Media.Knet.Ca

From http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060329.NATS29-1/TPStory/National
 
Native chiefs to delay reforms, ask for debate
BILL CURRY - March 29, 2006

Ottawa -- Final sign-off from native chiefs on reforms such as an aboriginal auditor-general and a one-person-one-vote system for electing the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations will have to wait until at least July, as chiefs opted to strike a new panel to hammer out the details.

Chiefs from across the country wrapped up a three-day meeting in Gatineau a day early by giving full consensus to a general motion stating that the details of the proposals should be debated in the regions before a possible decision at the next meeting of chiefs in Vancouver in July.

from http://telehealth.knet.ca

National Telehealth Working Group Meets to Discuss Telehealth Strategy

The Assembly of First Nations have identified Telehealth as a tool that can be utilized to address quality of life issues for First Nations people. 

At the National Telehealth Strategy meeting held in Ottawa March 22 and 23, First Nations involved in Telehealth programs from across the country met to discuss how to support the AFN in delivering this message to governments and communities. 

The importance of validating Telehealth's health benefits is required to ensure long term funding and sustainability of Telehealth programs.  Priorites identified for research include:  How is Telehealth impacting wait times?  How is Telehealth impacting social outcomes and determinants of health issues?  Quality of life issues as well as access and equity were discussed as health needs that are directly addressed through community based, First Nations directed Telehealth Programs. 

KOTH presented an overview of the communtiy based model and told the stories of how the region is utilizing Telehealth to address disparities in health access for First Nations communities.

Future Initiatives include:

• Identify role for FNIHB, Province in sustaining Telehealth
• Develop Governance models for Telehealth (as opposed to having these parameters defined for us)
• Engaging provinces a priority – each province has an E Health strategy that looks at connectivity, e health and Telehealth - ensure First Nations included in these plans
• Facilitate National Implementation and Sustainability plan for Telehealth
• Identify research priorities to support sustainability

from http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com./story.php?id=221965

The parents of Max Kakegamic, who was killed on the streets of Kenora more than five years ago, are appealing to the chief coroner’s office for an inquest.

By Mike Aiken
Miner and News
Thursday March 30, 2006

The parents of Max Kakegamic, who was killed on the streets of Kenora more than five years ago, are appealing to the chief coroner’s office for an inquest.
Margaret and Isaac Kakegamic sat down with the chief coroner Monday in Thunder Bay, where they talked about the need for further investigation.
The family has also retained the services of the executive director for Aboriginal Legal Services in Toronto, Kimberley Murray, in order to assist them with their case.
“The criminal justice system has failed the family of Max Kakegamic and they now turn to the coroner’s system to help them find answers to some questions surrounding Max’s death,” said Murray Wednesday in a prepared statement.
Max Kakegamic was found dead at the corner of Third Street South and Matheson Street on Oct. 4, 2000. The manslaughter case against Justin Carambetsos, who was charged with the murder hours after Kakegamic’s body was discovered, was stayed in Kenora court in February 2004 by Justice Peter Hambly, who cited police misconduct during their investigation in his ruling.
“The family is grateful to Dr. McLellan for hearing their concerns and is hopeful that an inquest will be called, so that recommendations can be made to ensure that no other aboriginal person is left on the streets of Kenora and victimized in the manner that Max was,” Murray continued in her statement.
The chief coroner’s office is waiting for a written submission from the family, which is expected within a month’s time. Once received, the chief coroner will review it, then make a decision within four to six weeks whether or not to grant the appeal, said Kathy Kerr, executive officer for inquests and special projects.
Treaty 9 Deputy Chief Alvin Fiddler accompanied the family during Monday’s meeting with the chief coroner, noting it was a great opportunity for the parents to appeal in person.
Police chief trying to build bridges
Kenora’s new police chief Dan Jorgensen said he has attended numerous meetings and events, in an effort to build bridges between the police and aboriginal people.
These have included one-on-one meetings with First Nation leaders as part of the ongoing Common Land, Common Ground process, which began around the time of the death in the fall of 2000.
Jorgensen has acknowledged the low levels of trust that exists between aboriginal people and police, and he is reviewing the complaints process in an attempt to ensure those who have the courage to bring their concerns forward are satisfied that their message has been properly heard. Along these lines, he has suggested inserting a mediator, who may assist complainants with both the formulation of their complaint and an explanation of the end results.
Last year, Ontario Justice Patrick Lesage recommended the formation of an independent public oversight committee to investigate public complaints about police. Currently, under the Police Services Act in Ontario, the chief of police is given the responsibility of adjudicating any public complaint. However, an individual can ask the Ontario Civilian Commission to review decisions made by local police.