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Brian Walmark, KO Research Institute Coordinator is on his way to Rome to present the KO Telecom story at a Special session on "Indigenous People' Communication for Development" being organized by the World Bank and the United Nations.

The First World Congress on Communication for Development,  jointly organized by FAO, the World Bank and Communication Initiative is being  held in Rome, Italy,  from October 25-27, 2006.  The Congress is bringing  together about 500 communication professionals engaged in development  initiatives, policymakers, development practitioners, donor and NGO  representatives, and academics from around the world to share perspectives  and advocate for greater integration of communication in development policy  and programs. 

The first WCCD is discussing the use of communication for  development in four main themes:

• Governance,
• Participation and Transparency, 
• Health in a Time of Poverty and
• Sustainable Development and Communication  Labs,

The objectives of the gathering include:

• to demonstrate the value-added of communication for  development,
• to provide data and evidence of the impact of communication in  development projects and programs, and
• to reflect on how to incorporate  communication into development policy and practice.

Furthermore, a series of special events are also being organized on the  applications of Communication for Development to important developmental  issues.

Within this framework, a special session on "Indigenous People' Communication  for Development" is being organized by UNPFII, CIDOB, IFAD and FAO to promote  the mainstreaming of Community Development policies in support of Indigenous Peoples'
 development. The objectives of the session are:

• To discuss the role  of ComDev in promoting sustainable development of IP
• Define proposals for mainstreaming ComDev policies for IP
• Agree on a priority actions and follow-up initiatives

Keewaytinook Okimakanak's Research Institute (Brian Walmark) is invited to be part of that session to contribute to the results  with your experience and to present the point of view of our organization/institution towards the mainstreaming of communication for development.

The OECD's latest statistics on broadband penetration in member countries show that Canada is still first in the G7 in broadband penetration, but due to much faster gains by other countries Canada is now ninth in the OECD, down from second place in 2003. In the past six years, Canada has increased from 8.5 to 22.4 broadband subscribers per 100 inhabitants.

From www.oecd.org/sti/ict/broadband

OECD Broadband Statistics to June 2006 
   
Over the past year, the number of broadband subscribers in the OECD increased 33% from 136 million in June 2005 to 181 million in June 2006. This growth increased broadband penetration rates in the OECD from 11.7 in June 2005 to 15.5 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants one year later. The main highlights for the first half of 2006 are:

• Northern European countries have continued their advance with high broadband penetration rates. In June 2006, six countries (Denmark, the Netherlands, Iceland, Korea, Switzerland and Finland) led the OECD in broadband penetration, each with at least 25 subscribers per 100 inhabitants.
• Denmark now leads the OECD with a broadband penetration rate of 29.3 subscribers per 100 inhabitants.
• The strongest per-capita subscriber growth comes from Denmark, Australia, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, Luxembourg, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Each country added more than 6 subscribers per 100 inhabitants during the past year.
• Fibre to the home is becoming  increasingly important for broadband access, particularly in countries with high broadband penetration. In Denmark, Danish power companies are rolling out fibre to consumers as they work to bury overhead power lines. Municipal broadband projects are also expanding in many northern European countries and throughout the OECD. Telecommunciation operators in several OECD countries have also begun or announced large fibre-to-the-premises rollouts.
• Japan leads the OECD in fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) with 6.3 million fibre subscribers in June 2006. Fibre subscribers alone in Japan outnumber total broadband subscribers in 22 of the 30 OECD countries.
• The total number of ADSL subscriptions in Korea and Japan have continued to decline as more users upgrade to fibre-based connections.
• DSL continues to be the leading platform in 28 OECD countries. Cable modem subscribers outnumber DSL in Canada and the United States.
• The United States has the largest total number of broadband subscribers in the OECD at 57 million. US broadband subscribers now represent 36% of all broadband connections in the OECD, up from 31% in December 2005.
• Canada continues to lead the G7 group of industrialized countries in broadband penetration.
• The breakdown of broadband technologies in June 2006 is as follows:
       o DSL: 63%
       o Cable modem: 29%
       o Other technologies (e.g. satellite, fibre and fixed wireless) : 8%

From http://www.trilliumfoundation.org/cms/en/August_15_06_NewsRelease.aspx

Small Capital Grants: Simplified Application Process

Toronto, August 15, 2006 –  Community organizations seeking small capital grants from our Foundation will now find it easier to apply. Thanks to the Simplified Application Process for Small Capital Grants, applicants seeking up to a maximum of $15,000 in capital funding can use a shorter application form with fewer required attachments.

