Media.Knet.Ca

from http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2006/21/c4536.html

NAN and Ontario establish new relationship

THUNDER BAY, ON, March 21 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy together with The Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs today announced the establishment of the "Northern Table" during the NAN Winter Chiefs Assembly taking place in Thunder Bay, ON this week.

"I'm very pleased we're beginning meaningful and strategic dialogue with one of our treaty partners (Ontario) with the intent to include the other (Canada) in the future," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. "A new era in government relations must begin in order for our people to begin to prosper from the natural resources that have contributed to the prosperity of other Ontarians. Provided the table is approached by both sides in good faith, this is the first step in achieving that."

The purpose of the Northern Table partnership between NAN and the Government of Ontario is to provide a forum to address the unique challenges specific to NAN First Nation communities in Ontario, while addressing the gap in socioeconomic status between the residents of NAN territory (an area covering two-thirds of Ontario) and non-Aboriginal residents throughout the province.

"Today, we are embarking on something new and different," said David Ramsay, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. "The new political-level Northern Table will address some of the challenges to achieving prosperity and well being in Northern Ontario and enable First Nations communities in the north to share fairly in the benefits of natural resource development."

NAN's goal at the Northern Table is to ensure meaningful and active participation of First Nations in establishing a viable economic base for our communities in partnership with Ontario, industry, and the private sector.

"Right now it's their policies and laws versus our needs and rights," said Wunnumin Lake First Nation Chief Archie Wabasse. "Ontario needs to realize that simply creating a table will not solve the fundamental challenges with our current treaty relationship. The Northern Table is a positive step,but only one part of a solutions-based agenda for Aboriginal and treaty rights."

Nishnawbe Aski Nation will lead on the development of an agenda and priority issues to be dealt with at the Northern Table. An Agreement-In-Principle is expected to be developed for endorsement this summer.

For further information: please contact Jenna Young, NAN Communications Officer, (807) 625-4952 or (807) 628-3953 (mobile)

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from http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2006/21/c7158.html

Ontario government and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs launch Northern Table

Initiative First Step In Promoting Prosperity For First Nations In The North

THUNDER BAY, ON, March 21 /CNW/ - The Ontario government and Treaties 9 and 5 Chiefs have established a Northern Table in order to bring greater economic opportunity to Aboriginal communities in the North, David Ramsay, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and Stan Beardy, Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation announced today.

"The Northern Table is a first step toward a political-level forum that will develop a co-operative approach to discussing the unique challenges in achieving prosperity and well-being in the North," said Ramsay. "Establishing the Northern Table fulfills one of Ontario's key commitments under the New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs."

The Northern Table will build on the provincial government's current initiatives, programs and services in its commitment to ensure that First Nations in the North are able to participate in the benefits of resource development. Discussions on the membership, functioning and mandate of the Northern Table will be the subject of ongoing discussions among the partners.

"The McGuinty government recognizes that past approaches have not always resolved issues nor resulted in timely progress," said Ramsay. "I expect the new Northern Table to be something different and results-oriented. It will be a true partnership that, over time, will include other First Nations in the North."

"I'm very pleased the First Nation communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation will be entering into meaningful and strategic dialogue with Ontario with the intent to include Canada in the future," said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy. "Our goal at the Northern Table is to ensure active participation of First Nations in establishing a viable economic base for Ontario's far north in partnership with Ontario, industry, and the private sector."

The McGuinty government is promoting prosperity and well-being across Northern Ontario. The Northern Table will help enhance First Nation participation in the benefits of resource development and boost the long-term sustainability of the northern economy.

Sandy lake First Nations

Presents

Youth Invitational Hockey Tournament

Dates:  March 30, 31 & April 1st                

Two Divisions:  Pee Wee (ages 11 & 12)

                        Bantams (ages 13, 14 & 4 - 15 year olds)

Entry Fee  $200.00 per Team

Prizes: depending on number of teams entered along with trophies and medallions

Accommodations and meals will be provided!!!

Contacts:  David B. Fiddler @ 774 1300 (hm) 774 3421 (wk)

                Kennedy Fiddler @ 774 9958 (hm) 774 3421 (wk)

"hey, let's not forget about our future hockey stars!!!"

