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From AFN press release ...

On the occasion of First Nations Women's Day, October 5th, Assembly of First Nations National Chief denounces the high rates of poverty among First Nations women and children

OTTAWA, Oct. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - On the occasion of First Nations Women's Day, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, and AFN Women's Council Chair Kathleen McHugh, voiced their serious concerns on the recent federal cuts to a number of programs that will have devastating effects on First Nations women and children.

"Today marks a day to celebrate the daily contributions made by the true caregivers in our communities," stated National Chief Fontaine. "First Nations women are the glue that binds our families together. At the same time, we must recognize that so many First Nations women and children live in abject poverty and despair. This is the single greatest social justice issue in Canada today."

The National Chief pointed out that last week the federal government announced program cuts to women's advocacy groups, literacy programs, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch's (FNIHB) tobacco cessation strategy, and the Law Commission of Canada. "First Nations have benefited greatly from all of these programs. This is a huge step backwards."

"A comprehensive approach to closing the gap in well-being between First Nations and other Canadian women is needed that tackles the root causes of poverty and unhealthy behaviors," noted Ms. McHugh. "Instead, the federal government is cutting programs for those populations most at risk in Canada.
80 per cent of our women are dependent on government funding sources. 60 per cent smoke, including our pregnant women. This situation should be unacceptable to all Canadians. The failure to act will only result in a greater burden to the Canadian system."

"Next month marks the tenth anniversary of the 1996 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), and the one-year anniversary of the Kelowna Accord.

We are gravely concerned that no significant progress has been made to eradicate First Nations' poverty," concluded the National Chief. "We cannot afford to lose another generation of First Nations people, including many women and children, who are suffering needlessly and trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair."

     The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. 

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/For further information: Bryan Hendry, A/AFN Communications Director, (613) 241-7889, ext 229, Cell (6130 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca/

From Nishnawbe Aski Nation press release

NAN and Kakegamic Family Await Chief Coroner Decision - 10/4/2006

THUNDER BAY, ON:  On the sixth anniversary of the death of Max Kakegamic, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler together with Margaret and Isaac Kakegamic await a final decision from Ontario’s Chief Coroner regarding the family’s appeal for an inquest.   

“The Max Kakegamic tragedy points to fundamental flaws in the justice system for First Nation people not only in Kenora, but across Ontario and NAN territory - six years is simply too long to wait for answers,” said Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler who appealed a previous regional decision to deny an inquest to Chief Coroner Dr. Barry Mclellan along with Margaret and Isaac Kakegamic March 27, 2006.   “One of the ways we could see some good come from this tragedy is to have an inquest or a public inquiry.”

North Spirit Lake First Nation community member Max Kakegamic was killed on the streets of Kenora October 4, 2000.   When the case went to trial January 2004, charges against the only suspect were stayed because of irregularities in the investigation.  Kenora Police Services’ Lloyd White, Tom Favreau, and Const. Chris Ratchford were cited for police misconduct in the ruling by Superior Court Justice Peter Hambly. 

Kenora Police Services confirmed with NAN shortly after the 2004 judgement the investigation into the death of Max Kakegamic was not proceeding.

“We’re still waiting for answers and I cannot explain how saddening and frustrating it is that now six years after our son’s death no one is currently being tried for his murder” said Max’s mother Margaret Kakegamic from her home in North Spirit Lake First Nation – one of 49 communities part of NAN.  “It’s difficult for our family to heal without knowing that justice has been served. We haven’t forgotten – it’s the same today as the first day we heard.  It’s as raw as it was then because it’s really hard day-by-day that no one has been held accountable.”

Parents Margaret and Issac Kakegamic together with community members from Kenora and across NAN territory have organized annual memorial walks in Kenora to raise awareness of the family’s quest for justice.   In 2005 the Kakegamics launched a justice fund to assist in pursuing legal action. 

Chief Coroner Mclellan is expected to produce a final decision mid October.  It’s hoped a coroner’s inquest will eventually lead to a public inquiry. 

