Media.Knet.Ca

During a press conference in Ottawa today, the federal government announced a mediator to work with the Assembly of First Nations and the various churches involved with residential schools. Together, they hope to determine appropriate compensation packages that will address this century old legacy that continues to haunt Aboriginal communities, the survivors and Canadian society. Click here to read AFN's press release on this announcement.

National coverage of this announcement can be seen below ...

Click here to read CBC's coverage of this development.

Click here to read the Canadian Press story.

Lawyer for victims criticizes AFN - Federal Gov't residential school plan

Aboriginal healing centres funded under Aboriginal Healing Fund closing their doors

The trip to Peawanuck First Nation, on the Hudson's Bay coast, on May 2 included meetings at the local school, at the band office and in the nursing station. Blair Electronics conducted a site survey of the community to locate the C-Band earthstation strategically in order to accommodate a local cable plant (if and when additional funds are acquired for the local loop). Carl Seibel from Industry Canada's FedNor and the KO team met with the Chief and Council and other community organizations to discuss the installation of the earthstation and getting their offices connected so they can access applications such as video conferencing and telehealth.

FedNor is providing the funding necessary to construct the C-Band earthstations in Attawapiskat, Marten Falls and Peawanuck. Health Canada and the First Nations SchoolNet program are supporting this project to get the local health centres and schools connected to this service.

Cal Kenny, K-Net's Multimedia Producer, put together a 2:30 minute video clip about this trip, the people involved and some great footage of the beautiful and challenging environment where the people live and work. Click here to watch the video.