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INAC Press Release:  2-02712

CALSTOCK, ONTARIO (September 30, 2005) - The residents of Constance Lake First Nation, today, celebrated the grand opening of their new $13.3 million Holistic Education Centre.

Attending, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Brent St. Denis, Member of Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, spoke at the opening of the community’s pride in its new education facility.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to be a partner with communities such as Constance Lake in creating a better life for its children,” he said. “As promised in the October 2004 Speech From the Throne, we will continue to ensure - step by step, day by day - that the gaps in life chances between Aboriginals and other Canadians are reduced. This facility, and others like it, will help us reach that goal.”

“Our children are the future of this community,” said Chief Arthur Moore. “By creating a healthy and safe learning environment, it is our hope that these children will become well-educated young adults who will preserve and enhance the well-being of this community and the region.”

Funding for the new education centre was provided through a partnership between Indian and Northern Affairs Canada ($11.9 million) and the First Nation ($1.4 million). The new 4,142m2 education centre provides approximately 400 spaces for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students and teachings in the traditional Cree language.

Designed by Don Courtnage and built by Pennco Construction Ltd of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the school’s teepee style front entrance opens to a circular foyer with a colour scheme of earth tones to emphasize the holistic philosophy of the First Nation, and highlight the importance of the Oji-Cree culture.

The Constance Lake First Nation is located 40 kilometres northwest of Hearst, with a membership of approximately 1,400 and an on-reserve population of 758.

For further information, contact:

Tony Prudori
Communications Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Ontario Region
(807) 624-1535

Stella Etherington
Director of Education
Constance Lake First Nation
(705) 463-1199 

Langreen hands over keys to Chief Raymond Mason

Please contact De-ba-jeh-mu-jig for more details at http://www.building.debaj.ca/site/home.html

Professional Aboriginal Arts Animator Program

De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group is conducting a National Search for the 2006  Intake to the Professional Aboriginal Arts Animator Program. They are  seeking storytellers, actors, writers, singers, multi-media artists, arts  administrators, directors, designers, technicians and visual artists.

First Year

• 50 week residency on Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron, Ontario - learning skills.

Second Year

• 50 week residency with regional, national and international opportunities - sharing the skills.

Third Year

• Professional Arts Animator Internship by invitation - Individual Dream Pursuit - making your skills your own (Financial Assistance Available)

For more information, send a letter of interest and how you can be contacted to:

De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group
Attn: PAAAP Search
8 Debajehmugig Lane
Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve
Manitoulin Island, Ontario
P0P 2J0
http://www.building.debaj.ca/site/home.html

Acknowledgements: Canadian Heritage, Canada Council for the Arts, FedNor, and the Ontario Arts Council.

Check out fascinating webcam of Pete's Pond located in the heart of Botswana. It is real time video at this African Watering hole.  The sounds are so neat!

http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/wildcamafrica/wildcam.html

Following the August 23-25 2005 "Go Open Source Task Team' conference", South Africa's national policy on free open source software and open content (FOSS/OC) is currently being turned into an ambitious action plan, likely to become a major point of reference - best practice, if you will - for gov't adoption / promotion of Free Open Source Software / Open Content (FOSS/OC), see wiki for update and conference papers - http://wiki.go-opensource.org/taskforce and
http://radian.co.za/fossconference/GOSS_TTC_workingpaper101.pdf

Conference Declaration

Declaration on the South African National Strategy on Free and Open Source Software and Open Content ("National Open Source Strategy")

1. We, the delegates assembled in Johannesburg from 22-23 August 2005 for the Go Open Source Conference on the National Open Source Strategy, declare our common desire and commitment to the strategic use of information and communications technologies in order to further socio-economic development and affirm the central place that Free and Open Source Software and Open Content (FOSS/OC) have in realising this goal.

2. We recognise that FOSS/OC include both technological and environmental elements, that FOSS/OC are characterised by accessibility, collaboration, interoperability, open standards, transparency, customisability, contribution, and open licensing, and that FOSS/OC involve those who use, modify, enhance and create such technology and content.

3. We recognise that the South African national strategic objectives for socio-economic development are to improve competitiveness, support local innovation and investment, broaden BEE participation in the economy, build a better world, improve the reach and efficiency of government service delivery and in doing so reduce poverty and redress imbalances of the past.

4. We affirm that FOSS/OC help achieve these objectives by contributing to socio-economic development nationally, regionally and internationally in significant ways that other technologies and forms of content do not.

5. We conclude that it is strongly in the interest of all spheres of Government to adopt, support, develop and promote the use of FOSS/OC and its underlying principles

POLICY

6. The foundation of policy is for government to implement FOSS/OC unless proprietary software is demonstrated to be significantly superior. Whenever the advantages of FOSS/OC and proprietary software are comparable FOSS/OC must be implemented when choosing a software solution for a new project. Current proprietary software must be migrated to FOSS/OC whenever comparable software exists. When FOSS is not implemented, then reasons must be provided in order to justify the implementation of proprietary software. All new software developed using Government resources must be based on open standards, adhere to FOSS principles, and licensed using a FOSS license where possible.

