Media.Knet.Ca

The Eel Ground students and school staff invite everyone to contribute and participate in this Nation-wide discussion on "Teenage Stress" via videoconferencing on Tuesday, November 21.

We are soliciting presentations from First Nation schools and organizations and hope to have national input and discussions. In short, interesting presentations are in special demand! Please contact Peter MacDonald (macdonal@nbnet.nb.ca.), principal of Eel Ground School, to notify him of any content that you would like to share.

Testing of all content (powerpoint, digital video, songs) and participating sites will be done 24 hours in advance, on Monday the 20th.

• Download Announcement and Videoconference Schedule Poster
• Eel Ground School

Press Release from SLARC ...

Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee announces new Business Manager

Sioux Lookout, October 18, 2006 – The Executive Committee of the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee (SLARC) announced today that SLARC has hired Jennifer Morrow of Sioux Lookout as their new Business Manager.  Jennifer, who has extensive experience in community-based fundraising and non-profit sustainability, will head up SLARC’s five-year business plan to secure sustainable funding for the 15 year old organization.

Morrow’s plan is to build a stable and multi-faceted source of support for the organization so that SLARC’s programs can continue and grow.

“My first job will be to establish a Business Planning Advisory Team,” says Morrow. “They will work with me to envision where we want SLARC to be in five years, and how we’re going to raise the financial resources to get there.”

Developing new partnerships will be key to broadening SLARC’s funding base.

“We are very excited to welcome Ms. Morrow to SLARC,” said Terry Lynne Jewell, Executive member. “She has the exact combination of skills we are looking for to make a difference to our organization”.

Ms. Morrow has worked in fundraising, communications, training, and land use planning with a variety of organizations including First Nations, the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, NNEC, and several environmental organizations including Moving the Economy and Pollution Probe.

“I’m thrilled to be working for SLARC,” said Morrow, who moved to Sioux Lookout in 2003 after working in Bearskin Lake First Nation on resource development and land use planning.  “SLARC has been around since 1989 and is practically synonymous with Sioux Lookout. I can’t think of a better way to contribute to the town.”

SLARC coordinates and organizes numerous annual community events including the Bannock Bake-Off, Sioux Mountain Music and Cultural Festival, Multicultural Feast, and Race Relations Week. Its ongoing programs reach most of the community and include REsolve Conflict Resolution Training, Piskapiiwin camps and the Youth Empowerment program.

Several years ago SLARC lost a consistent source of funding due to changes in government funding criteria.  The board has scrambled to keep its numerous dynamic programs afloat in the interim.

For further information, contact:

Terry Lynne Jewell, Secretary   737-2831
Jennifer Morrow, Business Manager 737-4901

SIOUX LOOKOUT ANTI-RACISM COMMITTEE
85 King St. 2nd Floor
Box 1194
Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B7
1-807-737-1501 (main office)
1-807-737-2600 (fax)
1-877-737-5272 (toll-free)
jmorrow@slarc.ca (e-mail) 
www.slarc.ca (website)

Over this past week there have been a series of press releases from INAC concerning millions of dollars being invested in First Nations across Quebec. A press release from the AFN Regional Chief clarifies, "We did not witness this week a significant change in the attitude of the federal government, who contented itself, allowing for exceptions, to reinvest moneys which had already been announced some time ago. We received nothing new".

Press Release from ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS OF QUEBEC AND LABRADOR

The Regional Chief hails the First Nations Socioeconomic Forum as a "success" - "Our future rests on a joint management" - Ghislain Picard

     MASHTEUIATSH, Oct. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - The Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Mr. Ghislain Picard, and the Chief of Council of the Innus of Mashteuiatsh hail this first Socioeconomic Forum of the First Nations as a success, in spite of the very little concrete gestures by the governments of Quebec, Canada and the civil society. "The First Nations attended their Forum in a large number and worked hard to bring out consensus of actions. We come out of this Forum with a common action plan and a common vision of the First Nations' future. From now on, we will increase our efforts towards the achievement of the goals we have set and lead the other governments into supporting our initiative", declared Ghislain Picard at the conclusion of the Forum's proceedings.

