807 – 737 – 4047 Fax: 807 – 737 - 4048 Mark envelope “ Private and Condential”.

Closing date: Friday, September 11, 2009 Only Those Individuals Selected for An Interview Will Be Contacted!

19

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Webequie First Nation has an immediate opening for a motivated individual for the position of Band Manager Trainee. Working closely with the Administration department and the Band Co-manager, the successful candidate will work towards the position as Band Manager for the First Nation.

The successful candidate will report directly to Chief and Council, and will be responsible for learning and managing the day-to-day operations of the Band, including financial management, human resources management, accounts payable and accounts receivable management, various government remittances and reporting, budgeting and cash flow management.

The successful candidate will have: • strong communication skills, both written and verbal; • ability to work independently; • ability to read, interpret, and implement human resource policies and procedures; • basic knowledge and understanding of accounting, budgeting and finance; • computer skills a definite asset; • prior management experience an asset; • minimum Grade 12 education or equivalent Salary commensurate with experience Please forward your resume by Thursday, September 17th by mail, fax or e-mail to: Randy Jacob, Councillor Webequie First Nation P.O. Box 240 Webequie, ON, P0T 2AO Fax (807) 353-1218 or e-mail randyj@webequie.ca We thank all applicants, however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted

Employment Opportunity (Full-Time) RECEPTIONIST & BROADCAST/SALES ASSISTANT SUMMARY The Receptionist & Broadcast/Sales Assistant is a multi task position, ranging from standard reception duties to voiceovers and commercial production. The successful applicant will work with several departments including Admin, Sales, Production, and Technical.

LOCATION: Timmins, Ontario DUTIES: 1. Answer, Screen and Forward calls to the appropriate person in a professional courteous and timely manner.

2. Ensure the main switchboard and reception area is covered at all times.

3. Pick up, receive, register (record) and distribute all incoming/ outgoing mail, faxes and other material to the appropriate personnel.

4. Deliver and registering all incoming and outgoing correspondence, including orders for northern destinations. (Mail) 5. Photocopy and collate documents for filing, mailing, faxing.

6. Work with sales to ensure the all invoicing, run sheets and affidavits are up to date and that commercials are being played in the correct time slot.

7. Maintain an accurate record of employee arrival and departure on a daily log sheet.

8. When required produce Cree/English voice Over for Radio commercials.

9. Act as assistant broadcaster when short handed, doing news, weather, and or talk show.

10. Other tasks may be assigned from time to time.

SKILLS/JOB REQUIREMENT: • Must be fluent in Cree, • High school graduate and or equivalent experience • Motivated, well spoken with good command of the English language • Knowledge of computers, word processing and spreadsheets • Ability to operate fax machines, photocopier, and other related office equipment • Working with minimal supervision and take initiative • Skills and experience and or willing to learn media relations and public affairs • Knowledge and understanding of the First Nations people and culture of the NAN territory CLOSING DATE: Friday, September 11, 2009 4:30 CST. Applicants can send their resume and cover letter to:

George Witham at 705-360-4556 ext. 32 Fax: 705-360-1601 Mail: 135 Pine Street South Timmins On P4N 2K3 Attn: George Witham Email: georgew@wawatay.on.ca Note: Only applicants considered for an interview will be contacted.

Employment Opportunity SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Employment Opportunity SALES REPRESENTATIVE

SUMMARY Wawatay Native Communications Society serves the communications needs of the people and communities in Northern Ontario. The Society does this through the provision of a variety of multimedia services, including but not limited to: a biweekly newspaper, daily native language radio programs, weekly television programming, audio streaming and regularly updated website. These services help to preserve and enhance the languages and culture of the Aboriginal people in Northern Ontario.

LOCATION: Thunder Bay, Ontario RESPONSIBILITIES: • Sell advertising for Wawatay Media Services and special projects.

Make regular sales calls to existing clients and actively search out new business by telephone and in person. Solicit and book ad agency sales. Handle incoming sales calls.

• Prepare ad sales contracts / insertion agreements. Proofread completed ads and obtain ad approval from clients.

• Meet sales revenue and expense targets.

• Perform sales administration duties: maintain client files and provide complete sales billing information to the Sales Coordinator.

• Maintain daily log sheets detailing activities and submit on a weekly basis • Maintain a daily telephone log of incoming and outgoing calls.

• Work with console operators and audio engineers to meet client/ customer advertising and broadcasting bookings specifications.

• Ensure commercials meet client needs and are approved for airing.

• Provide job price quotes for Wawatay media services.

