Media.Knet.Ca

Two online news reports describe the confusion around the attempts by mining company to develop mine on Big Trout Lake traditional territory.

from http://www.timminspress.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentID=51741&catname=Ontario

First Nation sues province in attempt to stop mine: platinum mine spurs lawsuit

Canadian Press - Monday, May 29, 2006

TORONTO (CP) -- The development of a potentially rare and lucrative platinum mine near Aboriginal land in Northern Ontario has prompted a First Nation to sue the provincial government, while it faces a $10-billion lawsuit from a Canadian exploration company.

The cases centre around Platinex Inc.'s hopes to mine for platinum in an area populated by about 1,200 members of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, located about 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.

The company says about 90 per cent of the world's platinum comes from mines in South Africa, and a Canadian mine would be an extraordinary opportunity for all those involved, including the Aboriginal community.

But the community has made it clear they are against mining on their traditional territory and a landmark Supreme Court ruling dictates they should have been consulted before Platinex was cleared by the province to go forward, said deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which is providing assistance in the legal fight.

"For any company to work in (Aboriginal) territory, it's just common courtesy to call the chief and council and say, 'We're interested in doing this type of work in your community, can we come and sit down and talk about it,"' Fiddler said.

He said the First Nation was shocked to find the company setting up to work and drill in a lake about 15 kilometres from their community, an area they consider to be part of their traditional territory.

They asked the company to leave the area but Platinex said it had received a permit from the province to do exploratory work and refused. But Platinex pulled out after further confrontations and sought legal assistance.

"The company turned around and sued the community for $10 billion. We thought it was maybe a typo, we thought it was $10 million but it was really $10 billion," Fiddler said. "So that was a shock to the community."

The company has filed the injunction to continue its work because it was legally cleared to do so, on land which -- according to some legal interpretation -- may be Crown property, said Platinex lawyer Neil Smitheman.

He said the monetary value attached to the case may give a wrong impression of what Platinex is after, since it refers to the maximum value the company believes the mine could be worth, and not a sum being sought from the First Nation.

He said Platinex just wants to continue its work and is caught in the middle of a fight between the First Nation and the government over an ongoing land claim.

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from http://www.tbsource.com/Localnews/index.asp?cid=83295

Mine files lawsuit against First Nation
Tb News Source - Web Posted: 5/29/2006

A northern Ontario First Nation is named in a $10 billion dollar lawsuit for opposing a proposed platinum mine near its reserve.

The K-I First Nation, formerly called the Big Trout Lake First Nation, tried to stop a Canadian company from building the mine on what they feel is their traditional territory. But the company, Platinex Inc., is taking the First Nation to court, saying the site 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay could be worth billions.

Platinex says developing the mine would provide tremendous opportunities for all involved, including the aboriginal community. The K-I First Nation is suing the province for giving Platinex permits to begin its work and wants control over the land.

The legal battle over the mineral development caused a flurry of questions at Queens Park Monday.

The Big Trout Lake First Nation is suing the province in connection with its approval of exploration work being done in the bands traditional lands by Platinex Inc.

A Supreme Court ruling says the province is obliged to consult with affected first nations before any such approval is given. NDP Leader Howard Hampton accused the government of ignoring the ruling, even though band officials had made their objections to the development clear. But Northern Development Minister Rick Bartolucci says all protocols are being respected.

Three women from the Mi'gmaq First Nation from the community of Listuguj, QC began their cross country cycling journey yesterday, leaving from Vancouver, BC. The Aboriginal Women on the Move-Cross Canada Cycle Tour (http://www.aboriginalwomenonthemove.org) is about making a difference and getting people involved .... "we want to raise awareness and bring attention to the social and health issues of family violence". The trip is sponsored in part by the National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence (www.nacafv.ca) along with many other individuals, groups and communities.

From http://www.aboriginalwomenonthemove.org/index2.html

Preparing for Launch : May 28th, 2006 in Vancouver

Greetings from the Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation….Home to the Aboriginal Women on the Move-Cross Canada Cycle Tour 2006

Cycling to End Family Violence

Time is fast approaching to the day we kick off from our pedals and start our cycling journey across Canada with our message in hand and in our hearts; to raise awareness and bring attention, initiate dialogue, share best practices and our goal to one day break the cycle of violence in our communities.   

Attached is the most recent revised Route and Date Schedule, there will be revisions depending upon what we experience along the way, visit our website and/or blog for any changes.

Aboriginal Women on the Move proudly announces that our “blog” is on-line at www.awotm.blogspot.com and you also link to the AWOTM blog through our website.  You will be able to follow our journey on a day-to-day basis, as we share our journey, our experiences.  

While on the road, AWOTM can be reached in a couple of ways; e-mail:  mimigeus@hotmail.com , cell: (506)789-3369, Messages at Haven House: (418) 788-5544 and National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence: (613) 236 1844

Aboriginal Women on the Move greatly appreciates all the support and kind words of encouragement extended to us over the past two years as we planned and promoted the cycle tour.  Your support, encouragement and friendship have fuelled our spirit, determination and commitment to make a difference.

Share in the AWOTM Journey….Get Involved….Together Can We Make a Difference

• Visit our website:   www.aboriginalwomenonthemove.org
• Tell your family and friends about “Aboriginal Women on the Move”
• Download and post our flyer in your community and/or workplace
• Support “AWOTM” through a donation or Sponsor a Kilometer…become a Friend of the Tour
• In-Kind Contributions
• Support your local Women Shelter
• Organize an information session on family violence in your community and/or workplace
• Denounce family violence and abuse….breaking the silence breaks the cycle!!!
• Join us or visit with us as we cycle through your community/territory/region
• Follow along our journey on our blog:  www.awotm.blogspot.com

William W. Creighton Youth Services is Looking for a Community Support Worker - Sioux Lookout

William W. Creighton Youth Services invites applications for a new position,

COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER

LOCATION:  SIOUX LOOKOUT

The COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER is part of a team dedicated to the philosophy that community safety and the needs of young persons are best served by the provision of positive, rehabilitative programs in conjunction with the youth’s offence.  The location of a worker in the Sioux Lookout area is a one year pilot project with the option for permanent designation.  This position requires qualified aboriginal staffing.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Skills and demonstrated ability in the provision of assessment, counselling and group work for adolescents and families.
• Knowledge of Anishnawbe culture.
• Demonstrated ability in work with aboriginal youth and First Nation communities.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence and use of a vehicle.
• Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Honours Bachelor of Social Work (H.B.S.W.) PLUS three (3) years related experience.

Candidates with other qualifications and related work experience may be considered.

APPLY TO:

Jack Martin, Manager of Community Services
Kenora/Rainy River Community Support Team
243 Rabbit Lake Road
Kenora, ON P9N 4L8
Fax:  (807) 548-2835
E-mail:  jmartin@creightonyouth.com

CLOSING DATE:      JUNE 14, 2006