Sioux Lookout Womens broomball Tournamet

Wednesday March 29th to Sunday April 2nd 2006

24 teams have confirmed

The Schedule is post on my home page

Travel day for teams Tuesday March 28th 2006

Bring your Status Cards and Health Cards

The rules & Regulations will be at the admission table

each team is guaranteed four games

Top 16 will advance to A Side and the losing teams from A Side knockout games will drop to C Side and for the A Side Semi Final losing team will drop to B Side Championship

from 17th place to 24th place: C Side

points system: goals for/goals against/shoot out

for more information

807 537 9711

E-Mail marcelmckay@knet.ca

INFO http://marcelmckay.myknet.org/

Good Luck teams and have fun

An Internet Community Facility is now being constructed in Pikangikum.

This Internet facility will include:

• a conference room for meetings,
• a lab with 25 computers for anyone who wants to use the internet for surfing, online banking, edit their homepages, etc.
• 2 private meeting rooms will be available for students who are doing their Post-Secondary Education or attending the Internet High School for those who wish to complete their High School Education.

This facility will be serviced by a small restaurant. We're expecting the grand opening to be in early May.

A Big Thanks to FEDNOR/Carl Seibel for partnering with our community and providing some of the funding for this important local development!!!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Community Liaison & Student Recruitment Officer

The Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education & Training Institute established by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) offers post-secondary education and training programs.  We offer choice, accessibility, flexibility, opportunities and support services for our students.  The Institute is an independent institution and currently offers courses in business, social services, website development and early childhood education.

We are inviting applications for a Community Liaison & Student Recruitment Officer.  Under the supervision of the Program & Student Service Coordinator, the successful candidate will liaise with NAN community members through regular community visits and actively promote Oshki’s education and training programs to achieve or exceed minimum enrollment numbers for our programs.

Responsibilities will also include:  1) promptly contacting new learners referred by community agencies, and making timely responses to enquiries from prospective students, 2) provide counseling and information services to prospective students with regard to career and education al options and choices to ensure students are recruited into programs appropriate to their interests and needs.

The qualifications for this position include:
• Possess a diploma in the following disciplines:  Business Administration or Social Services;
• One to three years of Marketing, placement and/or career clarification/guidance experience;
• Excellent verbal communication and active listening skills;
• Presentation and public speaking skills;
• Knowledge or experience in counseling techniques;
• Organization and time management skills;
• Experience in one or more of:  student recruitment; administration of enrolment, registration or application processes; career counseling; adult education or training;
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with First Nations communities and organizations.
• Ability to travel the First Nations;  both remote and road access;
• Fluency in either Oji-Cree or Cree would be an asset.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and a resume, with three references, to:

Executive Director
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education & Training Institute
106 Centennial Square, 3rd Floor
Thunder Bay, ON  P7E 1H3

Fax:  (807) 622-1818

For a copy of this job description, please contact:
Valerie Nabigon
Administrative Assistant
(807) 626-1880

Closing date: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 12:00 p.m.

While we appreciate all applications for this position, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Program & Student Service Coordinator

The Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education & Training Institute established by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) offers post-secondary education and training programs.  We offer choice, accessibility, flexibility, opportunities and support services for our students.  The Institute is an independent institution and currently offers courses in business, social services, website development and early childhood education.

We are inviting applications for a Program & Student Service Coordinator.  Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for the identification of opportunities and develop proposals related to current and proposed programs and projects to advance funding, accreditation, student services, curriculum design and development, and program delivery to members in the NAN Territory. 

Some of the responsibilities will include:  1) Consult with NAN community members to identify community educational program needs deliverable through the Institute and its partners.  2) Establish and build positive working relationships with partner post-secondary educational institutions to facilitate and enhance programs and services which further our mandate.  3) Source and review, coordinate or carry out curriculum design as necessary to meet identified needs, within approved program plans and budgets.