• Other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Education in business, administration or related fields and/or previous experience in sales considered an asset.

• Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills.

• The ability to communicate in Ojibway, Oji-Cree or Cree considered an asset.

• A high degree of initiative, motivation and the ability to observe strict confidentiality is essential.

• Excellent time management skills, including multi-tasking.

• The candidate must be willing to work overtime and travel as required.

• The candidate must provide a criminal records check.

• A valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required.

CLOSING DATE: Friday, September 11, 2009 4:30 CST. Applicants can send their resume and cover letter to:

SUMMARY Wawatay Native Communications Society serves the communications needs of the people and communities in Northern Ontario. The Society does this through the provision of a variety of multimedia services, including but not limited to: a biweekly newspaper, daily native language radio programs, weekly television programming, audio streaming and regularly updated website. These services help to preserve and enhance the languages and culture of the Aboriginal people in Northern Ontario.

LOCATION: Timmins, Ontario RESPONSIBILITIES: • Sell advertising for Wawatay Media Services and special projects.

Make regular sales calls to existing clients and actively search out new business by telephone and in person. Solicit and book ad agency sales. Handle incoming sales calls.

• Prepare ad sales contracts / insertion agreements. Proofread completed ads and obtain ad approval from clients.

• Meet sales revenue and expense targets.

• Perform sales administration duties: maintain client files and provide complete sales billing information to the Sales Coordinator.

• Maintain daily log sheets detailing activities and submit on a weekly basis • Maintain a daily telephone log of incoming and outgoing calls.

• Work with console operators and audio engineers to meet client/ customer advertising and broadcasting bookings specifications.

• Ensure commercials meet client needs and are approved for airing.

• Provide job price quotes for Wawatay media services.

• Other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Education in business, administration or related fields and/or previous experience in sales considered an asset.

• Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills.

• The ability to communicate in Ojibway, Oji-Cree or Cree considered an asset.

• A high degree of initiative, motivation and the ability to observe strict confidentiality is essential.

• Excellent time management skills, including multi-tasking.

• The candidate must be willing to work overtime and travel as required.

• The candidate must provide a criminal records check.

• A valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required.

CLOSING DATE: Friday, September 11, 2009 4:30 CST. Applicants can send their resume and cover letter to:

Pierre Parsons Business Development Director Box 1180, Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B7 Fax: (807) 737-2951 E-mail: pierrep@wawatay.on.ca

Pierre Parsons Business Development Director Box 1180, Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B7 Fax: (807) 737-2951 E-mail: pierrep@wawatay.on.ca

Note: Only applicants considered for an interview will be contacted.

Note: Only applicants considered for an interview will be contacted.

20

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

KI not willing to take on more debt from page 1 “Our priority was to keep Platinex off the land,” McKay said. “We completed what we set out to do yesterday (Aug. 26).”

When KI learned about Platinex’s decision to resume their mineral exploration activities on Nemeigusabins Lake, Morris sent a letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty asking for a meeting, noting Platinex had caused a serious and dramatic disruption a year earlier when it attempted to engage in mining related activities.

“Nemeigusabins Lake has always been an integral part of our Indigenous values and activities,” Morris stated in the Aug. 17 letter, which is posted on the www.kitelecom.myknet.

org website. “Our Aboriginal and treaty rights were never taken into account when the provincial government unilaterally issued mining exploration permits for Platinex. We feel this decision must be reconsidered, also in view of the fact that Bill 191 (Far North Act) is proposing that these kinds of areas will be protected under this proposed legislation.”

Platinex has been sending letters to the community stating “they are going to force their way onto our land getting legal support using their Mining Act licenses,” McKay said in a posting on the community’s web site.

Ontario had made a Notice of Motion Aug. 24.

“This is really creating a very crisis situation for my people,”

McKay said. “We have no money to fight procedural cases that do not address our Aboriginal and treaty rights. Recognition of our Aboriginal and treaty rights is more a political question than a legal procedural issue.”

KI had attempted to reallocate community funds to pay for legal costs up until Oct. 2007, when the community decided it could no longer participate due to the accumulation of more than $700,000 of debt due to legal costs at the time.

Morris, who served about 68 days in jail with the other KI6 members before the Ontario Court of Appeal set them free, stated in an Aug. 27 response to the Notice of Motion to Attorney General Chris Bentley that the community feels the issue is more political than legal and

that Canada and Ontario cannot use the (English only) written texts of the treaty to justify the Mining Act (while not accepting) the fiduciary obligations to protect Aboriginal and treaty rights of indigenous peoples.

“Ontario government and KI need to find a mutually agreeable and peaceful means to resolve our competing land use plans.”