     Among other things, the leaders of the First Nations clearly indicated today their intention of putting the territorial rights issues at the height of their priorities. "To us, it's clear that the socioeconomic development of the First Nations goes through the access to territories and its resources.
Our future rests on a joint management", explained Chief Picard. "The future that we have envisioned today is one of a harmonious cohabitation between the aboriginal nations and the Quebec nation who share a common territory", added Chief Dominique.

     Very little pledges from the governments

     "We did not witness this week a significant change in the attitude of the federal government, who contented itself, allowing for exceptions, to reinvest moneys which had already been announced some time ago. We received nothing new", declared Ghislain Picard, underlining in particular the refusal of the federal government to support the objective to build 10 000 houses over the next five years.

     As for the Quebec government, the Regional Chief saluted the presence of the Premier and several ministers who made some significant announcements during the Forum. "However, it is crucial to initiate a dialogue on the more fundamental issues, since Quebec is now holding the key to the access to resources, which represents the only solution path for our peoples", declared Ghislain Picard.

     "During these three days, we have sown a few seeds. Some of these seeds will certainly begin to form and bear fruit before long. Even in not very fertile grounds, it's possible to believe that a seed can bear fruit", concluded the Regional Chief, Ghislain Picard.

     The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the regional organization representing the Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.

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/For further information: Alain Garon, Communication and Information Officer, Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, (418) 842-5020, Cellular: (418) 956-5720/

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One of several press releases from INAC ...

Canada's New Government announces over $88 million in initiatives and investments at Socio-economic Forum in Quebec

     MASHTEUIATSH, QC, Oct. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, reiterated the commitment made to advance the goals of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in Quebec and Labrador by Canada's New Government at the First Nations Socioeconomic Forum, which ended today. During the conference, the federal government announced more than $88 million in initiatives and investments to benefit First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in these regions.

     "Canada's New Government is committed to making progress on Aboriginal issues, and working with provincial, territorial and Aboriginal leaders to improve opportunities that will deliver real results," Minister Prentice said.

"As a government we are focussing our initiatives on empowering individuals and communities; accelerating efforts to settle land claims; promoting on-the-job training, skills development and entrepreneurship; and laying the groundwork for responsible self-government."

     "The announcements the Government of Canada has made at this important event are symbolic of the willingness that we all share to work together to improve quality of life and to promote prosperous, sustainable communities," said Minister Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

     During the Forum, the federal government announced several initiatives and investments, including three significant commitments that will advance the future of Aboriginal peoples in Quebec and Labrador, as follows:

     - Quebec is also receiving $38.2 million through the Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Trust, set up in the Federal Budget to support investments to increase the supply of rental housing and enhance home ownership opportunities for Aboriginal Canadians living off-reserve.

     - A financial contribution of $3.8 million to the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) for its First Nations Building project, by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

     - The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the First Nations Education Council (FNEC) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), supported by the sum of $150,000 from INAC to implement the objectives of the MOU.

     "The federal government is proud to contribute to the unique university First Nations Pavillon project," said the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour. "This investment will have long term benefits as it will increase the opportunity and access to higher learning for First Nation students."

     Mr. Steven Blaney, MP, Lévis-Bellechasse, and Special Representative for the government, stated: "I am very proud to have received this mandate from Minister Prentice. I have attended all the working sessions of the Socio-economic Forum, and I have heard the concerns expressed by the First Nations representatives. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of working together in forums such as this one to bring about lasting solutions."