This new process is good news for not-for-profit and charitable organizations across Ontario. They value our capital granting and asked for a simpler process when applying for smaller requests. 

Eligible organizations, large and small, that apply under either the Foundation’s Community or Province-Wide program can use this process. Applications for other types of grants and for capital funds greater than $15,000, must be made using our current standard application form.
 
The Foundation has played a valuable role in providing capital funding to eligible not-for-profit organizations in Ontario.  We have invested over $132 million in capital grants since 1999. Many of these grants were used for repairs, renovations or improvements to land or buildings, to purchase equipment to support program activities and to make buildings accessible.

To learn more about the Simplified Application Process for Small Capital Grants, click here or call 1.800.263.2887 to find a Program Manager or Grants Associate in your area.

Application deadlines are March 1, July 1 and November 1. To be considered in each grant cycle, complete applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on the deadline date.

Sectors

We welcome applications in the arts and culture, environment, human and social services and sports and recreation sectors.

Priorities

OTF places priority on supporting organizations that work in the following areas to help Ontarians achieve their potential:

• Enhanced success for students and learners
• Healthier and more physically active Ontarians
• Enhanced employment and economic potential for workers and their families
• More effective volunteers and more people engaged in their communities
• OTF funds equipment only for personal use if the purpose of the proposal is to increase access to a group that has limited access. Equipment for personal use includes uniforms, costumes and equipment that cannot be reused by other people either concurrently or in the following season.

From OHA web site

OHA Region 1 NW Sub-Region Aboriginal Health Care Conference

Presented by Ontario Hospital Association
Course code: DL 650
October 24, 2006 - October 26, 2006

Location: Valhalla Inn, 1 Valhalla Inn Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario

A dramatic shift is occurring in the demographics of Ontario’s Aboriginal population. Accompanying that shift there is a significant change in the health service needs of the communities served by Ontario’s healthcare providers. Improving Aboriginal health poses a significant challenge to providers throughout Ontario. A collective, community approach is required to tackle underlying causes and to develop a framework that provides appropriate education and care to Aboriginal peoples.

One year ago, the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) Region 1 Northwest Sub Region presented Integration Coordination and Collaboration: an Aboriginal Health Conference. The program brought together health care and thought leaders from across the region to address a range of issues and offer proactive solutions.

Building on last year’s success, we would like to invite you to this year’s Aboriginal Health Care Conference, taking place October 24 to 26, 2006, at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay. In attendance will be health care providers from hospitals and health agencies across the province.

Once again, there will be a Feature Poster Display showcasing innovation and best practices in Aboriginal health care.

AGENDA

Tuesday, October 24, 2006 (Evening)

1800h Pre-registration at the Valhalla Inn

1900h Conference Opening Drumming Circle
- Spirit Wind Drum Circle, Thunder Bay
- Prayer
- Welcome to Fort William First Nation Traditional Lands - Chief Peter Collins

1930h Opening Keynote Address - Mayor Lawrence Martin, Cochrane, Ontario

Lawrence Martin is the Juno Award winning Mayor of Cochrane and former Mayor of Sioux Lookout. Mr. Martin is an active member of the community, working with the homeless shelter in Cochrane and the finance committees of Cochrane. He has also been a member of TVOntario Board of Directors and music festival organizing committees.

2030h Networking Reception and Poster Board Exhibition

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

0730h Registration and Continental Breakfast
Poster Board Exhibit Room

0815h Opening Drum Song - Thomas Fiddler

Welcome and Introductions - Chair: Roger Walker , President & Chief Executive Officer, Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre

Hilary Short, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Hospital Association

0845h Keynote Address: Bringing Two World Views Together in Harmony and Balance through Design and Other Contextual Interventions - Douglas Cardinal, Architect

0945h Refreshment Break and Poster Exhibit

1000h Panel Discussion: Successful Collaborations in Telehealth - Moderator: Orpah McKenzie, Director, Aboriginal Affairs, Northern Ontario School of Medicine

Panel Members:

• Donna Williams, Program Manager, KO Telehealth
• Dr. Bob Lester, Executive Vice President, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
• Lisa Sarsfield, Vice President Central & Northern, Operations and Corporate Services, Ontario Telemedicine Network
• Roy Keesickquayash, Telehealth Co-ordinator, Cat Lake First Nation
• Elder Vernon Wesley, Oncology Client, Cat Lake First Nation

