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From Union of Ontario Indians web site at http://www.anishinabek.ca/uoi/

February 24, 2006

TORONTO - The Anishinabek Nation is supporting a First Nations-specific approach to health-care programs being delivered to its citizens in Ontario.

Grand Council Chief John Beaucage joined a delegation of First Nations leaders who presented the First Nations-Ontario Health Accord at Queens Park Thursday.

“A jointly agreed upon Health Accord is consistent with both the government-to-government relationship, the government’s policy of a New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs and ensures the continued protection of our aboriginal and treaty rights,” he said.

The proposed Health Accord concept was endorsed by all First Nations in Ontario on February 10, 2006, and offers the province a “single-window” approach to dealing with First Nations governments in the areas of health and healing. It addresses First Nations concerns that the pan-aboriginal approach to administering First Nations and Métis programs is no longer acceptable.

Beaucage expressed disappointment that, since the McGuinty government instituted its New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs policy in June 2005, First Nations, Métis and even non-governmental service providers have been dealt with in a "homogenous" way.

“The use of the term ‘aboriginal’ has concerned all First Nations people,” he said.  “This new government policy and this homogenous term have been used as a “catch-all” to deal with First Nations and Métis issues. To group all aboriginal people in Ontario together, and refuse to deal with First Nations on a government-to-government basis is to show disrespect to our people."

First Nations leaders from across the province met with The Hon. Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Community and Social Services, after learning that The Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and The Hon. Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Children and Youth Services both backed out of the scheduled meeting at the last minute.

Discussions centred around concerns of the provincial Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy (AHWS), an initiative that funds various community health and family violence programs across Ontario.  First Nations leaders contend that Ontario’s policy in dealing with AHWS is not consistent with a true government-to-government relationship.

"Although there have been some successes, the continuation of the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy in its current form is no longer acceptable," Beaucage told the meeting. " From our perspective, significant change is needed." He agreed with Minister Pupatello about the need for increased accountability for health-care programs serving First Nations citizens and for First Nations to have a greater say on the design, delivery and evaluation of them.

First Nations leaders also used the meeting to raise concerns about the controversial Bill 36, the Local Health Systems Integration Act, designed to establish 14 Local Health Integration Networks across the province to oversee health care delivery. They maintain that First Nations specific needs, interests, and rights have been ignored to date in the legislative process. 

The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario. The UOI is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

Attention Employers - Don't miss this great learning opportunity!

February 27, 2006, Thunder Bay, ON:

Matawa Employment & Training (MET), in collaboration with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), the Aboriginal Employment Resource Committee (AERC), Service Canada and the North of Superior Training Board (NOSTB) announced today they are joining forces to host a workshop aimed at Federal Contractors and Legislated Employment Equity Program employers.

The one and a half day workshop titled: "Creating Networks in the Aboriginal Community through Relationships in the Workplace" is scheduled for the first and second day in March at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Says Larry Spence, Community Development Officer at MET: "This workshop is a great opportunity for employers to gain some practical tools to help them connect with Aboriginal students and graduates from the Thunder Bay region."

Designed to assist organizations in understanding the barriers and solutions to recruiting, retaining and advancing Aboriginal participation in the workforce, participants will learn how to tap in the underused but valuable Aboriginal Labour pool.

"A large part of MET’s goal is to help First Nation people of all ages to achieve their personal career goals through improved access to employment opportunities and training initiatives and this workshop is one more step in the right direction," says Spence.

For more information about the workshop, please contact: Larry Spence, Community Development Officer, Matawa Employment and Training at 807-344-8070

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Media Contact: Lisa Kokanie Tel: 807-767-4443, fax: 807-767-4479, email: lisa@firedogpr.com

The mining exploration company that was searching for minerals without the support of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Aski, have pulled up stakes and left the K.I. traditional territory. Click here to check out the pictures of the protest.

The peaceful weekend protest by community members and their supporters from other First Nations proved successful. By Sunday, the mining company had completed taking down their camp and leaving the area.

Chief Donny Morris made the following statement to the supporters of the K.I. traditional territory ...

"The protest at this phase(on site) has ended with success. We thank the support of Chiefs, members from other First Nations and K.I  members who supported and reaffirmed our Sovereignty Title to the land we call home. However we will continue to guard the land as custodians of  Kitchenuhmaykoosib Aski."

Visit http://bigtroutlake.firstnation.ca for links to the media coverage of this struggle to defend the traditional territory of K.I.