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/For further information: Deirdra McCracken, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, (819) 997-0002/

Attached is a list of courses being offered in January 2007. If interested in applying, submit your resume at:

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute
106 Centennial Square, 3rd Floor
Thunder Bay, ON
P7E 1H3
FAX: 807-622-1818

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win requires instructors for the following courses for the Winter 2007 session:

First Nations Business Administration Certificate

• Spreadsheet Management
• Mathematics of Finance
• Introduction to Marketing II
• Managerial Accounting
• FN Human Resources Management I
• First Nations Funding Agreements

Aboriginal Community Services Worker Program

• Promoting the Needs of Elders
• Crisis Intervention and Response Planning
• Understanding Mental Illness and Treatment
• The Human Body
• Health Administration
• Approaches to Wellness for Women

Native Early Childhood Education

• Introductory Computer Skills
• Methods 1
• Child Growth & Development 1
• Field Practicum/Seminar 1
• Interpersonal Communications
• Introduction to Ojibway
• Introduction to Cree

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PART-TIME OPPORTUNITY - Receptionist

The Receptionist is to provide day-to day support and assistance the staff of Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute. The Receptionist will receive functional direction from the Finance & Administrative Officer.

1. To organize and maintain up-to-date filing system, telephone directory and other materials.
2. Answer incoming calls, acknowledge and accommodate public inquiries for information on Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute, and provide information requested or direct calls to the requested person and take messages when necessary.
3. A basic understanding of MS Office products would be helpful in this role.
4. Provide general administrative and support services as required.

This position will be in the afternoons from 12:00 pm to 4:00pm daily from Monday to Friday.

To submit resume send or drop off at:
106 Centennial Square, 3rd Floor
Fax:  807-622-1818
Email:  info@oshki.ca 

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Ontario Native Women’s Association
212 East Miles Street, Thunder Bay ON P7C 1J6
1-800-667-0816 or 807-623-3442;   Fax: 807-623-1104
General Email: onwa@shaw.ca;
Website: www.onwa-tbay.com

Position: AHWS Communications & Admin Support Intern

Reports To: Community Development Support Worker; Executive Director
Program: Youth Intern  
Term: 3 month probation; one year;
Hours of Work: 35 hours weekly; Monday – Friday, with occasional flex hours required;
Salary Rate: $12.50 - $13.00 per hour;

Mandatory Qualifications: Candidate must meet admissions criteria of funding source (Youth Intern) which is as follows:

• Unemployed or under-employed youth (under the age of 30) who have graduated with a degree or diploma from a post secondary institution within the last three years, are legally entitled to work in Canada, and not previously employed under a Youth Internship Initiative funding Agreement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written); Creative writing and design skills an asset;
• Strong working knowledge of computer software programs, including: Word, Publisher; Excel; Outlook; Internet, Ability to create in-house newsletters and promotional material;
• Good organizational skills and ability to multi-task; Ability to work independently and follow instructions;
• Knowledge and familiar with basic office procedures, such as: courteous telephone techniques; operation of standard office equipment; data entry; filing; business correspondence;
• Understanding and appreciate for Aboriginal Cultural Traditional values and beliefs;
• A criminal reference check will be required;

General Accountability: Full Job Description Available upon request.

The AHWS Communications & Admin Support Intern is employed by the Ontario Native Women’s Association and is under the direct supervision and reports to the Community Development Support Worker (CDSW); is accountable to the Executive Director, adheres to all policies and procedures set forth by the volunteer Board of Directors and notifies supervisor of any deviations &/or recommendations for improvement.

Duties include but not limited to: Assist with design, development and distribution of ONWA AHWS program promotional materials; including but not limited to brochures, newsletters, pamphlets; Assist with the planning, marketing, coordination and scheduling of Community Outreach/ Networking initiatives; Provides administrative clerical support services as required,

Start Date:  As soon as position is filled.

Applicant Deadline: Submit cover letter, resume, three employment references and sample of promotional material by 9:00 am Monday, November 6, 2006 to:

Hiring Committee –  Youth Intern
Ontario Native Women’s Association
212 East Miles Street; Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1J6
Fax: 807-623-1104 or Email: cdsw@shaw.ca

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Position: Health Policy Analyst (HPA)
Reports To: Executive Director
Program: Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy  
Term: 3 month probation; annually renewal upon successful completion of job responsibilities;
Hours of Work: 35 hours weekly; Monday – Friday, with occasional flex hours required;
Salary Rate: $45,000 - $50,000 annually; plus benefits package after probation period;

Preferred Qualifications:

