Media.Knet.Ca

NAN press release ...

NAN Supports Wahgoshig's Demand for Recognition of First Nation Child and Family Service

THUNDER BAY, ON, Dec. 12 - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy says given the inherent right to self-governance, First Nation child and family service agencies, specifically Timmins based Kunuwanimano, should be recognized as the primary service for First Nations rather than the Government of Ontario's Children's Aid Society (CAS).

"The most recent practice of CAS brings back many memories of the 'Sixties Scoop' not only for those directly involved, but for the community of Wahgoshig and the First Nations of NAN as a whole," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. "Without proper recognition of First Nation child and family service agencies as the ideal and primary service, First Nations across Ontario will continue to feel victimized as a result of history seeming to repeat itself."

After a public retrieval of an infant by two workers from Timmins and District Children's Aid Society and City Police at a Timmins shopping centre last week, Wahgoshig First Nation (one of NAN's 49 First Nation communities) declared Friday the community is restricting CAS and Ministry of Youth Services from entering the community.

"We are losing our children to a system that does not belong to us," said Wahgoshig First Nation Chief Dave Babin adding this is an issue that must be addressed throughout the North. "Ideally all First Nations should be governed by a First Nation Child and Family Service not a government CAS. If it is a case of a First Nation then it should be handled by a First Nation organization."

Kunuwanimano is a First Nation Child and Family Service Agency serving 11 of NAN's 49 First Nation communities. It operates out of Timmins, Ontario.

The "Sixties Scoop" refers to a period between the 1960s and 1980s where a documented 17,000 First Nation children were taken from their homes to be adopted by non-native families across Canada, United States of America, and Europe. Wahgoshig Chief Babin considers this period an attempt at genocide and is seeking reparation under the Genocide Convention Act (1949), including establishing a national inquiry to investigate policy and period purpose.

Babin says one of his community's objectives is to negotiate with the Ministry of Youth Services, however Wahgoshig First Nation will be closed to them and CAS until Kunuwanimano is designated and CAS adheres to its workplan.

Wahgoshig First Nation together with Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services will host a news conference at the Wahgoshig band office tomorrow.

For further information: Jenna Young, Director of Communications - Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4952; OR Wahgoshig First Nation Chief Dave Babin at (705) 273-2055 or (705) 262-2770

Press Release ...

Northern First Nation Prepares to Stop Operations in Kenogami Forest

Thunder Bay, ON: Chief Sam Kashkeesh announced today that his community of Aroland First Nation is ready to bring a stop to all operations in the Kenogami Forest if the Ministry of Natural Resources and industry continue to shut the First Nation out of discussions regarding the Kenogami Sustainable Forest License (SFL) transfer to Buchanen (Terrace Bay Pulp Inc.) and on going developments within the territory.

Despite continued lobbying and requests from the First Nation since the spring to be included in any forestry planning negotiations affecting the Kenogami territory, the people of Aroland First Nation have been excluded.

“I want to make the position for Aroland First Nation very clear to the public,” says Chief Kashkeesh. “Our First Nation does not want to be disruptive or put increased pressure on the forestry industry within our region. We do not oppose the sale of the Neenah Mill to Buchanan – our families also depend on the forestry industry for their employment and livelihood like other regional municipalities.”

“All we are asking is that we should have been included and consulted with in the awarding process of the Kenogami Forest license. We want to be consulted by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Our people also care about their future job security like all others and while we are being ignored, there are people from out of province now harvesting just one kilometer outside our community. This is not just a matter of respect, mutual prosperity and regional collaboration, but also an issue of legal duty and equality for Aboriginal people in forestry management. The non-cooperation from the government and industry is insulting and in very, very bad taste.”

“We do not want to resort to drastic measures to get the attention and communication we deserve, and we should not have to, continues Chief Kashkeesh. “The level of frustration amongst my people is increasing on a daily basis and as Chief; I am saddened that this government is willing to let these situations get to the boiling point.”

As of today, Aroland First Nation will prepare to take appropriate action within the Kenogami Forest until a process for consultation is forthcoming from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Aroland First Nation is road accessible and located 482 kilometers Northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario, north of Geraldton, Ontario. The current population of Aroland First Nation is 507 members. Approximately 352 people live on reserve.

-30-

Notes to Editor: Please see attached petition to cease and desist cutting in the Kenogami Forest.

For more information contact: Stephanie AshFiredog Communications: Tel: (807) 767-4443 or email: stephanie@firedogpr.com