Media.Knet.Ca

Two very interesting training courses are coming to the KO Water Plant Operator Training Centre.  

The first course starts August 22 and is a two day leak detection course with CEU’s value. For more information about this course visit http://www.watertraining.ca/waterleak.html

A two day Confined Space course is being offered Sept. 13-14 with the M.H.S.A. featuring their specially designed training trailer. Check out the course description at http://www.watertraining.ca/confinedspace.html.

Please see our web site for links and info at http://www.watertraining.ca and visit http://www.watertraining.ca/sitemap.html for a listing of all the available courses being offered at the centre.

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Article about INAC's Safe Water Panel from Saskatchewan hearings ....

Sask. reserves offer example for safe water - Federal panel praises improvements in quality
 
Zak Markan - The StarPhoenix - Thursday, July 27, 2006

Efforts made by Saskatchewan aboriginal people to make water management and consumption safer on reserves have impressed a federal panel studying First Nations water issues.

"There's been some very good presentations today, very much from the front-line folks," said Harry Swain, chair of the independent panel that will advise the federal government on improving poor-quality water on First Nations reserves.

Swain and fellow panellists Steve Hrudey and Grand Chief Stan Louttit were holding an informal consultation at the Radisson Hotel in Saskatoon Wednesday and Thursday. The panel has been travelling across the country for more than a month, talking with aboriginal health experts, water technicians and First Nations politicians about ways to deal with the poor treatment facilities and water management on reserves.

The panel was chosen by Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice in consultation with Phil Fontaine, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Swain said that efforts made by aboriginal people in Saskatchewan -- particularly the Yellow Quill and Gordon First Nations -- to improve water management on reserves could be beneficial for other First Nations in the Canada.

"The lessons they learned are applicable all over the country," said Swain.

Swain, who is also the director of the Canadian Institute for Climate Studies at the University of Victoria, draws a lot of his experience during these consultations from when he chaired the research advisory panel of the Walkerton Inquiry.

"The policy question (at Walkerton) was, 'What do you do to assure public health?' " Swain said. "In some sense, that's the same question here."

He adds that these general health concerns, coupled with an historically paternalistic, top-down approach that the federal government has had when dealing with aboriginal concerns, have made the water issue on reserves more difficult to deal with.

"Most of the time, the approach that is applied is a sort of top-down approach," said Dr. Mandiangu Nsungu, medical health officer for the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA). The authority is an organization that regulates various health services, including water management, in 33 First Nation communities across northern Saskatchewan. Nsungu said NITHA was a model organization for assuring safe water management because its members are given a strong voice in the decision-making processes.

"I wish there were more NITHAs around the country," said Nsungu. "There has to be in-depth discussions between the different stake-holders, and this must include the First Nations."

Nsungu adds that mid-sized organizations like NITHA are the best way to assure good water management on reserves because larger, inter-provincial regulatory bodies would become too distant and bureaucratic, while individual bands have too few resources to guarantee safety standards.

Another measure that would assure safer water on reserves would be aboriginal federations or associations starting up their own environment departments, said Justin Scott, water technician for the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation.

"As stewards of Mother Earth, we're supposed to be the ones to sustain her for the next generation. But it's not happening," Scott said. "We talk about regulating water, but the thing is, if we're stewards, why don't we have an environment department?" He adds having an environment department on reserves and actively regulating water systems will allow the water issue to be dealt with more completely.

Swain says he hopes the panel's recommendations to Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, expected to be submitted in September, will give some practical alternatives for aboriginal peoples.

The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2006

Call for Proposals

TEAM SPIRIT: ABORIGINAL GIRLS IN SPORT

Team Spirit: Aboriginal Girls in Sport is a national project designed to increase community sport opportunities for Aboriginal girls and young women (ages 9-18).

Team Spirit is a partnership between the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) and the Aboriginal Sport Circle, and has received Sport Participation Development Program funding from Heritage Canada, Sport Canada.

Call for Program Proposals

CAAWS and the Aboriginal Sport Circle are now seeking proposals from organizations across Canada to develop and implement multi-year community sport programs for Aboriginal girls and young women. Three programs will be selected to receive $6,000 in funding over two years (2006/2007 - $3,000; 2007/2008 - $3,000).

Proposals are due August 8, 2006.

For more information about the Call for Program Proposals visit http://caaws.ca/onthemove/e/aboriginal/communication.htm.