– Donny Morris

“Ontario government and KI need to find a mutually agreeable and peaceful means to

resolve our competing land use plans,” Morris said. “The success of Bill 173 and Bill 191 will depend on how the Platinex KI conflict is resolved on the ground.”

Grand Chief Stan Beardy said Nishnawbe Aski Nation recognizes the policy of consultation, accommodation and prior informed consent.

“Each First Nation is autonomous,” Beardy said. “They have the right to determine if they want to enter into resource development on their lands.”

Beardy said NAN has a treaty with the Crown, which speaks about peaceful co-existence and sharing resources.

“We agreed to share the lands and resources with the settlers,” Beardy said.

Meanwhile, the Ontario gov-

ernment wants to work with both KI and Platinex to find a long-term solution.

“We have extended offers to try to get them meeting together over the past number of months and will continue to do that,” said Christine Kaszycki, assistant deputy minister with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

Kaszycki said the Notice of Motion was intended to encourage KI and Platinex to seek further direction from Justice Smith prior to Platinex’s attempt to return to their mining claim site on Nemeigusabins Lake.

“Clearly there needs to be some ongoing dialogue and engagement so these types of events don’t occur,” she said.

Platinex did not respond to a request for comments.

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL • COTTAGES

• Security Systems • CCTV • Card Access • 24 hr. ULC Listed Monitoring • Padlocks • Electronic Door Controls • Deadbolts • Lock Sales, Repairs, Keys, Re-keys • Safe-Opening & Repairs • Restricted Key Systems

MENTION THIS AD & GET

FOR ALL YOUR SIGNS 104 E. Frederica St. Thunder Bay

10OFF% ORDER expiry Feb 26, 2010

e-mail: signsnow@tbaytel.net

Toll Free: 1.888.362.8505 www.commercialaviation.ca

CELEBRATING

25

TH

ANNIVERSARY

Phone: 807 468-7878 1221 HWY. 17 W., KEEWATIN, ON P0X 1C0 Toll Free: 1 888-893-6488 • Fax: 807 547-2468 • Email: info@keystonelock.ca

#1 Service in Northern Ontario since 1984

RECONNECT YOUR HOME PHONE! Pre-Paid Home Phone Service

20 Black Bear Rd., Box 3010 Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1J8

737-4643 or 738-0047

Toll Free 1-877-337-4643 or Fax 1-866-891-2550 Auto Repair, Heavy Equipment Repair Welding & Fabricating, MTO Safety Inspections Praxair Distributor

No One Refused!

Unlimited Local Calling!

Long Distance Plans Available!

WE LAY ALMOST ANYTHING!

Michael T. George

WE LAY

NATIVE OWNED & OPERATED • brick FOR ALL YOUR • block MASONRY • stone & CONCRETE NEEDS • cultured stone • concrete footings/slabs

RESTORATIONS chimneys • parging • stairs • basements • weeping tile •

Serving Northwestern Ontario E-MAIL: bt.masonry.tb@gmail.com

Tel. (807) 623-7228

FREE transfers, low activation, lowest rates available!

CALL

National Teleconnect NOW! 1-866-443-4408. www.nationalteleconnect.com

1-807-472-7357 Plan for 2010 winter road season

www.lochlomondequipmentsales.com

Place your business ad here 1-800-243-9059

Thank You, Airlines!

For your fast, prompt delivery of Wawatay News to our northern communities.

NOW!

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

21

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

SPORTS

Flyers hold scrimmage Chris Kornacki/Wawatay News

LEFT: Galen Matyjanka (left) battles Brad Bienvenu for the puck along the boards during a Sioux Lookout Flyers Inter Squad game Aug. 27 at the Memorial Arena in Sioux Lookout.

MIDDLE: Adam Wensley (left) and Blair Feller drop their gloves and fight during a Sioux Lookout Flyers Inter Squad game Aug. 27 at the Memorial Arena in Sioux Lookout.

BOTTOM: A.J. Wensley (left) skates the puck around Alex Riveness during a Sioux Lookout Flyers Inter Squad game Aug. 27 at the Memorial Arena in Sioux Lookout.

Home Phones

NO CREDIT CHECKS • NO DEPOSIT EVERYONE IS APPROVED

$39.99 A MONTH PRE-PAID LONG DISTANCE ALSO AVAILABLE MINUTE PACKAGES $10 FOR 200 • $15 FOR 300 • $20 FOR 400 * Minutes do not expire, but carry over until they are used.

KEEPING YOU CONNECTED 1-866-867-8293 2009

Wawatay would like to acknowledge the contributions of our summer students, placement participants and co-op student: Antoine Ningewance Program Support Job Connect Placement Lazlo Magashazi TV Assistant Queen Elizabeth District High School Co-op Placement Tanya Kakekaspan Special Events Assistant Summer Student Randy Knapaysweet Technical Assistant Summer Student

Steve Feeney Reporter/Photographer SLAAMB Lewis Wesley Production Support Job Connect Placement

We wish you the best in 2009!

Meegwetch!

WWW.WAWATAYNEWS.CA

photo not available

22

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Remembering fire victims

photo courtesy of NAN

The newly-elected Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Executive Council including, from left to right, Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit, Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose, Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin and Grand Chief Stan Beardy paused to honour the memory of James Goodwin and Ricardo Wesley during their visit to Kashechewan First Nation for the Mushkegowuk Council 24th Annual Mamohitowin of the Omushkego on Thursday August 27. Goodwin and Wesley died in a tragic jail fire at a NAPS detachment in Kashechewan on January 8, 2006. A plague and memorial wall have been established where the detachment once stood.

HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL with…

Sandy Lake helping prescription drug abusers ovecome addiction Rick Garrick Wawatay News

The Looks. The Lines. All the great styles!

Tees, Hoodies, Jeans, Runners, Backpacks, Jackets, Caps & So much more!

The Brands You Love Tapout, DC, Fox, Quiksilver, Roxy, Adidas, Sean John, New Era, Columbia Sportswear, Tribal, Point Zero, Moto, Nike, New Balance, Sketchers

HEAD IN & GET THE GREAT STUFF FOR BACK TO SCHOOL! 45 King Street, Sioux Lookout 737-2090

Status Cards Welcome

Have An Awesome School Year!

BOARDING HOMES REQUIRED Boarding homes are required in Sioux Lookout & Thunder Bay for High School Students from remote communities for the 2009/2010 school year (September to June) Shibogama Board has increased the rate to $550/month per student.

Those interested in welcoming a student in their homes, please apply/inquire at:

Shibogama Education 81 King Street Sioux Lookout, ON, P8T 1A5 (807) 737-2662 Toll Free: 1-866-877-6057 Contacts: Mida Quill Irene Shakakeesic

Thirteen Sandy Lake community members are undergoing treatment for prescription drug addictions out on the land.

“Everything is going well,” said Sandy Lake Chief Adam Fiddler, while speaking Aug. 31 on satellite phone from the Quake Kee Aah Bwin Camp on nearby Favourable Lake.

“We have 13 participants. This is only the second day of the camp. The majority of the participants have gone through the withdrawal stage.”

Fiddler said the seven-day camp was set up using community resources after a call for help from the community during a June 10 community walk.

“We had a walk June 10, to basically say, yes, we recognize we do have a prescription drug

abuse problem in our community,” Fiddler said, “and we need to take action to do something about it.”

Fiddler said there is support in the community, noting the walk drew several hundred people.

“I was very impressed with the turnout,” Fiddler said. “We are all in this together as a team.”

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

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

“It is our hope we can continue even further to help our people.”

While the Quake Kee Aah Bwin Camp participants are looking forward to going home once the camp is completed,

Fiddler said the community needs to have supports in place to help the participants once they return home.

“They are already starting to talk about starting their own support group,” Fiddler said, explaining the support group would be based on the Alcoholics Anonymous model. “We need to continue as a community to support them. We hope this is a model that will continue to help others. This is a learning period for everybody, it’s a cry for help.”

Fiddler said the community also brought in a sniffer dog to find drugs in the community and at the airport.

“We were able to seize drugs at the airport and some houses as well,” Fiddler said. “Our strategy involves doing whatever we can to stop the flow of drugs coming into the community.”

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

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

“I’m very proud of my community. There are a lot of wonderful people, but the reality is we have a problem.”

Fiddler said the community is using its own resources to combat prescription drug abuse because they cannot wait for outside funding.

“The most important thing is to help people who want help,” Fiddler said.

Poplar Hill man dies from stabbing, woman arrested A 20-year-old woman has been arrested in the stabbing death of a Poplar Hill man.

