Archive - Nov 27, 2005
$100 million for broadband connectivity in 250 Aboriginal communities
November 27, 2005 - 9:15am | by AnonymousThe investment in broadband telecommunication infrastructure continues to be supported as part of the Aboriginal blueprint laid out at the First Ministers' Meeting this past week in Kelowna. From the information distributed at the First Ministers' Meeting, it appears that Industry Canada's BRAND program will lead the infrastructure development work with the First Nations School program continuing to support the First Nation schools across the country to access and utilize these services. Telehealth is also included as part of the final document as a means of supporting the access to improved health services in Aboriginal communities. See below for links and actual statements from the documents distributed at the First Ministers' Meeting.
From the Government of Canada, Nov 25 Press Release ... GOVERNMENT OF CANADA INVESTS IN IMMEDIATE ACTION TO IMPROVE LIVES OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES IN CANADA
The Government of Canada will also bring broadband access to an additional 250 communities within 10 years.
- $100 million investment for Broadband for Rural and Northern Development
From the backgrounder on Aboriginal Education
An Industry Canada SchoolNet initiative, First Nations SchoolNet connects all First Nations schools under federal jurisdiction to the Internet. By improving the connectivity and technical capacities of First Nations schools, the program aims to bridge the digital divide in First Nations schools located in remote and rural communities.
These investments will build on the $700 million, already committed at the September 13, 2004 Special Meeting of
- mental health, suicide and addictions;
- nutrition and food security;
- diabetes prevention and treatment;
- public health;
- continuing care;
- telehealth;
- maternal, child and youth health.
In addressing these priorities, a holistic and distinctions–based approach will be adopted.
First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders support Ministers of Health and Aboriginal Affairs Ministers continuing to work collaboratively with Aboriginal Peoples including First Nations, Inuit and Métis regardless of where they live to turn their commitments into concrete action at the regional level and national level.
First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders. These initiatives and plans could notably focus on such areas as:After 7 years in portables, Aroland begins construction of new school
November 27, 2005 - 8:53am | by AnonymousIn a ground breaking ceremony today in the community, Chief Sam Kashkeesh breathed a sigh of relief. “It has been a long, hard road to get this new school built in our community,” he said. “Finally seeing the construction equipment roll onto the school site after seven years of waiting will bring us all an enormous amount of pride, joy and relief.”
Joined by representatives from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Matawa First Nations Management and the construction company that secured the tenders to build, Kashkeesh announced construction on the new Johnny Theriault Memorial School will begin within days of the groundbreaking and will continue until completion in winter 2006.
“The construction of a new school in our community means more than people may realize,” he said. “It means we can fulfill our committment to the youth of this community by finally providing them with a modern educational facility and the same educational opportunities available in larger towns and cities across this country. -JH