Call for Advisory Committee Members

Three Advisory Committee positions are now available for Aboriginal females with an interest in increasing community sport opportunities for Aboriginal girls and young women. CAAWS and the Aboriginal Sport Circle will prioritize candidates from the Northern, Eastern and Western regions of Canada, and seek to fill one or more of these positions with female Aboriginal youth (aged 18-24).

Submissions are due July 14, 2006.

For more information about becoming a Team Spirit Advisory Committee member visit http://caaws.ca/onthemove/e/aboriginal/communication.htm.

Request for Pictures

Do you have pictures of Aboriginal girls and women engaged in sport and physical activity? CAAWS is searching for photographs to promote the importance of active living for this target group and complement our Team Spirit: Aboriginal girls in Sport project. Send high resolution, digital photographs with appropriate permissions, or suggestions of organizations or photobanks with access to appropriate pictures, to Sydney Millar at snmillar@caaws.ca.

CAAWS is always looking for pictures of active girls and women. Submit high resolution, digital pictures, with the appropriate permissions, to caaws@caaws.ca.

For more information contact:
Sydney Millar
Team Spirit Project Manager
Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS)
228-1367 West Broadway, Vancouver BC V6H 4A9
Tel: 604.738.2468
Email: snmillar@caaws.ca
Web:www.caaws.ca/onthemove/f/aboriginal/index.htm

From CBC Online News at http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2006/07/26/kelowna-support.html

Premiers renew Kelowna commitment

Last Updated: Wednesday, July 26, 2006

National aboriginal leaders are leaving western Newfoundland with a renewed commitment from provincial and territorial premiers to provide support for the Kelowna accord.

The Kelowna accord was a five-year, $5-billion plan intended to improve the education, housing and health of aboriginal peoples. It was reached by the first ministers last fall, but Ottawa has refused to honour it so far.

The heads of five national native groups met with the premiers in Corner Brook Tuesday to renew support for the accord.

Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations said that although he received the support he was looking for from premiers, he is still frustrated.

"There has been movement," said Fontaine.

"Has it been fast enough? No. We need to deal with these issues urgently."

Beverly Jacobs, president of the Native Women's Association of Canada, said some of the promised money needs to be targeted at reducing violence.

"In order to have the strength in our communities, our women need to be strong and need to address those issues of violence and healing," said Jacobs.

Jacobs will be able to pursue those concerns more fully in yet another meeting in the province — Premier Danny Williams announced Tuesday that a summit on aboriginal women's issues will be held in Newfoundland and Labrador in the fall of 2007.

Tuesday's meeting was the first of many this week for the Council of the Federation, which stopped in Corner Brook before proceeding to a three-day conference in St. John's. On Wednesday, the premiers will discuss equalization.

APTN is now webcasting the 1pm ET and 7pm ET National News. Everyone is invited to watch the News LIVE or the archived session at http://www.aptn.ca/streaming

For example on Monday, July 24 News webcast watch:

• innovative housing for the poor and homeless in Winnipeg
• preserving the Aboriginal language in the Yukon
• ash basket making in the Atlantic provinces
• grassroots political movement demanding changes to the mainstream organizations gaining strength

Paul Otis, Manager of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Water Plant Operator Training Program, spent the day in Sioux Lookout examining various e-learning strategies being used by the different KO programs.

The various e-learning demonstrations included a variety of communication tools that use the broadband network to support capacity building in remote and rural First Nations across Ontario. These include the use of:

• video conferencing for point-to-point and point-to-multi-point training and meeting sessions with archiving and web streaming;
• internet-based video camera monitoring and online point-to-point training support;
• Macromedia Breeze presentation platform (chat, video, powerpoint, whiteboard, archiving, etc);
• open source MoodleFN e-learning platform (http://moodlefn.firstnationschools.ca) with multi-functions and features for participant records and learning modules;
• Independent Learning Centre (ILC) correspondence courses for high school correspondence courses;
• KO's new Meeting Space at http://meeting.knet.ca for group sharing, presentations and discussions

Establishing a Kuhkenah Network connection at their training centre to enable the staff to develop and access these resources is now being planned.

For more information about the Water Plant Operator Training program visit www.watertraining.ca

VIDEOCOM Research Project  (Video Communications on Broadband Networks) is a collaborative research initiative lead by the Susan O'Donnell from the National Research Centre and Sonja Berley from the University of New Brunswick.

VIDEOCOM is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council's Standard Research Grants 2006-2009, with in-kind contributions from the National Research Council, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, and Atlantic Canada's First Nations Help Desk. 