Abus Owen, a 26-year-old Poplar Hill First Nation resi-

dent, was transported to the local community nurse’s station suffering from stab wounds, but he died from his injuries.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Ser-

vice officers responded to a reported stabbing at a Poplar Hill residence at about 3:30 a.m. Aug. 30 and arrested the 20-year-old woman shortly

afterwards; the woman’s identity is being withheld by police until she appeared at court Aug. 31 in Sioux Lookout. The investigation continues. –RG

10-4 DRIVING & CAREER ACADEMY is offering courses in

AZ TRACTOR TRAILER AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT In Marathon course starts September 8, 2009

In Ear Falls

WISHING STUDENTS A S U CC E S S F U L YEAR!

course starts October 5, 2009

and Thunder Bay courses start every Monday For more information, contact us:

10-4 Driving and Career Academy 399 Mooney Street, Thunder Bay, ON Call (807)-345-0990 Toll Free 1-888-831-0990 or visit www.10-4truckdriving.com

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CAREER COLLEGE

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

23

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Elders to provide guidance at Ginoogaming elects Chief Celia Echum to second term Conserving the Light Gathering Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Ginoogaming has re-elected Chief Celia Echum for her second two-year term.

“I feel the reason I was voted in is because I’m a good listener and people person especially to our elders and youth,” Echum said.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do in order to move ahead, we’re not stopping here.”

Echum is looking forward to continuing a number of important projects, such as the community’s recently installed wind tower and potential wind farm, gold exploration within

Ginoogaming territory, road and bridge replacement, housing renovations and plans to add a new subdivision.

One of Echum’s successful goals in her first term was to focus on the training of community members for positions in management and program delivery within the community to provide continuity within programs and give the community a sense of pride and ownership.

“These economic times were tough but I am most proud of the way we united and have battled through this recession together,” Echum said. “I applaud the staff that has done

well at delivering our programs, creating jobs, development projects and maintaining our community spirit. As we made history together - we will prosper together.”

Jerry Echum, David Charles, Blaine Martin, Gwen O’Nabigon, Maurice Waboose, and Joseph Dore Jr. were elected as band councillors.

Ginoogaming, which has about 773 registered band members and about 168 onreserve band members, is located about 40 kilometres east of Geraldton on the northern shore of Long Lake, immediately south of Long Lake 58 and the community of Longlac.

Rick Garrick Wawatay News

Elders will be providing guidance and direction at the upcoming Conserving the Light Gathering.

The group of traditional, Christian and Metis Elders will meet on Mount McKay Sept. 1-2 to talk “about the protection of Mother Earth through energy conservation,” said Charles Fox, whose company, Charles Fox Consulting Inc., will be hosting the gathering on behalf of the Ontario Power Authority. “They will be on the mountain doing ceremonies.”

Once the Elders complete

their discussions and ceremonies, they will bring their recommendations on energy conservation to the gathering, which is being held Sept. 3-4 at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay.

Elders will be providing guidance and direction at the upcoming Conserving the Light Gathering.

“Deputy Premier George Smitherman will be there,” Fox said. “We hope to have the

National Chief (Shawn Atleo) on the same day.”

The gathering will highlight the successes of the initial May 2007 conference, introduce newly developed education curriculum for First Nation schools, and include a sharing circle.

A subsidy is available for one delegate from each First Nation and Metis community, ranging from $750 for communities located under 300 kilometres from Thunder Bay to $1,500 for fly-in communities.

Registration for the gathering will take place Sept. 2 from 3:30-7 p.m.

Information is available at www.conservethelight.com.

School Clothes Now in Stock!

Sizes newborn to 14-16 and also ladies small

FRESH MARKET At the corner of Queen & Sixth Avenue in Sioux Lookout!

One Stop Shop for Heading Back to School!

We Ship to the North!

(807) 737-1630 Check out our flyers at www.johnnys.ca

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

CINDYRELLA’S PREVIOUSLY LOVED CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE 219 W. FREDERICA STREET THUNDER BAY

Open Tues-Sat 11am - 5 pm Call (807) 285- KIDS (5437) Or shop after hours (807) 577-9012.

Toll Free 1-888-886-3176 cindyrellas@tbaytel.net WE TAKE VISA, MASTERCARD, CASH LINK CARDS & C.O.D. ORDERS WITH $50.00 DOWN DEPOSIT

To book your classified ad call 1-800-243-9059

24

Wawatay News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

ᐧᐊᐧᐊᑌ ᐊᒋᒧᐧᐃᓇᐣ

Celebrating International Literacy Day At the De Beers Canada Victor Mine, we believe Education is Forever. This year, Victor employees delivered over 5,000 books to approximately 2,000 children in the coastal communities of Attawapiskat, Moose Factory, Kashechewan, Fort Albany and Peawanuck as part of our annual Books in Homes program.

The De Beers Canada Victor Mine is also proud to support the Lieutenant Governor’s Summer Literacy Camps.

www.debeerscanada.com