7. An environment supportive of FOSS/OC must be created, ensuring that existing legislation on copyright, patents, trademarks, etc., do not present barriers to FOSS/OC utilisation. This must be done by developing awareness, capacity, knowledge and understanding nationally and within Government; developing broad FOSS/OC Research and Development initiatives; enforcing and giving preference to the use of FOSS and application of FOSS/OC principles in planning and procurement processes; creating opportunities for use of FOSS/OC. Creation of such an environment will require partnerships with relevant sectors of society.

8. Government should utilise the opportunities presented by the open and collaborative culture associated with FOSS/OC to promote access to information by citizens, by driving and embracing enhanced service delivery through electronic channels.

9. All content produced by Government or using public resources must be Open Content, unless analysis on specific content shows that proprietary licensing or confidentiality is substantially beneficial. Open Content and open standards will be encouraged generally within South Africa.

WE RECOMMEND

10. That national Cabinet formally adopt this policy on FOSS/OC within six months.

11. That national Cabinet mandate an appropriate multi-stakeholder entity to implement the National Open Source Strategy within twelve months.

12. The development of a FOSS/OC scorecard that will be used to evaluate progress of individual departments or clusters toward implementing this policy.

13. That relationships with regional and continental African organisations should be given special attention, including NEPAD's e-Africa Commission and Information Society Partnership for Africa's Development (ISPAD), and SADC, among others, in order to share the benefits of the National Open Source Strategy and for alignment with other ICT-related African development strategies. Similar attention should be given to IBSA collaboration.

IN CONCLUSION

14. As the policy, strategy legislative processes and their implementation move forward and in anticipation of their completion, we are committed to the implementation of FOSS/OC projects and open standards in our own organisations and areas of activity, and to helping address the many challenges that will be faced as the National Open Source Strategy is pursued.

15. As a multi-stakeholder conference with delegates from all spheres of government and across all government departments, from private sector companies, from civil society, and as private individuals with specific expertise in the area of FOSS/OC we urge the recommendations in this Declaration be carried forward.

1. OJIBWAY LANGUAGE BEGINNER COURSE (Western Dialect)

October 18 to December 6, 2005 ( 8 weeks)

DATES

 Tuesday Evenings

TIME

7:00 P.M. to 9 P.M.

LOCATION

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute, 107 Johnson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Thunder Bay, Ontario

INSTRUCTOR

Agnes Hardy

TUITION

$200 / PERSON

For Further Information / Registration Please Contact:

1-807-346-2770 or Toll Free: 1886-6367454

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2. COMPUTER MECHANIC - A+ Certification Preparation Program

A+ Certification is a vendor neutral testing program that certifies the competency of entry-level computer service technicians.  The program is administered by CompTIA and backed by over 50 major computer hardware and software vendors, distributors, resellers and publications.  Upon completion of the Computer Mechanic Program, the student will be ready to take the A+ Core Hardware Service Technician and A+ Operating System Technologies examinations in order to receive their A+ Certification.

SPECIAL ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE

We know that it can be very expensive for a community to send students to programs in Thunder Bay.  We want to make it as easy and inexpensive as possible while providing optimal support to ensure that students complete the program successfully.  So we've arranged a special all-inclusive program for students who have to travel into Thunder Bay to take the Computer Mechanic Program.  PLUS - send two students and we'll reduce the tuition cost!  We will arrange for and coordinate:

• Accommodation at the Landmark Inn in Thunder Bay.
• Breakfast and dinner daily at the Landmark Inn.
• Lunch at Oshki as part of the Computer Mechanic Program.
• Transportation to and from classes daily.
• A weekly payment of $75 to the students for incidentals.

STARTS OCTOBER 12th!  The Computer Mechanic Program is a 10 week full-time program held at the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Institute at 107 Johnson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

For further information contact:

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute is pleased to offer three programs starting in January 2006 ...

• Aboriginal Community Services Worker Program
• Native Early Childhood Education Diploma Program
• First Nation Business Administration Certificate

1. Aboriginal Community Services Worker Program

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute in partnership with Confederation / Negahneewin College

The ACSWP is a 2 year ((4 semester) program that provides students with a comprehensive and culturally relevant educational experience.

The distance education delivery format of the Aboriginal Community Services worker Program allows students to remain employed in the social service field within their home community throughout the training.  The program is also available to anyone interested in beginning a career in social services.

ACSWP graduates pursue the followin career opportunities:

• Program Coordinators
• Alcohol Workers
• Mental Health Workers
• Community Health Representatives
• Health Liaison Workers

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2. Native Early Childhood Education Diploma Program

The program will be delivered in January 2006 in partnership with Cambrain College

The NECEP is a two year, four semester program that provides a comprehensive and culturally relevant educational experience.

