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See the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada - News Release below the NAN and AFN press releases.

NAN welcomes Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, but continues to seek formal apology

    THUNDER BAY, ON, May 11 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler welcomes yesterday's announcement by Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Jim Prentice and Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women Beverley Oda regarding the approval of a Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and the immediate launch of an Advance Payment program, however is still urging for a formal apology by the Prime Minister of Canada.

    "Although we welcome the agreement, the dollar figure isn't as important as the formal acknowledgement of the wrong-doing of the residential school system not only in NAN territory, but across the country. No number could ever fairly compensate for what occurred at those schools," said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. "A formal apology from the Prime Minister will mean a great deal in terms of reconciliation and contribute to the healing of those who were directly affected or impacted by the residential school system."

    Fiddler's comments are in response to the Government of Canada's announcement of the final settlement agreement proposal for Common Experience Payment for all eligible former students of Indian Residential Schools, an Independent Assessment Process for claims of sexual or serious physical abuse, and measures to support healing, commemorative activities, and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

    Each eligible former residential school student will receive $10,000 and an additional $3,000 for each year of attendance beyond the first year.

    The announcement also included the immediate launch of an Advance Payment program for eligible residential school survivors 65 years of age and older as of May 30, 2005 - something NAN has been lobbying for since the initial announcement of an Agreement-In-Principle by the former Liberal government last November.

    Of the approximate 5,000 residential school survivors within NAN territory - an area covering two-thirds of Ontario - approximately 1000 are over the age of 65.

    "We've been at this for a long time so let's just try to bring it to a closure," said Constance Lake First Nation Elder Richard Ferris, 73, who attended Pelican Falls Residential School 1938 through 1949.

    Assembly of First Nations has been negotiating with the Government of Canada since December 2004 to reach a deal that will compensate more than 12,000 Aboriginals currently participating in law suits seeking compensation for the effects of the residential school system that uprooted Aboriginals children across Canada from their home communities.

    Yesterday's announced settlement is the final legal version of the Agreement in Principle announced November 23, 2005. The Settlement Agreement now requires court approval in nine Canadian jurisdictions and the conclusion of a five-month opt-out period before coming into effect.

For further information: Jenna Young, Director of Communications, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4952, (807) 628-3953 (cellular)

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Assembly of First Nations National Chief Applauds Announcement of Cabinet Approval of Residential Schools Final Agreement and Early - Payments for survivors: "We will see justice in our lifetime"

    OTTAWA, May 10 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine today applauded the announcement by Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice that the Conservative Cabinet has approved the Final Agreement on Residential Schools. Minister Prentice also confirmed that an early payment of $8,000 will be available to residential school survivors who were 65 or older as of May 30, 2005.

    "Today is an historic day for residential school survivors, for First Nations and for all Canadians," stated National Chief Fontaine. "We will, at long last, see justice in our lifetime for the tragic experience of the residential schools. The approach announced today is not only about compensation but also about healing and reconciliation between First Nations and Canada."

    On November 23, 2005 an agreement in principle was struck between the AFN, federal negotiator the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, survivors, lawyers and churches involved in residential schools cases. The agreement was to set in place a comprehensive approach that would include: a lump sum payment for all survivors to compensate for loss of language and culture resulting from the schools; a more efficient and effective process to deal with serious claims of abuse; a national "truth-telling" commission to bring greater understanding and awareness of this issue; and expedited compensation payments for the elderly. Based on the agreement-in-principle, the final agreement was struck.

    National Chief Fontaine stated: "I want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the federal representative the Honourable Justice Frank Iacobucci, whose wise counsel provided guidance in balancing the many interests at play in the negotiations leading up to today's announcement. As well, I want to acknowledge the work of the previous Liberal government for their willingness to embark on a new process, and acknowledge the Conservative government who are now giving life to this deal. It took courage to embark on a new process, and it took equal courage to conclude the agreement. Most of all, we thank the survivors for their patience and understanding as we move to final resolution on residential schools. This is a great day in the history of this country."

    The Final Agreement must now be approved by judges in the seven jurisdictions where lawsuits pertaining to residential schools are before the courts. Following that approval, survivors will have a mandatory six-month period to examine the details of the agreement. The final Settlement Agreement is not yet available, although the original Agreement in Principle is available on the Government's website or the AFN website at http://www.afn.ca/residentialschools/PDF/AIP_English.pdf .

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

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/For further information: Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director, (613) 241-6789 ext. 320, cell (613) 292-2787; Ian McLeod, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, (613) 241-6789 ext. 336, cell (613) 859-4335/

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Transmitted by CNW Group on : May 10, 2006 16:41

Government of Canada approves Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and launches Advance Payment program

     OTTAWA, May 10 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and Minister responsible for Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, and the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today the approval of a final Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and the immediate launch of an Advance Payment program.

     "The Government is committed to bring a fair and lasting resolution to this chapter of our history and move forward. The discussions led by the Honourable Frank Iacobucci have resulted in a Settlement Agreement to foster reconciliation and healing among all Canadians," said Minister Oda.

     Minister Prentice noted that the Settlement Agreement proposes a Common Experience Payment for all eligible former students of Indian Residential Schools, an Independent Assessment Process for claims of sexual or serious physical abuse, as well as measures to support healing, commemorative activities, and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. "We hope that today's announcement will bring closure to former students and their descendents. The settlement is just and honourable, as will be our ongoing partnership with Aboriginal people," said the Minister.

     Minister Oda was pleased to announce the immediate launch of an Advance Payment program for eligible former Indian Residential School students 65 years of age and older when the negotiations were initiated on May 30, 2005. "We have acted to make funds available as soon as possible," stated Minister Oda.

     The Government's representative, the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, concluded a Settlement Agreement with legal representatives of former students of Indian Residential Schools, legal representatives of the Churches involved in running those schools, the Assembly of First Nations, and other Aboriginal organizations. The Settlement Agreement must now be presented for approval by the courts in nine Canadian jurisdictions over the coming months.

     "I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who were involved in the negotiations for their hard work toward this historic Settlement Agreement. In particular, I want to thank the Honourable Frank Iacobucci, who has very capably fulfilled his mandate throughout these intense and complex negotiations," added Minister Prentice.

     Eligible former students may apply for the Advance Payment of $8,000 by completing the application form available on the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada website at www.irsr-rqpi.gc.ca.

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/For further information: Robert Paterson, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, (819) 997-7788; Deirdra McCracken, Special Assistant, Communications, Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, (819) 997-0002; Erin Gorman, Senior Advisor, Communications, Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, (613) 947-4425/

From http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2006/05/09/1571440-cp.html

Governor General meets aboriginal chiefs and elders in Saskatchewan - May 9, 2006 - By MICHELLE MACAFEE

FORT QU'APPELLE, Sask. (CP) - Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean told a group of aboriginal chiefs and elders Tuesday that she would take their concerns about funding and social issues to the federal government, but that they must also continue to work toward their own solutions.

Members of the Treaty 4 Tribal Council, which comprises 36 Saskatchewan bands, emerged from a private meeting with Jean optimistic that she truly listened and wanted to help.

"She's able to talk to the prime minister and the Indian Affairs minister, and she said she would certainly raise the issues, which are common across Canada, on our behalf," Chief Marie Anne DayWalker-Pelletier of the Okanese First Nation said after the hour-long meeting.

"But she also said we should continue also lobbying the federal government."

Jean absorbed a sweeping list of contentious issues during the meeting, including overcrowded housing, water quality, infrastructure, education and the duplication involved in accounting for how federal funding is spent.

The itinerary for Jean's first official visit to Saskatchewan includes several events involving aboriginals, including a performance by an aboriginal theatre company and a meeting Wednesday with a dozen women chiefs and elders from across the province.

Almost every speech has touched on the themes of youth, marginalization and diversity - subjects that have been the focus of her term so far.

"It is unworthy of a country like ours, so proud of its achievements and its position in the world, not to recognize the priceless contribution that the First Nations and Metis have made to our history, our unique identity and our aspirations for the future," Jean said in a speech to more than 100 community members gathered for a public ceremony at the Treaty 4 Governance Centre, about 45 kilometres northeast of Regina.

During the private meeting that followed, DayWalker-Pelletier said many chiefs expressed their desire for First Nations to have more control over their funding.

"It should be a one-window approach instead of every department having a different approach and making us report to them in 20 different ways."

Tribal chairman Dean Bellegarde refused to comment on the specifics of the discussion, but said he left feeling optimistic.

"She wanted to know about the problems that we face, how they came about and some solutions to how we could fix these problems, but in partnership," said Bellegarde.

"She's a little more aware of our problems and who we are, and that's the first step."

As Jean arrived, a group of drummers welcomed her with a traditional honour song.

In her speech, Jean said her own upbringing under a dictatorship in Haiti made it easier for her to recognize the anguish caused by high unemployment, family violence or suicide.

But she also said such hardship sows seeds of bitterness and anger that need to be acknowledged before healing and liberation can begin.

"We cannot undo the injustices of the past," said Jean. "But we can learn from our experiences and start to build the kind of society we want for ourselves and our children."

Jean and her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, were presented with two quilts before a group of schoolchildren sang O Canada in Cree.

The couple spent the rest of the day touring Fort Qu'Appelle and nearby Qu'Appelle before heading back to Regina.

They met with Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco before touring a north-end neighbourhood revitalization project.

Jean wraps up her visit Wednesday with a visit to the RCMP training academy, where she'll lay flowers to honour all fallen members.

Jean has now visited eight provinces since her appointment in September and hopes to maintain the long-standing tradition that sees a new governor general visit every province and territory within their first year.

The Grand Council of the Crees (http://www.gcc.ca) are fighting a legal battle with the Federal and Quebec governments along with Quebec Hydro over the continued development of new dams that are flooding their traditional territories and destroying their way of life. The following presentation of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and of The Cree Regional Authority about The Eastmain 1-A Rupert Project, by Deputy Grand Chief Ashley Iserhoff was given on May 4, 2006

PREAMBLE

I want to begin this presentation by rendering homage to the late Sam Awashish who recently lost his life on his trapline, by falling through the ice on a lake. This was an experienced hunter, trapper and fisherman who is, to some extent, a victim of the climate changes which are affecting James Bay. In James Bay, increased reservoirs have contributed to unpredictable ice conditions and climate changes which have resulted in trappers being unable to predict weather patterns as they did before. This shows us that concern for the environment is a matter which resonates very close to home for all of us.

Sam's knowledge of the land provided guidance and allowed healing of our hurts and pains as a result of dramatic changes within Eeyou lstchee. His transfer and sharing of his knowledge to own children and youth is an inspiration to all of us who want to keep the Cree Nation closely tied to the land and to our traditions and culture. I wish to dedicate this presentation to the memoryof Sam Awashish.

Click here to read about the struggle the Cree Nation is facing concerning the flooding of their lands in Quebec by the hydro dams ...

Lead Your Way!  - Aboriginal youth nominating Aboriginal youth. 

Lead Your Way! is the National Aboriginal Role Model Program. We are pleased to announce a Nomination Call for 2006 for Canada's top Aboriginal youth role models.

The National Aboriginal Role Model Program highlights the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Metis youth and it is designed to encourage Aboriginal youth to pursue their dreams. This program is delivered by the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO).

Lead Your Way! will recognize Aboriginal youth who have demonstrated a significant level of innovation, achievement and leadership and who are considered role models by their peers and community members.

Through Lead Your Way!, 12 Aboriginal youth will be chosen as role models for a year.

The Lead Your Way! program will produce posters and trading cards that feature each of the 12 role models. The posters and trading cards will be available to First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities and organizations. As well, the youth role models will visit Aboriginal communities to attend celebrations, school functions, workshops and conferences. The role models will share their stories and experiences with other Aboriginal youth in the hopes of inspiring others to pursue their goals.

What: Lead Your Way!, the National Aboriginal Role Model Program, provides opportunity for Aboriginal youth to be recognized for their achievements. Role models may be First Nations, Inuit or Metis youth between the ages of 13 and 30 years old.

Who: Aboriginal youth (between the ages of 13 and 30 years old) can nominate their role model by filling out the nomination form. The nomination form has various attributes that fit your role model.

When: Nominations will close on May 21st, 2006.

How: You can nominate for Lead Your Way! By:

1. Using the on-line nomination form.
2. Downloading a form found on our website www.naho.ca/rolemodel.
3. Calling 1-877-602-4445, to request a form to be faxed.

For more information, please contact Lead Your Way!, the National Aboriginal Role Model Program at:

Telephone:(613) 237-9462 ext. 548
Toll-free:1-(877)-602-4445 ext. 548
Email: leadyourway@naho.ca