Media.Knet.Ca

From the SPONSORSHIP letter being circulated with the poster - DOWNLOAD a PDF copy of the poster at http://knet.ca/documents/Benefit-concert-finalposter.pdf

Dear friends & relatives:

We are calling on all First Nations, Anishinaabeg-Aboriginal organizations, community groups, corporations and businesses for contributions to "purchase" tickets for this benefit concert at $10 each. All proceeds will support the launch of Oshki'Ayaa'aag Bimaadiziiwin (Good Life for Young People) Foundation. (see page 3)

The concert will be held at Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park on Friday, August 11, 2006 beginning at 7:30 PM. www.assabaskapark.com

The concert will feature Keith Secola, www.secola.com winner of three 2006 Native American Music Awards including, Artist of the Year, along with the award winning band, Eagle & Hawk of Winnipeg, MB. www.eagleandhawk.com. The opening act will be Big Grassy’s own Percy Tuesday and his band, the P.T. Cruisers. All are generously waiving their usual fees for this inaugural benefit concert. 

“The thunderous sound of a Pow Wow Drum, power chords and finger pick'in, echoes of Native American Flute, the music of Keith Secola and Wild Band of Indians. AlterNative, progressive innovative edge utilizing traditional Native percussions, world beat and tribal dance.”

"The human race, is the face of all people, different tongues, one heart."--KEITH SECOLA 

Your contributions will allow every one to attend the event free of charge, as well as covering musicians travel expenses. All other proceeds go to Oshki'Ayaa'g Bimaadiziiwin Foundation.

Patron Categories (Agencies, Communities, Business, & Corporate):

• 200+: Spectacular! $2000+
• 100+: Awesome! $1000+
• 51-99: Way Cool! $510-$990
• 26-50: Cool! $260-$500

Sponsor Categories (Individuals, Groups)

• 10-25: $100-$250
• 5-9: $50-90
• 1-4: $10-40

We also need volunteers and donations for

• 1 large generator w/ enough capacity to power concert sound and lights.
• 2 small portable generators for concert vendors (merchandise & cd's)
• Sound Production & Lights
• 1 x-large tarp for stage covering w/lumber
• 1 small gazebo/tent for sound & light technicians
• Security
• Parking attendants
• (6) Portable washrooms w/1 handicapped access
• (2) Portable handwashing stations
• Printing & Production of Concert & Promotional Materials

For more information, to donate or get involved, please contact one of us.

Click here to download a copy of the poster (PDF document).

Miigwech,

Al Hunter, Coordinator (807) 482-1687
Mary Alice Smith (807) 548-1470
Laura Calmwind (807) 467-8778 ext. 228
Eleanor Skead (807) 548-4354

Ohshi’Ayaa’aag Bimaadiziiwin Foundation
Good Life for Young People
c/o P.O. Box 515
Emo, Ontario
P0W-1E0

NAN NEWS RELEASE

NAN GRAND Chief raises alarm on Harper government stance on First Nations and the courts

     TORONTO, July 28 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy is raising the alarm on the new public agenda of the Harper government that takes aim at the courts and First Nations.

     Beardy's remarks come on the heels of Indian Affairs Minister Prentice's hard line message to Chiefs in Vancouver where the Minister made it clear that the government was opposed to a so-called "racially segregated fishery."

     Beardy said that "The Harper government is now trying to close the door on a court process that First Nations have successfully used to expose the failure of governments to deliver on constitutional obligations and treaty promises to First Nations."

     Over the last months the Harper government by deeds and words and have made it clear that they believe that groups like First Nations have been too successful in pressing their claims, claims like the treaty right to fish, in the courts.

     Beardy said that "the Prime Minister wants a return to a Canada where political parties and the Cabinet enjoy a monopoly on public policy; where First Nations have little or no access to the political process; and where the courts are bit players on the political stage.

     "Unfortunately, there is no turning back the clock. First Nations are here to stay, our demands are legitimate and we will continue to use the courts to back up our demands," said Beardy.

     "While Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin and her colleagues may not be Gods, we have more faith in the Supreme Court than in the political whims of governments."

     On July 24, one of the member nations of Treaty No. 9, the Kitchenuhmaykoosin Innuwug , launched a court action to challenge the constitutionality of the Mining Act.

     Minister Prentice's reference to a race based fishery is just the latest in a long list of public statements by the Harper government that includes rejection of the United Nations Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, the Prime Minister's letter opposing the so-called race-based fishery and the resignation of aboriginal affairs Committee chair Conservative MP Maurice Vellacott for intemperate remarks regarding Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin.

-30-

/For further information: Kristy Hankila, Communications Assistant, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625 4902, (807) 472-9604 (mobile)/