VIDEOCOM is investigating video communications on broadband in First Nations communities, looking specifically at the social inclusion and citizen engagement aspects.

From the project overview ....

Video Communications on Broadband: Social Inclusion and Citizen Engagement

Every year, more Aboriginal communities across the country gain the capacity to use broadband for video communications. There is potential for Aboriginal communities to use video communications on broadband not only for distance learning and telehealth but also for becoming active producers of video content - for example collaborating on community-designed videoconferences sessions that build collective knowledge and producing collective videos to disseminate community views and information. 

Key First Nations organizations are playing a leading role in developing, using and facilitating video communications in Canada. For example, the Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) tribal council and K-Net in Northern Ontario use multi-site videoconferencing to conduct meetings, and they webstream the archived sessions for later use. KO uses broadband for an Internet High School that allows students to remain longer in their remote First Nations communities, and for various telehealth uses such as remote diagnosing of common health complaints that reduces the need for expensive and disruptive trips by air to hospitals in larger urban centres. Atlantic Canada's First Nations Helpdesk uses multi-site videoconferencing to facilitate communications between students in First Nations schools and webstreaming to disseminate videos created by students. 

The VIDEOCOM project is led by Dr. Susan O'Donnell of the National Research Council and the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, working with community research partners KO / K-Net / KORI in Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay, Ontario and Atlantic Canada's First Nations Help Desk in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The project is funded by SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council) from 2006 to 2009, with in-kind contributions by the research partners. 

VIDEOCOM will develop case studies of these two community organizations - KO/K-Net and Atlantic Canada's First Nations Help Desk - to explore how they are using video communications to facilitate the inclusion and engagement of Aboriginal communities and especially of groups such as Aboriginal women and Aboriginal youth. 

The research will be designed to assist the two organizations and their communities to continue to develop their capacity to conduct research and to use video communications to support their local inclusion and engagement activities.

Click here to read a paper entitled "Broadband Video Communication Research in First Nation Communities" by Susan O'Donnell and Sonja Berley that was presented at the Canadian Communication Association Annual Conference in Toronto this spring.

From http://www.fnti.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=PagEd&file=index&topic_id=0&page_id=2

Aboriginal Media Program

Related links: Humber College - www.humberc.on.ca Promo Video - www.fnti.net/media/videos/mpromo1.wmv Carla Robinson Visits FNTI - www.fnti.net/media/Carla%20Robinson%20Story.PDF The Learning Track www.fnti.net/media/amsp/lt/2006/