1200h Lunch in the Poster Exhibit Room

1300h Concurrent Sessions A

1. Bimadziwin Storytelling and Teachings
   1st circle: Facilitator – Andy White - The drum: Heartbeat of the nation
   2nd circle: Facilitator – Ralph Johnson - The seven grandfather teachings
   3rd circle: Facilitator – Annie Wilson - Teachings of the birth
   4th circle: Facilitator – Freida MacDonald - What family and community mean to the Anishnabe
    
2. North West LHIN – “A Strong System, Healthy People...A Solid Future”
   Gwen Dubois Wing, Chief Executive Officer, NW LHIN
    
3. Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority - Janet Gordon, Director, Health Services
    
4. Cultural Competency and Safety - Danielle Soucy, Senior Policy Analyst, NAHO 

1430h Refreshment Break and Poster Exhibit

1500h Concurrent Sessions B

1. Continuation of 1300h Bimadziwin Storytelling and Teachings
    
2. Community Based Health & Wellness Report - Doug Wilson, Director of Health, Metis Nation of Ontario
    
3. Ontario Hospital Success stories
   - Hospital for Sick Children - Dr. Jean Wittenberg
   - Flora Waswa, Healthy Babies Co-ordinator, Fort Hope First Nation
   - Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Dr. Peter Menzies
   - Rosie Mosquito, Executive Director, Oshki Pimache O-Win Institute
4. Aboriginal Health Human Resources - Victoria Gubbels, Manager, Aboriginal Employment Development, Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations

1645h Closing Drum Song - Thomas Fiddler

1730h Reception

1830h Dinner & Entertainment - Don Burnstick, Comedian, Counselor and Story Teller

Don Burnstick is a Cree from the Alexander First Nation located outside of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Don's young life was very violent. “I lived on the streets of Edmonton as an alcoholic and drug addict. In 1985, when I sobered up at 21, there were not too many 21 year old males that were alcohol and drug free so I just started asking to go and tell my story.” Burnstick obtained post secondary training at the University of San Diego in holistic urban youth development. He also has obtained certification as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor and graduated from the Native Trainers Development program at the Nechi Institute in Edmonton. Don has now been involved within the healing/personal wellness movement for the past 20 years and has utilized humour and performance to provide a holistic approach to healing. His message speaks to a proud heritage, the importance of healing through humour and his continuing desire to leave a better world for our future generations. In addition to his healing work, Don has established himself as one of Canada’s best comedians of all time.

Thursday, October 26

0830h Continental Breakfast

0900h Opening Drum Song - Thomas Fiddler

0915h Opening Greetings - Howard Hampton, MPP Kenora-Rainy River and Leader of Ontario New Democratic Party

0930h General Session: “Aboriginal Health Status: Moving Forward”

• Al Garman, Director, Ontario Region, First Nations & Inuit Health Branch,
• Hanita Tiefenbach, Director, Intergovernmental & Aboriginal Policy Branch, Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care
• Assembly of First Nations speaker to be announced

1030h Refreshment Break

1045h Closing Speaker - Nishnawbe Aski Nation member of Executive Council to be announced

1145h Elders' Summary and Closing Comments - Josias Fiddler

Closing Remarks from the Chair - Roger Walker

Closing Prayer - Spirit Wind Drum Circle

1245h Adjournment
++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Registration information: Space is not guaranteed, unless payment is received prior to the conference.

Conference Registration: $175.00 + $10.50 GST = $185.50

Conference Registration + Dinner & Entertainment:
$225.00 + $13.50 GST = $238.50

If more than one full registration is received from the same facility, a 15% discount (+ GST) will apply to the 2nd and each additional registration received. The first registrant must pay the full registration fee. All group registrations must be received at the same time. This discount is not valid with other program promotions.

Cancellation Policy

Once a registration is confirmed, all cancellations are subject to a $50 + GST cancellation fee and must be made a minimum of one week prior to the program date. After this time, the program fee is non-refundable. Substitutions are welcome. The Educational Services Division reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a program.

Hotel Accommodation

If you require accommodations, please contact the Valhalla Inn at 807-577-1121 or 1-800-964-1121. Please be sure to indicate that you are attending the OHA conference to secure a special room rate of $129.00 for single/double occupancy. Please be sure to make your hotel reservation before October 9, 2006 as accommodations for that time period are filling up fast.

Click here to register on-line

Contact for further information:
Nicole Vanderwyst
Educational Services, Ontario Hospital Association
200 Front Street West, Suite 2800
Toronto, Ontario M5V 3L1
Phone: (416) 205-1352
Fax: (416) 205-1340