1. A university degree or college diploma in Political Studies, Health &/or Social Services; OR acceptable combination of education, training and min. 3 years work experience as Political advocate/ policy analyst;
2. Thorough understanding and knowledge of current Health issues facing Aboriginal Elders, women and children will be a priority;
3. Excellent communication skills (verbal & written); Ability to advocate on behalf of Aboriginal women in Ontario; Proven track record in government proposal writing and reporting;
4. Strong organizational skills; Demonstrated self-confidence and ability to complete tasks/ lead projects independently; Ability to work within tight deadlines and stressful situations
5. Knowledge of policy analysis, family healing, health care development, including legislative changes;
6. Strong interpersonal and supervisory skills; Ability to delegate and ensure follow thru;
7. Solid working knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel; Publisher; Internet;
8. Experience working with a Not for Profit Aboriginal organization and established network within Health field and Aboriginal community;
9. A criminal reference check will be required;

General Accountability: Full Job Description Available upon request.

The Health Policy Analyst (HPA) reports and is accountable to the Executive Director, adheres to all policies and procedures set forth by the volunteer Board of Directors and supervises Community Wellness Workers (CWW) in three (3) community sites;

The HPA will be responsible to address the broader areas of family violence and health policy and programming; will identify/ determine existing and emerging health and wellness concerns with Aboriginal communities particularly related to the reduction of family violence, primary health care, health promotion and illness prevention. The HPA will be required to consult with community groups; draft correspondence, position papers, project proposals, work-plans, reports and will be required to represent the Association at regional &/or government committees/ tables.

Applicant Deadline: Submit cover letter, resume and three employment references by 9:00 am Monday, November 6, 2006 to:

Hiring Committee – Health Policy Analyst
Ontario Native Women’s Association
212 East Miles Street; Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1J6
Fax: 807-623-1104 or Email: onwamco@shaw.ca

Guests who attended the 16th NAN Business Awards on Wednesday evening, October 25th in Timmins saw Kasabonika win 2 business awards. Other winners are listed below in the newspaper article ...

'Executive of the Year' Award went to Deputy Chief Eno H. Anderson for all his hard work and leadership in economic development, business development, and infrastructural renewal as Kasabonika Lake First Nation rebuilds its' community for future growth. Major sponsor was Bearskin Air.'Building Communities' went to Kasabonika Lake First Nation in recognition of the turnaround the community has taken to come out of Co-Management after many years and enter surplus territory for the first time in a long time. Band members, leaders, Elders, and Youth sacrificed over many years before being able to constuct many new facilities, enter business agreements, and develop mutually beneficial relationships with private sector companies and government ministries and departments. Major sponsor was CMHC.

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From http://www.timminspress.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=246702&catname=Local+News&classif=

Aboriginal entrepreneurs recognized at awards cermony - Chelsey Romain - Thursday, October 26, 2006

In 1991, The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Business Awards began recognizing the businessman and businesswoman of the year with awards.

Today, the awards are presented for the achievement of Aboriginals in business in eight different categories.

On Wednesday representatives and award winners travelled to Timmins from First Nation communities spread across the large land mass that makes up the area known as Treaty No. 9.

"It's a time to recognize and celebrate Aboriginal achievement," said Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) chairwoman Madeline Commanda .

"(It's also) inspiring existing entrepreneurs and business leaders in our communities," she said.

Those nominated for awards, were nominated by people who felt the entrepreneurs had made a positive contribution to their community; had demonstrated a commitment to their community, while having ethical business thinking and ran a successful, and well-managed business with sound financial management and success.

Stan Kapashesit and Jay Monture have been in the mobile DJ service in Moose Factory for 10 years, but have been partners in Solstice Production for four years.

Last year, the duo took home the youth entrepreneur award and this year were given the Partnership of the Year award.

"We basically took our hobby and turned it into a small business," said Monture.

"But I'm glad there are these kinds of awards to recognize small businesses."

Solstice Productions offers professional sound and lighting services to the Moosonee and Moose Factory area. Thanks to new equipment Kapashesit and Monture were able to obtain two large contracts this past summer which included Creefest 2006 and the National Cree Gathering in Moose Factory.