Qualifications for this position include:
• Possess at minimum an undergraduate degree or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience in management;
• Track record of successful proposal writing, in particular to secure funding;
• Demonstrated ability to research and identify program and funding needs and opportunities;
• Project management skills, including team leadership, program and budgetary planning and reporting;
• Knowledge or experience in curriculum design and training needs assessment;
• Experience in any: student recruitment; administration of enrolment, registration or application processes; career counseling; adult education or training;
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with First Nation communities and organizations;
• Be a highly energetic self-starter with excellent interpersonal, strong analytical, communications and problem solving skills;
• Fluency in either Oji-Cree or Cree would be an asset.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and a resume, with three references, to:

Executive Director
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education & Training Institute
106 Centennial Square, 3rd Floor
Thunder Bay, ON  P7E 1H3

Fax:  (807) 622-1818

For a copy of the job description, please contact:
Valerie Nabigon
Administrative Assistant
(807) 626-1880

Closing date: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 12:00 p.m.

While we appreciate all applications for this position, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

On Sunday, March 19, the Lac Seul Eagles won the A-Side Championship game of the First Nations Hockey tournament in Sioux Lookout. They were playing the Mishkeegogamang Falcons team in the championship game.

In the B-Side Championship game the Michikan Mavericks defeated the Hudson Bay Cree team. While in the C-Side Championship game, Nibinamik Flyers won this division over the Keewaywin Hawks team.

For all the game details visit http://firstnationshockey.ca

Geordi Kakepetum, executive director of Keewaytinook Okimakanak, is pleased to announce that a research proposal co-developed by KORI and the Lakehead University Faculty of Education has been funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) competition, in the Knowledge Cluster Strategic Grant category.

"This reinforces our relationship with the Lakehead University Faculty of Education which began with a face-to-face visit by Dean O’Sullivan to our offices in Balmertown last year," said Geordi. "We can work with people like Julia and her team who are committed to working with us to improve the quality of life in the KO communities."

Following O’Sullivan’s visit to Balmertown, John 0’Meara arranged a tour of KORI’s offices for several members of the Faculty of Education. During the tour, they participated in a video conference with KIHS principal, Darrin Potter and several teachers, principals and directors of education working in remote and isolated First Nations communities.

The Principal Investigator of the research is Lisa Korteweg, with Co-Investigators Seth Agbo, Ethel Gardner, Margaret Haughey of the University of Alberta, John O'Meara, and Brian Walmark of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Research Institute.

The title of the project is: Digital Education with Remote Aboriginal Communities.  "This is an exciting collaborative venture with Keewaytinook Okimakanak Research Institute, a department of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Tribal Council, which is a leader in the use of communication technologies in Northwestern Ontario," said John O’Meara, the Director of Graduate Studies at the LU Faculty of Education. "The project is intended to leverage other research opportunities, and we are looking forward to more collaborative ventures," he said.

Click here to read the Dec, 2005 story about this application proposal

Tony Belcourt, president of the Metis Nation of Ontario and Gary Lipinski, chair of the MNO took time during their visit to Thunder Bay for the 5th annual Metchief Conference to visit the KORI offices.

During the stop, Tony and Gary talked with Brian Beaton and Carl Seibel in Sioux Lookout via videoconference and with Kevin Houghton in Balmertown via IP telephone. Discussions about MNO's mental health initiative using video conferencing provided an opportunity for everyone to learn about this new initiative.

NAN Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic welcomed the two leaders to Northern Ontario and will address the language conference on Saturday morning.

Wes McKay briefed the Metis leaders on a variety of KO applications including G8, KiHS, KOTH and the on-line special education workshops for classroom teachers in remote and isolated First Nation schools. Franz Seibel briefed the guests on the "Meet Me" initiative and the business case for IP telephony.

Brian Walmark thanked the Metis leaders for visiting the KO offices and presented them with KORI shirts.

Click here to see photos from this visit. 

The

Neskantaga First Nation Spring Traditional Powwow

March 23 to 26, 2006

We are pleased to annouce our Powwow coming up on March 23 to 26, 2006. Everyone is welcome to join us with our celebration, dancers, singers, story and legend tellers, elders, children and women, visitors and all the nishinawbe people.

Visitors are required to the following:

• bring sleeping gear
• be alcohol and drugs free
• proper arrangement and supervision for your children
• Provide list of names your group and fax to 807 479 2505

For more inforamtion call Aleck at (807) 479 2530 Thank you very much and we are looking forward in hearing from you!

Kitchi meequetch

in Spirit,

Aleck