Students will:

• travel to Thunder Bay to participate in two 2-week on-campus sessions per semester
• earn their ECE certification for employment in licensed child care settings
• develop knowledge and skills to organize and maintain a safe, stimulating learning environment to ensure the child's total development.
• examine the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of the child.

Graduates may be eligible for advanced standings when entering other diploma or degree programs.  The modular delivery provides students with the flexibility of earning a NECE diploma while remaining employed in their home community.  Oshki-Pimache-O-Win provides students with support services to help ensure student success.

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Delivered January 2006 by Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute in partnership with Cambrian College

The First Nation Business Administration Certificate Program is a one-year, two semester program, providing a comprehensive and culturally relevant educational experience that will:

• Increase human resource capacity within the First Nation communities and Aboriginal organizations.
• Increase employment opportunities for graduates through development of up-to-date, marketable skills.
• Offer graduates eligibility for advanced standing when entering diploma or degree programs.
• Allow flexibility and access to employed students through the use of a modular format - two intensive on-campus sessions per semester.
• Student support services to help ensure student success.

Course List

• Introduction to Accounting
• Mathematics of Finance
• Business Communications I
• First Nation Funding Arrangements
• Spreadsheet Management
• Managerial Accounting
• Organizational Behavior
• Writing Fundamentals
• Introduction to Marketing I
• Introduction to Marketing II
• Business Mathematics
• First Nation Human Resource Management I
• Introduction to Computer Competency

For Further Information Contact Admissions at:

SIOUX LOOKOUT FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY

The Sioux Lookout Anishinabe District Health Plan: What we have done and need to do?

What is the District Health Plan?

The District Health Plan is a planning project funded by the Province of Ontario and Health Canada through March 31, 2006. The goal is to provide better access to coordinated health services.

What we have done?

• Working groups have been established to ensure your voice is heard.
• 385 individuals in 26 communities have participated in a survey about health needs in community. You have told us that –
• The major health priorities are: diabetes and its complications; asthma and respiratory conditions; addictions; heart disease; and mental health.
• The causes of poor health include: lifestyle factors such as change in or poor diet, lack of exercise; and loss of traditional lifestyle; environmental issues such as pollutants, mold and dust; self-destructive behaviors such as excessive alcohol intake and drug abuse.
• This information is being used to plan services for the communities.
• 168 health workers responded to a survey about the available health services.
• Health Canada, the Province of Ontario and the physicians are committed to and working with us to make this plan a success.
• We have looked at the work of other Aboriginal communities who have come together to provide better health services to their communities.
• We have reached consensus on our vision, mission, and principles for the primary health care system.

What needs to be done?

A tight timeline lies ahead to complete the design and implementation plan. The work includes:

• Planning what services are provided and where.
• Identifying the team of health care providers, what they do, where they work and how they work together.
• Negotiating the physician agreements to ensure access and stable funding.
• Determining how we will govern this health system.
• Determining the financial and human resource requirements to make the system work.
• Developing a district health plan for the reinvestment of federal savings.
• Designing the implementation plan.

For more information or to provide feedback contact the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority at 1-800-842-0681 and ask for the Communication Coordinators. Anna Mckay or Joe Beardy or email anna.mckay@nodin.on.ca and joe.beardy@nodin.on.ca    Any input is welcomed, please share anything that you think is important in regards to health.

Broadband infrastructure and the assoicated applications such as telehealth are becoming a priority for national leaders. Presentations in recent days are indicating that leaders will be working to create new opportunities for communities to build the required broadband connections that will support various applications including telehealth (two way symmetrical video conferencing capabilities).

Grand Chief Phil Fontaine promised the participants in last week's AFN Telehealth Summit in Winnipeg that he will seek the resources required for all First Nations to be able to develop broadband infrastructure so they can access telehealth services.

Industry Minister Emerson made similar commitments during a presentation in Toronto (as reported by Canadian Press) ...

Minister seeks cash for renewed broadband push

TORONTO - Industry Minister David Emerson said Wednesday he will be seeking increased federal funding for initiatives to improve the country's broadband infrastructure, an essential component of high-speed Internet communications.

Canada's competitive advantage in terms of broadband communications has begun to slip and it's time for the federal government to make a renewed push to ensure the country doesn't fall behind, Emerson said.

"Without Internet access today, people and communities simply cannot get into the game. They're not able to get into the economic mainstream," Emerson said in a lunch-time speech to the Empire Club.

He added that the federal government needs to "finish the job" of building Canada's broadband capabilities, referring to initiatives championed by previous Liberal industry ministers.

"We've slowed down a bit in the past year, budgetarily, but we've cleaned up pretty well all of the projects that were started and I'm going to be asking for a budget enhancement to take it over the top," Emerson told reporters later.

He wouldn't say how much he would be asking for from Finance Minister Ralph Goodale for the next federal budget.

"Telecommunications and broadband technology are the most transformative technologies of our generation. It is the infrastructure that connects us with the global information economy. Canadians without high-speed access to the Internet will be increasingly out of the game... in terms of economic opportunities, education and even health care."