***
For more information please contact Jenna Young, NAN Director of Communications at (807) 625 4952 or (807) 628 3953

From Aboriginal Healing Foundation announcements

Storytelling Gathering for Survivors of Residential School November 17, 18 & 19, 2006, Brantford, Ontario

(OTTAWA, Ontario, October 3, 2006) – The Legacy of Hope Foundation (http://www.wherearethechildren.ca/en/lhf.html) will be recording stories from Residential School Survivors across Canada. This Storytelling Gathering will occur from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on November 17, 18 & 19, 2006 at the Best Western Brant Park Inn, 19 Holiday Drive, Brantford, Ontario. These audio/video recordings will be the basis for a national book project, entitled “ Our Stories…Our Strength”, a commemoration to Residential School Survivors. There is no cost to attend, although participants must cover their own travel costs to the event, as well as the cost of accommodations. The Legacy of Hope Foundation will provide refreshments and a lunch at no cost.

Students who attended Residential School will have a unique opportunity to record their experience. The Legacy of Hope Foundation has embarked on a landmark project to collect and compile the stories of first generation Survivors into a book, a DVD and other educational resources. The project, Our Stories … Our Strength, will use storytelling as a method to build a history of this neglected part of Canada’s past. This project is a response to an often-heard request for a book to commemorate the legacy of the residential school experience. The aim of the project is to honour and commemorate Survivors and to promote greater understanding and reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

For more information or to register contact Laura Milonas at the Legacy of Hope Foundation: (613) 237-4441, ext. 331 or toll-free 1-877-553-7177.

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From http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/subscriber/local/story/3711844p-4291037c.html

Manitoba native leaders heading to Bolivia

Wed Oct 4 2006
By Carol Sanders (carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca)
 
Manitoba chiefs looking for strength in numbers are travelling to Bolivia this weekend for the Continental Gathering of Indigenous Peoples.

Dennis Meeches of Long Plain First Nation, Terry Nelson of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, traditional dancers and drummers from Long Plain and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs' political adviser, Don Clarke, leave Sunday for the five-day conference in La Paz, Bolivia.

The Continental Gathering is also a celebration of Bolivia electing its first indigenous leader, President Evo Morales. His leadership is a beacon for aboriginal people around the world who've been colonized and disenfranchised, said Clarke. It's a symbol of hope and also expected to give indigenous companies and First Nations an inside track on trade with that country, he said.

"It's creating some huge opportunities for some of our expertise to be shared," Clarke said.

Bolivia and other South American countries are mineral rich, and First Nations in Canada have experience working with industry to develop resources.

"We as First Nations have lots of experience in mining, forestry and oil and gas -- these are experiences we want to share with the Bolivian government," said Clarke. "We're interested in enhancing Canadian trade in Bolivia, which is about $50 million Canadian."
 
And countries like Bolivia can teach First Nations here a thing or two, he said.

"We're learning from their being colonized and disenfranchised -- what models can we apply here for cultural retention and preserving their languages? They're working through what the dominant society has thrust on them," said Clarke. "They're strengthening their (indigenous) languages. What low-cost, effective strategies do they have to help us maintain our culture and identity?"

Next week's conference in Bolivia draws indigenous people from throughout the Americas to join forces socially and culturally, as well as economically. The trip is being funded by the AMC, tribal organizations, First Nations and businesses, said Clarke.

At the conference in Bolivia, Nelson will be showing a video entitled Not So Gentle Neighbour (watch the video online at http://www.streamreel.com/archives/aim/aim_gentle.htm) that illustrates the strained relationship between the Canadian government and aboriginal people. His message is that indigenous people can become independent of their governments through international trade and investment.

The Manitoba chiefs have been working toward forging closer ties with Latin America.

Last month, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs announced it was opening an office in Santiago, Chile to create a permanent presence in Latin America.

In January, the Manitoba chiefs voted to set up an international relations department with a trade and investment adviser on the ground in Chile and Ecuador, said Clarke.