Media.Knet.Ca

(MOOSE FACTORY, ON) In response to a call for action, the Mushkegowuk Chiefs are eager to show support to Grassy Narrows First Nation on issues related to forestry. The Chiefs vow to continue supporting the blockades by the First Nations in Aroland, Ginoogaming and Hornepayne along with members of Constance Lake.

Grand Chief Ernest Beck said, "We must show the Ontario government that we are serious about Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and the government’s unwillingness to discuss these issues is intolerable."

This is another example of the Ontario government’s lack of consideration and support for First Nations initiatives. A private member’s bill, supported by the Mushkegowuk Council, was presented to parliament in December on revenue sharing and was defeated by the Conservative government. The Mushkegowuk Chiefs urge all First Nations to support the Grassy Narrows First Nation. Deputy Grand Chief Mike Carpenter said, "It is obvious that the Ontario government is not willing to work with us. We have no choice but to band together as First Nation people and support one another’s causes."

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For further inquiries, please call Grand Chief Ernest Beck at 705-658-4222.

NAN is conducting a survey that will be used to help understand the ideas and concerns of today's youth. This survey and the information gathered from it, will be used to create a magazine that will be sent to NAN's Chiefs and Elders in various communities. For more information or to receive a copy of the survey please e-mail either, Tianna Collins or Rhain Mainville at nanyouthsurvey@knet.ca

Two KiHS staff are travelling to Montreal to conduct four 2.5 hour workshops with teachers attending this year's Dream Catching 2003: Professional Math and Science Workshops for Teachers of Aboriginal Students Conference. The workshop session lead by Marlene McKay, KiHS Vice Principal and Jeremy Snihur, teacher in Cat Lake First Nation, is providing participants with an orientation to KiHS, the classrooms, the teachers, the students and the communities. As well, workshop participants are going on-line and using the various tools available to KiHS students to complete their high school courses.

The conference is hosted by Concordia University's Native Access to Engineering Program. Marlene and Jeremy's workshop description is:

"Attendees of this workshop will receive an introduction to Keewaytinook Internet High School (KiHS) as an instructor and as a student. We will discuss various IT teaching strategies when working with First Nations students. Those attending this workshop will participate in completing activities in Math and Science/Technology for secondary students with the main focus of using the Internet as a learning tool. The workshop will also provide attendees with Internet resources in the area of Math and Science/Technology for secondary students."

The presentation includes a slide show presentation about the students, the communities, the classrooms, the teachers and KiHS