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Tikinagan Child and Family Services
New Hire/Trainee - Red Lake, Ontario

POSITION SUMMARY

The contract position of New Hire/Trainee is responsible for participating in the New Workers Training Program delivered by Tikinagan Child and Family Services as sanctioned by the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies. The Trainee will be assigned to red Lake Tikinagan Unit and will be given pre-course reading material and field assignment activities appropriate to training topics with purpose being to enhance learning throughout the training.

All New Hire/Trainees must graduate from the New Workers Training Program in order to become an authorized frontline worker winthin the agency. Once aurthorized, the Trainee may be recruited in Child Protection Services within in the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post secondary education or experience in social services is an asset.
• Fluency in Ojibway or Oji-Cree preferred; English is essential
• Commitment to Tikinagan's vision, goals and principles
• Empathy toward children and their families
• Experience and understanding of Native cultural issues and of the geographic realities and social conditions within northern remote Native communities
• No open child welfare files; not a foster parent
• Commitment to working with community members
• Respected member in the community
• Good communications skills, verbal and written
• Problem solving and decision making skills
• Professional integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality
• Possessing a valid Ontario driver's license is preferred
• Must provide and pass a criminal record check prior to employment
• Be willing and able to travel
• Computer training and experience an asset

SUBMIT AN UPDATED RESUME AND A COVERING LETTER TO:

The Hiring Committee
Tikinagan Child and Family Services
P.O. Box 627, 65 King Street
Sioux Lookout, Ontario
P8T 1B1

CLOSING DATE:           February 28, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 19, 2003

Mushkegowuk Chiefs Offer Support to Grassy Narrows First Nation

(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

Community Champions for Broadband Workshop

February 19-20, 2003
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Travelodge Airlane – Salon C

Purpose:

The goal of the Community Champions for Broadband Workshop is to bring together ‘community champions’ from across the NAN region to collaborate and work together to:

Work out issues and identify best practices in developing an effective Broadband Pilot Program Application

Work out issues and identify best practices in developing an effective Broadband Pilot Program Business Plan

Presenters/Facilitators:

David Paul Achneepineskum, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Gordon Kakegamic, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Telecommunications)
Terry Wilson, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Lands and Resources)
Brenda Iserhoff and Joe Wheesk, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Harvesting)
Melanie Goodchild, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Youth)
Lawrence Baxter, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Social Services)
Michael Fox, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
Edward Hoshizaki, Edward Hoshizaki Development Consulting
Mel Stewart, Stewart Communications
Eleonore Rupprecht, Industry Canada, Broadband Pilot Program Office (Ontario Region)
Carl Seibel, FedNor
Helen Aitkens, Telecommons Development Group
Donna Williams, Keewaytinook Okimakanak (Telehealth)
Jim Teskey, Keewaytinook Okimakanak (Education)
Brian Beaton, Keewaytinook Okimakanak (K-Net Services)
Dan Pellerin, Keewaytinook Okimakanak (K-Net Services)
Keewaywin Smart Community Team, Keewaywin First Nation

Delegates:

Ernie Buswa, Windigo First Nations Council
Audrey Allaire, Wabun Tribal Council
John Cole, Matawa First Nations Management
Paul Capon, Matawa First Nations Management
Gilbert Etherington, Mushkegowuk Council
Steve Beardy, Muskrat Dam First Nation
Debra Tait, Sachigo Lake First Nation
Laureen Kaminiwaish, Sachigo Lake First Nation
Archie Wabasse, Wunnumin Lake First Nation
Jeff Loon, Mishkeegogamang First Nation
Tom Wassaykeesic, Mishkeegogamang First Nation
Kennedy Fiddler, Sandy Lake First Nation
Curtis Drake, Sandy Lake First Nation
Sam Hunter, Weenusk First Nation
Allan Jolly, Mocreebec Council of the Cree Nation

Agenda:
Day One - Wednesday, February 19, 2003

08:00 - 08:30 Meet & Greet - Morning Coffee and Refreshments
08:30 - 08:45 Welcome - Introductions and Review of Agenda, Gordon Kakegamic
08:45 - 09:00 Opening Remarks - David Paul Achneepineskum, Executive Director, Nishnawbe Aski Nation

