Media.Knet.Ca

Press release ....

Cree Singer Performs on Hockey Night in Canada

Date: 2007-01-30

On Saturday, February 3rd at 8pm (MST) the National Anthem will be sung in Cree by 13 year old Akina Shirt on CBC Hockey Night In Canada. Show your support by tuning in as she opens the Calgary Flames game against Vancouver Canucks.

For more information on Akina see: www.akinashirt.com. Inquiries about Akina's Music are welcomed at by Jean or Dale at: Phone: (780) 433-9692 or: info@akinashirt.com.

Ontario government press release ...

New Mill Proposal Could Create Jobs And Investment In The Northeast

CHAPLEAU - January 30, 2007 - The Ontario government is working to strengthen the economy of northeastern Ontario by making cedar resources available for a proposed new processing facility that could create about 40 new jobs, Deputy Premier George Smitherman announced today on behalf of Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay.

“This proposed new facility would provide new jobs and bolster the local economy for Chapleau and neighbouring communities,” said Smitherman. “Our government is working to increase prosperity and opportunities for Ontarians.”

Approximately 128,000 cubic metres per year of cedar are currently under-utilized in northeastern Ontario. The allocation of this wood supply is a first key step that could result in an infusion of millions of dollars for land, buildings and equipment, as well as an ongoing contribution to the economy of northeastern Ontario through operation of new facilities.

Cree-Tech Inc. has been chosen as a successful proponent in the competition for cedar, announced in February 2006. It proposes to construct a sawmill in the community of Chapleau that, if built and operating, could create about 40 new jobs. The company plans to use its allocation of 60,000 cubic metres per year to produce a variety of value-added lumber products, such as siding, door and window components, mouldings and logs for log home construction.

“We were extremely pleased with the positive response from our call for proposals and were impressed with the tremendous effort made by the proponents,” said Ramsay. “If Cree-Tech is successful in bringing its proposal to fruition, it will provide an important boost to the local economy.”

“I am delighted that our company was successful in this process, and look forward to moving ahead with our plans,” said Wade Cachagee, president of Cree-Tech. “With this allocation of wood, we’ve taken the first step in our proposal to build a facility that would provide local employment and make value-added wood products.”

This is just the latest example of how the McGuinty government is working to create a stronger and more prosperous north. Other initiatives include:

• Making more than $1 billion available over five years in assistance to the forest industry
• