Media.Knet.Ca

Equay-wuk (Women's Group) is sponsoring a logo contest in search of a logo for the Healthy Families Healthy Nations - Family Violence Prevention Manual.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS:   JUNE 23, 2006.

The focus of the Healthy Families Healthy Nations Program is to develop a family violence prevention manual for community service providers.

This manual will assist community workers in developing or enhancing a family violence prevention program in their home communities.

The successful logo will appear on the cover of the manual and will be distributed to the 31 participating First Nation communities served by Equay-wuk (Women's Group).

Logo Theme:             Healthy Families, Healthy Nations

Eligibility:                   Youth attending school (grades JK-12)

Logo Requirements: 

• black and white or color
• reflect a positive message
• reflect First Nation culture
• max. size 8" x  11"
• name, age, grade, school, community

Prizes:                       

• Winner will receive $300.00
• 2 Honorable mentions @ $100.00 each

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Derosier, Project Coordinator
Equay-wuk (Women's Group)
(807) 737-2214 (phone)
1-800-261-8294 (toll free)

Or Mail to:                 

Equay-wuk (Women's Group)
P.O.Box 1781
Sioux Lookout, ON
P8T 1C4

Visit our website:   www.equaywuk.ca

"Gii-Kaan-Don" (Aboriginal Know-How) : Balancing Culture and Technology - Bridging the Health and Wellness needs of First Nation Communities through Telehealth

Date: June 14-15, 2006

Location: In person (University of Toronto School of Information Technology) & Online (live video feed & online discussions).  

Online Registration and Pre-Conference Discussion - visit http://meeting.knet.ca and follow the directions to join the Conference web site. For assistance with the registration or participation, call or write Wesley McKay toll-free at 877-737-KNET (5638) or wesleymckay@knet.ca.

Presented by Chiefs of Ontario (COO - http://chiefs-of-ontario.org) and the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Research Institute(KORI - http://research.knet.ca)

Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) are pleased to present to you with the opportunity to learn more about First Nations Telehealth in Canada and to share your thoughts, concerns and ideas about what role telehealth can play in promoting the health and wellness of First Nations communities. The workshop takes place in a face-to-face gathering in Toronto and on-line June 14-15, 2006. It will provide participants with a detailed briefing on the state of First Nations telehealth in Canada with specific emphasis on the various telehealth models employed by First Nations communities and Aboriginal organizations.

This workshop is part of a regional consultation by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) designed to gather grassroots feedback as the first step towards creating a national policy framework for First Nations telehealth in Canada.

Funding for this workshop is being provided by Health Canada and Canada Health Infoway (CHI).

The workshop will be conducted face-to-face in Toronto, via video conference and webcast technologies by First Nations Telehealth experts throughout Ontario and across Canada.

The workshop will be archived and made available from the website http://www.meeting.knet.ca

What: The Sharing the Knowledge about First Nations Telehealth workshop will be conducted through face-to-face encounters in Toronto, through videoconference and online (webcast) technologies for the leadership, Directors of Health, CHRs, Community Telehealth Coordinators (CTCs) and other community-based health and wellness champions at the local and regional level who want to learn more about telehealth and to share their ideas about the needs and potential uses of telehealth for First Nations in Ontario as part of a regional consultation being conducted by the Assembly of First Nations.

When: June 14 - 15, 2006, live presentations will take place starting at 09:00 am Eastern Standard Time. Presentations will also be archived and available for viewing at any time from http://www.meeting.knet.ca

Where: Live workshops will be conducted through videoconference and webcast technologies. Archived versions of the presentations can be accessed through the K-Net Meeting area http://www.meeting.knet.ca

Who: Presentations will be conducted by experts and community-based practitioners from across Ontario. Health workers and community members are all welcomed to participate as online participants.

Please forward if you know anyone interested, and check out if you like writing and want your voice heard. This is a call for papers for Indigenous Women Writers and the topics/writing style are very broad-ranging, mostly about empowerment via traditions. Great opportunity. Jan

Canadian Woman Studies/les cahiers de la femme (CWS/cf) Call for Papers

Indigenous Women in Canada - The Voices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Women (Vol. 25, No. 4)

CWS/cf's Fall 2006 will celebrate Indigenous women's empowerment in all fields and the re-emergence and reclaiming of traditional roles.

Articles with a particular focus on moving forward, best practices,
resolution approaches, and healing are strongly encouraged. This issue will provide a space for Indigenous women to share their experiences and insights into their particular struggles around issues of discrimination, employment equity, education and training, health care, child care, violence against women and their families, legal equality and justice. Articles will also attend to the broader context of Indigenous women's lives, examining factors such as poverty and economic inequality, oral tradition and literacy, lack of adequate housing, and the ways in which racism, particularly gendered racism, and discrimination impacts negatively on Indigenous women¹s human rights, health and well-being, education, employment and community. A special section will deal specifically with the issue of violence against Indigenous women, recording and documenting the Native Women¹s Association of Canada's Sisters in Spirit campaign. Articles should, however, go beyond descriptive assessments of violence, multiple oppressions and discrimination, and attempt to identify positive responses, solutions, and ways of engaging in order to move forward.

Our aim is to produce a document that can be used to raise public awareness of the work Indigenous women's organizations and activists are doing to improve the lives of Indigenous women across the country, as well as to support action and reflection on the part of other Indigenous organizations, civil society organizations, and feminist individuals and groups advocating for change in all areas of Indigenous women's lives. Only articles by Indigenous women will be accepted.

Possible topics include:
-Indigenous women as roles models
-Where are Indigenous peoples going? (models of self-determination, justice, etc.) What are the issue facing Indigenous women and justice?
-Indigenous women as traditional teachers and keepers of Indigenous culture
-Indigenous traditions, languages, ceremonies and beliefs in today¹s policy or community development
-The impact of Bill C-31 today
-Femicide addressed meaningfully
-Women¹s traditional roles emerging in a contemporary context (governance, family)
-Role of women in governance
-The renewal of Indigenous women¹s authorities
-Activism and Indigenous women¹s resistance
-Interviews with Indigenous women who stood their ground and advocated for change
-Indigenous women in non-traditional activities and their emergence in new fields (science, technology, communications, etc.)
-Impact of colonization on Métis people
-Healing and resolution
-Creating space and voice for Indigenous women: how do we do that?
-Ending internalized violence (throwing off the shackled of colonialism; developing new symbols in a post-colonial context)
-What does sovereignty and Indigenous government look like from the perspectives of Indigenous women?
-Human rights of Indigeneous women in Canada
-Sexual and reproductive health rights of Indigenous women
-Two-Spirited Indigenous women
-Indigenous women with disabilities
-Indigenous youth
-Traditional knowledge and gender relations
-Sisters in Spirit Campaign
-Discrimination and violence against First Nations, Métis and Inuit women
-Success stories: solution-based and/or empowerment-based
-Putting out thoughts to the future: reclaiming the values of our ancestors in a modern context.
-Women Elders
-Matrimonial property, culture, heritage in child custody
-Decolonization: how do we overcome internalised colonialism?
-How do we fit in feminism, if at all?
-Strategies for communicating Indigenous women¹s issues -Looking to the future: What world are we leaving for our children? What will Indigenous worlds look like?

*Your ideas for additional topics are welcome.

Invited are essays, interviews of Indigenous women, detailed theoretical work, research reports, and alternate, performative forms of narration such as theatre, storytelling, poetry, photo-essays and artwork that illuminate these issues.

*DEADLINE: June 15th, 2006

Articles should be typed, double-spaced, and a maximum of 12 pages long (3000 words). A short (50-word) abstract of the article and a brief biographical note must accompany each submission. We give preference to previously unpublished material. If possible, please submit graphics or photographs to accompany your article. Please note CWS/cf reserves the right to edit manuscripts with respect to length and clarity, and in conformity with our house-style. To encourage use of the material published, CWS/cf has granted electronic rights to Gale Group, Micromedia Proquest and the H. W. Wilson. Any royalties received will be used by CWS/cf to assist the publication in disseminating its message.

Write or call as soon as possible indicating your intention to submit your work.

Canadian Woman Studies/les cahiers de la femme
212 Founders, York University, 4700 Keele St. Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
Telephone: (416) 736-5356 Fax: (416) 736-5765 E-mail: cwscf@yorku.ca
--
Luciana Ricciutelli
Editor-in-Chief
Inanna Publications and Education Inc.,
operating as Canadian Woman Studies/les cahiers de la femme
212 Founders College
York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
Tel: 416.736.5356
Fax: 416.736-5765
Email: luciana@yorku.ca

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)

++++++++

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.

-30-

/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/

+++++++++++++++++++

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.

-30-

/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

Healthy Mind, Body, Planet - A Multi-Media Tour, Tabloid and Documentary

The tour presentation is Wednesday, May 10 in Sioux Lookout at St. Andrew's United Church starting at 7:00 pm. 

Hope you can make it, and please forward to anyone you think might be interested.

Background Information:

Healthy Mind, Body, Planet is a Multi-Media Tour, Tabloid and Documentary that is visiting 23 towns and cities across Canada between April 3 and June 20, 2006.

The Healthy Mind, Body, Planet tour, tabloid and documentary presents the most current information, analysis and inspiration related to mental, physical and planetary health.

We will look at the reasons for the recent rise in depression, and at the myriad of treatments available, including pharmaceutical and holistic, within the context of Big-Pharma and corporate culture.

This multi-media presentation provides a critique of our current state and offers direction for positive change.

http://www.healthymindbodyplanet.org

Project Contacts:
Angela Bischoff, www.Greenspiration.org
Kelly Reinhardt & Bridget Haworth, www.boilingfrog.ca

Mark Anderson and his supporters from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug are leaving Pickle Lake this morning on a long walk to Toronto. His goal is to raise awareness concerning the challenges his community is facing with the legal and territorial struggle with the government of Ontario and the mining company, Platinex.

Click here for previous news story concerning the $10 billion lawsuit against his community.

From the Big Trout Lake First Nation web site at http://bigtroutlake.firstnation.ca ...

"In the ongoing struggle that the community faces regarding the mining issues and the lawsuit brought forward by Platinex, a local member Mark Anderson and a select group of other members have decided to bring awareness of the plight of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib people to the forefront of the country and the Province of Ontario. The goal they have set is to walk from Pickle Lake, Ontario to Toronto in 43 days and to conclude the walk on June 20 at City hall in Toronto before the court hearing in Thunder Bay which is to begin on June 21 Aborginal Day.

A information spokesperson has been assigned regarding the walk her name is Sandra Mckay and she can be contacted at (807) 537 2263 if you want more information about the goals of the walkers."

The students and staff at Eel Ground School from New Brunswick will be sharing their award winning play and song during a national video conference that is scheduled to take place on May 30 starting at 12 noon CDT. Check out their web site at http://firstnationhelp.com/fasd/ for registration information.

Two sessions are being planned, one for students and an evening session for community members.

Listen to the children from Eel Ground First Nation describe their experience of researching, posting and performing their play about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) during a CBC Maritime Noon radio interview

7:30 minute CBC radio interview of the Grade 7 and 8 children involved in the production and performance of the play about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) entitled "The People vs Mary Moses" PLUS the playing of the song "An Ounce of Love" ... posted at ...

http://knet.ca/documents/CBC-interview-Eel-Ground-Play-and-Song.wav 

Their song - An Ounce of Love will be a special highlight of the presentation can be heard at http://knet.ca/Song-An-Ounce-Of-Love.mp3 (7Mb). The words to this important message can be seen below ...

AN OUNCE OF LOVE

Lyrics by Peter MacDonald and The FAS Project students at Eel Ground School
Music and Additional Lyrics by Peggy Ward
copyright 2006

Hey Mom before you have that ice cold drink
I need you to stop ~ stop and think
Think about what you want me to be
And what the world in nine months will see

I long to grow up and be beautiful as you
This poison will hurt us you know it’s true
I want you to love me ~ not have to cry
The drink is calling but so am I

CHORUS
An ounce of LOVE is all that it takes
For us to share a life that never shatters and breaks
For nine months the only SPIRIT I’ll see
Is the love that flows from you to me
Please let it be ~ oh ~ let it be please

If today you drink ~ when tomorrow comes
You might feel better but the damage is done
And it can’t be undone ~ I can’t sleep it off
I can’t rub it off ~ I can’t wear it off

Look into your future see what will come
Your decision now will be set in stone
And I’ll carry that stone with me every day
Please Momma don’t throw my life away

CHORUS

I know you want to see ‘kindergarten me’
Rhyming all of my ABC’s
Growing through all of the years to be
Solid ~ strong ~ steady as an oak tree

If only you could hear what’s in my mind
I know you want to love me and be kind
And even if nobody’s there for you
Be there for yourself ~ be there for me t

CHORUS

++++++++++++++

Dreams Do Come True

A message to the students of Eel Ground about their work from Della Maguire, http://www.firstnationhealing.ca/

I would never have thought that when I started working in the field of Fetal Alcohol in 1993, what I considered at that time a gloom and doom journey, that it would be a journey that continues to pleasantly reward me. I had never heard of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in 1993 when I had just started out in the Addiction Field. I cannot describe the devastating feeling I got while attending a workshop on FAS/FAE and learned about the damage that alcohol can do to the unborn baby. Personally I just wanted to learn more, but I think the creator had another plan. Then I met Francis Perry. After Francis got diagnosed and started to learn about himself, we became a team for he was willing to share his life story about what it means to live with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in hopes that it could help save one baby from a most difficult life.

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, to you, the drama students of Eel Ground First Nation, staff, and volunteers for your passion and dedication that I have seen in the production of The People vs Mary Moses. As a team you have captured the essences of a real life story that will fill the hearts of many, not only in our First Nation Communities, but in the general public as well. The play is powerful yet you have presented it with sensitivity and you also have incorporated the great gift of humor that Francis is famous for. You have been able to reproduce a story that will be an enormous educational tool that will save many from a life of much difficulty and will be appreciated by many for years.

You are young ambassadors of Eel Ground First Nation and I am so very proud to have met you all. You are all role models to youth of every First Nation and to all other nations as well. I know this is only the beginning for you. Keep up the great work; you seem to do it with such ease. The journey that I thought of as gloom and doom turned into something beautiful and precious. The creator had plans for me that I did not realize would be so satisfying and rewarding and you certainly are a huge part of that. So congratulations on all the awards that you received for the production of The People vs Mary Moses you certainly deserve it and may there be more and more to come. So dreams do come true, for you have made it possible for my dream of educating all First Nation communities about the harm alcohol can do prenatally to the unborn baby. Thank you so much and may the creator always guide you all, listen to your heart and much greatness will come your way. 

Wela’lioq 

Della Maguire Executive Director,
Mi’kmaq First Nation Healing Society.