Session 1 - Broadband for Rural and Northern Development
09:00 - 09:20 Presentation (Teleconference) - Eleonore Rupprecht, Industry Canada - Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program (BRAND)
09:20 - 10:30 Discussion on Issues Related to the BRAND Application and Business Plan
Eleonore Rupprecht, Industry Canada and Carl Seibel, FedNor

Session 2 - Infrastructure and Network Models
10:45 - 11:15 Presentation
Edward Hoshizaki, Edward Hoshizaki Development Consulting
Dan Pellerin, K-Net Services
11:15 - 12:00 Discussion on Issues

Session 3 - Applications
01:00 - 01:30 Health - Donna Williams, Keewaytinook Okimakanak
01:30 - 02:00 Education - Jim Teskey, Keewaytinook Okimakanak
02:00 - 02:30 Business (Commerce) - Michael Fox, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
02:30 - 03:00 Appliances (Videoconferencing, IP Telephony) - Dan Pellerin, K-Net Services
03:15 - 03:45 Lands and Resources - Terry Wilson, Joe Wheesk and Brenda Iserhoff, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
03:45 - 04:15 Social Services - Lawrence Baxter, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
04:15 - 04:45 Youth - Melanie Goodchild, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
04:45 - 05:00 End of Day One - Gordon Kakegamic

Day Two - Thursday, February 20, 2003

08:30 - 09:00 Review - Gordon Kakegamic
Session 3 - Applications (Cont.)
09:00 - 10:30 Portal (Connect Ontario) - Gordon Kakegamic, Nishnawbe Aski Nation

Session 4 - Community Engagement
10:45 - 11:15 Presentation (Videoconference) - Helen Aitkens, Telecommons Development Group
11:15 - 12:30 Discussion (Videoconference) - Brian Beaton, K-Net Services and the Keewaywin Smart Community Team
Discussion on Issues and Best Practices

Session 5 - The Business Plan
01:30 - 03:00 Planning for Content - Edward Hoshizaki, Edward Hoshizaki Development Consulting

Session 6 - Moving Forward
03:15 - 04:15 NAN Directions for Broadband - Mel Stewart, Stewart Communications
04:15 - 04:45 NAN Telecommunications Conference - Gordon Kakegamic, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
04:45 - 05:00 End of Workshop - Gordon Kakegamic

406 consults within the NORTH Network for the month of January! What a start to the new year!

The NW was certainly responsible for a huge chunk of that activity as evident by the enclosed activity log. Use of the equipment for meetings is quickly gaining popularity. In January, two new specialists joined the increasing number of Thunder Bay Regional Hospital physicians willing to offer their services using Telehealth. Tracy Saarinen has been brought onboard as a temporary half time coordinator at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital and this has given me much more opportunity to fulfill my role as regional coordinator.

Many activities are occurring!

• Successful cardiology, surgery, medical, neurology, psychiatry, dermatology, geriatric, rheumatology clinics have all occurred to the region
• A second international education opportunity occurred, this time to Israel
• A Thunder Bay patient has been asked to participate in a photo op for NORTH Network
• NW District Health Council requested an article giving an update on NW Telehealth
• Teleradiology seems to be progressing smoothly
• Professionals are calling Telehealth office to request educational topics, to schedule meetings and to request a block of time in which they can run clinics
• Meetings using video conferencing are increasing weekly (Air Ambulance, OR Nurses, Perinatology group, NOMP, Criticall and Eating disorder Team to name a few)
• Educational opportunities occur weekly and, at some points, daily (palliative care, psychiatry, geriatrics, to name a few). These are offered by UHN and local clinicians.
• New ABC Manual has been mailed to all sites

NW Telehealth sites look forward to February and increased activity. We look forward to the installation of the stethoscopes and to the new bridge installation. NORTH Network Telehealth is never static!

Laurie Sherrington
NW Regional Telehealth Coordinator

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2003

Third Blockade Erected in Ontario, New One in Hornepayne First Nation

(HORNEPAYNE, ON) In response to the stand First Nations are taking over failed relationships with the Ontario government on issues related to forestry (and other natural resources issues), Hornepayne First Nation, along with members of the Constance Lake First Nation have erected a blockade of their own and are at this time considering how long it will stand. Forestry operations have been blocked on Newman’s Road off Highway 631, 20 kilometers north of Hornepayne.

They do so to show their support and to raise awareness of the common issues shared by all First Nations impacted by forestry activities. Grassy Narrows First Nation, have been blocking a forest access road north of Kenora since December 3, 2002 and Aroland First Nation near Nakina who have been blocking highway 643 since February 12, 2003. At that time, Chief Sonny Gagnon of the Aroland First Nation called for "an unequivocal response from the Minister of Natural Resources and the Premier of Ontario on how they plan to address Grassy Narrows First Nation, and to deal with the subsequent blockade Aroland First Nation has erected." Hornepayne First Nation has now added their name to this list.

Again the First Nation regrets that the loggers and truckers have to bear the financial brunt of the Ontario government’s unwillingness to discuss the matter with First Nations, in a statement to the press Chief Laura Medeiros states, "Why do we have to fight for our lands and resources when our people once used to once roam this land freely? We are not opposed to resource development but stand fast in the position that it must be balanced by its impact to our rights."

Conflicts surrounding the content of Aboriginal and Treaty rights, as well as judicial determinations with respect to Treaties, have been greatly intensified since Aboriginal and Treaty rights were deemed Constitutionally protected in 1982. It seems that this controversy stems from the reality that control of natural resources inevitably engages the broader issue of Aboriginal rights to self-determination, which Chief Laura Medeiros states is "a topic Ontario is not ready to discuss, and the Canadian public may not be ready for." One clear example of this was the work undertaken by the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council and the New Democratic Party to present a motion in the House of Commons to discuss a process for revenue sharing with First Nations. This motion was quashed overwhelmingly by the Conservative government in a December 2002 sitting of parliament.

First Nations and other groups have undertaken other activities to show support for Grassy Narrows. On Monday February 24, 2003, 2^nd year Aboriginal Law and Advocacy Students from Negahneewin College of Indigenous Studies of Confederation College are planning a Day of Action at the Ryan Hall Cafeteria from 11:00 – 2:00 pm, and all are welcome to attend.

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Media Enquiries: Chief Laura Medeiros, Hornepayne First Nation (807) 868-2040

Kwayaciiwin

Educational Resource Centre

Grand Opening

March 4, 2003

Master of Ceremonies: Roy Morris

Nishnawbe Gamik Friendship Centre

1:00 Opening Prayer: Victoria Maxwell and Able Johnup

Welcome: Chief David Gordon, Lac Seul First Nation and Mayor John MacDonald

Opening Remarks: Saul Williams Chairperson DEPC

Speakers: Minister Robert Nault, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (confirmed)
National Chief Matthew Cooncome, AFN (invited)
Regional Chief Charles Fox, COO (invited)
Grand Chief Stan Beardy, NAN (invited)
Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic (invited)
Richard Morris, Education Director, Lac Seul First Nation (confirmed)

Presentations Minister Nault, Richard Morris, Frank Beardy

Gifts Barb Fritz, Mourasia Duffus

Kwayaciiwin Educational Resource Centre

Ribbon Cutting
Elders: Victoria Maxwell and Able Johnup
Children: Mya Fiddler and Hosea Mamakwa
Minister Nault
Saul Williams

Open House at the Centre
Food and Refreshments

The blockade at Grassy Narrows is still up and running despite some reports suggesting they came down. There are two or three different blockades just a few minutes from the reserve. This blockade will be up for a long time because they believe that the loggers will not leave that easily.

In a Wawatay Interview one of the spokespersons for the blockade said that the loggers pulled out but that was just one of the small sub-contractors.

The Logging and Clear-cutting continues and as long as they continue the blockades will remain.

We are asking people to join this blockade because we need more man-power.  In addition, we would appreciate any support from different native organizations in terms of letters, clothing, blankets and financial donations.

If you would like to help you can call Roberta Keesic at 925-2201or Judy Dasilva at 925-2077.