For Paul Kataquapit, it was an "interesting and nerve-wracking" experience as he picked up the award for Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.

Three years ago Kataquapit's father handed over full ownership and financial responsibility to Kataquapit and since then he has managed to expand the business allowing him to pursue larger contracts and projects.

"All the hard work paid off today," said Kataquapit, whose sister Janie won the same award two years ago. "It gives me more confidence and it recognized all my hard work."

Two years after the awards began, the event also became a fundraiser for the Dennis Franklin Cromarty Memorial Fund. Cromarty was a Grand Chief and president of the NADF. Today the fund provides bursaries to Aboriginal students furthering their education.

The Daily Press is a major sponsor of the awards.

"No question these businesses have done very well," said NADF president and chief executive officer Harvey Yesno. "They work in small communities where their market is the community. For them to succeed in that environment is incredible."

NADF helps with a number of areas when it comes to Aboriginal entrepreneurs, including helping with the start up, securing business financing and offering support services once the business is operating.

Yesno explained how over the years recipients of the awards have gone on either to corporate positions or have expanded their businesses to other communities, proving Aboriginal businesses are just as capable and credible as other small businesses.

"People are happy to hear other people have been successful," said Yesno. "Often it encourages people and we hope to keep at it. We need success stories and that's what's happening here."

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Business Awards take place every year, rotating between the communities of Timmins and Thunder Bay.

Winners of the 16th annual Nishnawbe Aski Nation Business Awards announced on Wednesday:

• Youth Entrepreneur of the Year: Paul Kataquapit, Kataquapit Freight Service  
• Businessman of the Year: Dan Villars, Dan's Backhoe o/a Cut-Rite Firewood  
• Businesswoman of the Year: Diane Lacouciere, Mountjoy Variety  
• Executive of the Year: Eno H. Anderson  
• Partnership of the Year: Stan Kapashesit and Jay Monture, Solstice Productions  
• Development Corporation of the Year: Bamaji Lake Economic Development Corporation  
• Building Communities Award: Kasabonika Lake First Nation  
• NeeChee Achievement Award: WLON Distribution Ltd.

from http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2006/10/25/suicide-meet.html

End media silence about suicide, lieutenant-governor urges - Thursday, October 26, 2006

The problem of suicide needs to garner more media attention to stop the "out-of-sight and out-of-mind epidemic" that is decimating many aboriginal communities, particularly northern ones, Ontario's lieutenant-governor has warned.

Most Canadians know nothing of the despair experienced by young aboriginal people, Ontario's Lt.-Gov. James Bartleman said at the Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention conference in Toronto on Wednesday.

"I was shocked by the out-of-sight and out-of-mind epidemic of suicides that is ravaging aboriginal communities, not all aboriginal communities, but too many, especially in Nunavut and in northern Ontario," Bartleman said.

He blames the country's ignorance on the media's reluctance to cover the issue.

Suicide should be talked about "because until we feel comfortable enough about dealing with these issues, the problems will just fester untreated," he said.

Don't sensationalize suicide, expert warns

However, Dr. Annette Beautrais of New Zealand, warned that the media must proceed cautiously to avoid sensationalizing stories.

"The media assisted in de-stigmatizing domestic violence, in de-stigmatizing childhood sexual abuse, but those issues didn't carry the risk of copycat or imitation suicidal behaviour amongst vulnerable individuals in the population," said Beautrais.

Clear international guidelines need to be established on how to deal with suicides in the media, she said.

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, wants to open a dialogue with the Chiefs of Keewaytinook Okimakanak ... To see new photos from Rome, click here...

Tauli-Corpuz is an Indigenous person from the Phillippines who is participating at the World Congress on Communication for Development... She praised KO for its achievements in telecommunications during the forum on Indigenous Form... Other news from Rome... Indigenous peoples in Central America would like to broadcast the "Turning the Corner" video on their community television network along with other videos created by K-Net's Cal Kenny such as "Paddling to Wahaso."  They would like to get them translated into Spainish but are willing to show them in English to encourage First Nations youth in Central America to tell their stories using video...