About The Aboriginal Media Program was created in the spirit of telling our own stories. As with all FNTI programs the Aboriginal Media Program is rooted in Aboriginal learning styles and culture. This three-year post-secondary program leads to a diploma in Journalism-Aboriginal Profile from Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology . Graduates also receive a certificate in specialized Aboriginal Media Studies from First Nations Technical Institute. The program is delivered through in-class sessions on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and work placements in the Media industry. Learners may choose to do work placement in their home communities or elsewhere, depending on the availablity of media outlets. The extensive placement component in the Aboriginal Media Program (about 60 weeks over three years) is especially suited to Aboriginal learning styles. It also offers learners experience in a variety of media. Learners take on increasing responsibility and handle more complex assignments as their knowledge and experience increase. They become familiar with an organization and get a head start on summer and full-time jobs. The on-site sessions include hands-on small group workshops with experienced facilitators who are all media industry professionals. Classroom work, including one-on-one practice sessions, is stressed in first year, and gradually diminishes as placement time in real media jobs increase. Radio broadcast instruction includes time at Tyendinaga's community radio station, KWE Mohawk Nation Radio 105.9 FM. Print, television, video and multi-media skills are practiced on industry standard production equipment at FNTI. Telling Our Own Stories The first year of the program focuses on the art of "telling our own stories." During this introductory year, learners receive basic skills in various media disciplines including print, broadcast, radio, photography and the internet. Classes take a critical look at how the mainstream media covers issues affecting Aboriginal people in both printed and visual forms. At the beginning of each session, learners present on topics rooted in their own communities, nations and the global community. Second year has learners covering more complicated news stories in print, radio and video. They study the Politics of Self-Determination and Mainstream Media Coverage of Aboriginal Issues. In third year sessions learners work as team members on newspapers, magazines and video broadcast. Employment / Internship Opportunities With the launch of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network and the growing number of Aboriginal-owned newspapers and magazines, learners will have a variety of employment opportunities upon graduation. The extensive placement component in the Aboriginal Media Program (about 60 weeks over 3 years) is especially suited to Aboriginal learning styles. It also offers learners experience in a variety of media. Learners take on increasing responsibility and handle more complex assignments as their knowledge and experience increase. They become familiar with an organization and get a head start on summer and full-time jobs. With the formation of the Strategic Alliance of Broadcasters for Aboriginal Reflection (SABAR), FNTI is now able to offer internship opportunities with some very high profile companies. CBC Radio, CRFB Radio Toronto and Ottawa), CTV, OMNI Television, Global Television, The Weather Network, CHUM, APTN, Windspeaker, The Eastern Door, Say Magazine, Spirit Magazine, Rogers Television, MCTV, just to name a few. Many of these companies have stations or satellite offices all over Canada. Prior Learning Assessment Learners with in-depth experience in any of the subject areas are encouraged to apply for prior learning assessment credit. PLA is a process that involves the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of learning acquired through formal and informal study. This may include work and life experiences. The recognition of prior learning can be used toward the requirements of an academic or training program, occupational/professional certification or for employment/labour market entry purposes. For those wishing to explore the possiblity of PLA credits please call 1-800-267-0637 for more information. Admission Criteria Only 24 places are available. So apply early! Learners interested in enrolling should have their secondary school diploma or be mature students, 19 or over, with better than average communication skills. Applications must be accompanied with a $80 non-refundable application fee as well as applicants are asked to write a 250 word response to: "Why are you interested in the Aboriginal Media Program?" Cost The tuition is $3,000 a year (non-refundable and subject to tuition cost increases at Ontario's community colleges). This amount also includes all textbooks and related handouts. Learners should anticipate additional costs such as mandatory cameras and equipment, computer discs and CDs or DVDs, DVD tape and or video tape during the course of study. Also learners should know that there are a number of school related trips to be taken throughout the school year. Costs may include accommodation and food. Equipment Learners are required to bring a Digital SLR camera with flash as well as a portable digital or tape recorder. The Digital Rebel by  Canon is recommended. The camera should be at least 5 megapixels and have manual capabilities. Each learner will is also required to bring their own school suppies as well as DVDs, and CDs for thier assignments. Please feel free to call the AMP staff should you have any questions about these items. EMAIL: media@fnti.net Accommodations Room and board within the Tyendinaga community is available and reasonably priced single rooms may be available at FNTI's student residence. The cost is $75-$100/week. Learners must supply their own linen, dishes and personal effects. The FNTI residence is on a first come first served basis. Please apply early. Room and board availability will be sent monthly as updated. The Program Overview The Aboriginal Media Program is delivered through a combination of on-site class modules (for example, five sessions totalling 18 weeks in first year) and media work placements. The on-site sessions include hands-on small group workshops with experienced facilitators who are all media industry professionals. Classroom work, including one-on-one practice sessions, is stressed in first year, and gradually diminishes as placement time in real media jobs increase. The placement component is designed to provide integration and practice of skills and concepts introduced in class sessions. Each learner is required to complete a place component contract for each placement, and is to report weekly with updates.

Updated Thursday, June 08, 2006

Oshki and NAN are working with IBM to host a 3 day camp for young people (8 to 14 years of age) starting August 15. Everyone interested is encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible because there are only 20 seats available.

Click here for a copy of the complete registration package (PDF document)

August 1-3, 2006
Fort William First Nation and Online

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is pleased to present Mii-Kwen-Daan – Continuing the Dialogue Workshop. It is an opportunity for participants, in-person and online, to contribute to the efforts of the medical school in serving the health needs of Aboriginal peoples, on and off-reserve. It will provide participants with the opportunity to comment on the progress that NOSM has made in addressing the issues raised during the first Aboriginal Workshop in the Anishinaabeg community of Wauzhushk Onigum (June 10 - 12, 2003). The workshop is part of a regional consultation that includes all members organizations that form the Aboriginal Reference Group of the medical school. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to comment on the work of the NOSM in five critical areas, including: Communications, Community Engagement, Curriculum, Research, and Admissions

Visit the conference website:www.meeting.knet.ca

► Agenda► Online Registration► Travel and Accommodation Info► Discussion Forums► Session Summaries► Other Links & Resources

The conference website will feature a live broadcast available to anyone with high-speed internet access to join from their home/office computer. Online participants will be engaged by an online facilitator throughout the conference to facilitate questions to presenters and online discussions. First Nations who are not able to attend in person are welcome to participate on-line. The website also facilitates ongoing discussion forums (pre and post conference) and all sessions will be archived for future viewing. More...