People attending the World Congress from Africa, Asia, and Central America are impressed with www.knet.ca  At least one delegate has already signed up to participate in the e-learning platform on digital education, a project between KORI and the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay...

Members of the Indigenous Forum want to keep the dialogue going after the World Congress closes its final session on Friday... They are exploring a variety of ways to keep the ideas flowing...

KORI's Brian Walmark is attending the World Congress in Rome...

Nishnawbe Aski Nation press release

NAN water emergencies continue one year after Kashechewan

     THUNDER BAY, ON, Oct. 26 /CNW/ - On the one year anniversary of the evacuation of Kashechewan First Nation and recent declarations of water emergencies in three additional Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) communities, NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy, together with Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Stan Louttit and Assembly of First Nations Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse, today demanded safe drinking water become a priority of the federal government during a news conference in Toronto.

     "Nineteen of NAN's 49 First Nation communities are under a boil water advisory - three of which have declared water emergencies in the past three weeks," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy who represents First Nation communities within James Bay Treaty 9, including Kashechewan. "With statistics like that and without immediate action by the Government of Canada, the threat of another tragedy like Kashechewan seems imminent."

     After over 1000 residents of Kashechewan First Nation were evacuated due to unsafe drinking water and resulting failing health in October 2005, the former Liberal Government of Canada outlined specific commitments to the James Bay coastal community in the areas of water, health, housing, and social services.

     "All governments committed to improving water management in First Nations communities during last November's First Ministers Meeting on Aboriginal Affairs in Kelowna, B.C. This was partly as a response to the outcry among Canadians about the deplorable conditions faced by Kashechewan," recalled Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Fontaine. "The commitment, however, has not been honoured by the new Conservative Government. Instead, an Action Plan for First Nations drinking water was announced in March, but no report to Canadians about progress achieved, if any, has been made. And, the needs in communities continue to grow."

     Despite various attempts urging Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Jim Prentice to commit the Harper Government to the Kelowna Accord, one year later three additional NAN communities have declared similar water emergencies.

     Fearing increased risk to the health and safety of community members, Marten Falls, Pikangikum, and Attawapaskat First Nations have declared water emergencies in the past three weeks due to lack of capacity of water treatment plants, filtration and turbidity levels, contaminated intakes, and traces of carcinogens.

     NAN presented these concerns in a written submission to the federal Safe Drinking Water Panel in Thunder Bay, August 2006.

     Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Stan Louttit is a member of the expert panel on safe drinking water that toured Canada hosting public forums to hear presentations from First Nations, government agencies, and other stakeholders regarding options regulating water on reserves across Canada. He also represents NAN communities part of Mushkegowuk Tribal Council, including Kashechewan and Attawapiskat.

     "As a panel member, a community member, and as a person who has been impacted by the problem of safe drinking water on reserves directly, I know the issues highlighted during the safe drinking water panel discussions are real," said Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Stan Louttit, adding some of the common themes during presentations to the panel included lack of capacity for operating water treatment plants and training operators and water contamination from resource development. "Water is a basic human right, yet access to clean water is a problem for First Nations across the country. It's time the Government of Canada recognize the urgency on the national level. Peoples' lives are at risk."

     "The sheer number of First Nations across Canada with unsafe water is unacceptable," said AFN Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse. "This situation is shameful and a stain on Canada's self-image as a fair and just country."

     Ontario passed Bill 43 - Clean Water Act (2006) last week and the provincial Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay has made recent public statements regarding the need for the Government of Canada to come to the table regarding access to safe drinking water in the province's First Nations.

     "We welcome Ontario's support and look forward to seeing the funds that will bring our First Nations up to the standards that are currently taken for granted by the average Ontarian who has the luxury of simply turning on the tap and not thinking twice, however safe drinking water in First Nation communities remains a federal issue and we need quicker, more immediate action from the Government of Canada," said Beardy.

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/For further information: Jenna Young, Director of Communications, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4952, (807) 628-3953 mobile; Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, Assembly of First Nations, (613) 241-6789 ext. 229, (613) 293-6106 mobile; Pam Hunter, Communications Advisor, Chiefs of Ontario, (613) 203-3233/

KO's Turning the Corner video was selected for screening at the World Congress on Communication for Development this week in Rome, Italy. 

Videos selected include short subjects and public service announcements produced throughout the Third World.

KO's Brian Walmark is a speaker at a World Bank / FAO forum on Indiginous Peoples and Communication Policy. During a forum on health and communications, he spoke about KO Telehealth and the role of Community Telehealth Coordinators (CTCs) and the crucial role that they play in the promotion of telehealth at the local level.

He was invited to join a team of people from Africa, Central America and South East Asia to draft a resolution on supporting Indiginous Peoples and Telecommunications. To see photos of this event, click here.

Click here to watch the Turning the Corner - Effective Use of Broadband video at http://streaming.knet.ca/turning_the_corner_high.wmv  

To find more online reference material including video resources about this work, visit the June 2005 KNEWS story at http://knews.knet.ca/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1426

Attawapiskat First Nation Press Release ...

Water NOT Safe to Drink, Attawapiskat First Nation - INAC Refuses to Support Health Canada Experts

Attawapiskat, Ontario – October 24, 2006. INAC’s senior representatives will not back Health Canada’s Expert Dr. Courteau M.D. who confirmed, late last week, that the water in Attawapiskat First Nation is safe to drink.

The expert opinion of Dr. Courteau was the basis of INAC’s refusal to provide the community of Attawapiskat with bottled water.

Despite using Dr. Courteau’s expert opinion to deny Attawapiskat First Nation’s request for bottled water, Senior INAC officials refused to sign a letter assuring the community that the water was safe for human consumption last night at a public community meeting held in Attawapiskat First Nation. INAC also remained steadfast in their refusal to provide bottled water to the community.

The Chief of Attawapiskat delivered the report of the First Nations Engineering Services Ltd. on Attawapiskat’s water portability to the Minister of Indian Affairs on September 15th. The INAC officials present at the community meeting stated they would not sign a letter confirming the safety of the water because they did not have a copy of the water reports and had not reviewed them. INAC relies on its counterpart, Health Canada, for such expert advice and opinion.

The Attawapiskat First Nation is leary of any verbal commitments made by INAC to perform the immediate repairs needed at the water treatment plant in the community. INAC has still to come through with verbal commitments made to remediate an oil spill in the community, to demolish a condemned school and to build a new one in its place. Chief Carpenter explained “With INAC’s track record, I have no reason to believe that INAC will come through with any verbal commitment made with respect to this issue. Based on previous experience with INAC, our community’s distrust should not be a surprise.”

Attawapiskat Chief Carpenter stated that he had no choice but to interpret INAC’s refusal to sign the letters presented to them by the community’s working group on water quality, as a statement that they do not concur with Health Canada’s opinion that the water is in fact safe to drink.

Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Stan Louttit, who was a member of Canada’s Expert Water Panel mandated to travel the country hearing concerns about water quality in First Nation communities, stated that he could not understand INAC’s reluctance to provide the community with the assurance it needs, “I hear INAC saying the water is unsafe…and I will work with Chief Carpenter and Attawapiskat to find a resolution to this issue.”

Attawapiskat Deputy Chief Miriam Wesley reminded INAC that many issues were brought to INAC’s attention upon the beginning of the Council’s term in 2004; “We brought these issues to your attention, INAC asked ‘what is it you want, Chief?’ Chief Carpenter informed you of the most pressing issues faced by our community. Now we are in our 3rd year and our term ends this summer and still nothing has been done – it’s like working with a turtle. We can’t wait anymore.”

The school has been closed due to the community state of emergency declared by the Chief and Council. Immediate repairs of the water treatment plant are required and had INAC signed the letter concurring with Health Canada’s opinion that the water was safe, the children of the community would not be at risk of losing their school year. As a result of the impasse of last night’s meeting, the Chief and Council felt they had no choice but to uphold the declaration of a State of Emergency meaning the school remains closed.

Contact information

Chief Mike Carpenter @ 705-997-2166
Deputy Chief Miriam Wesley @ 705-997-2166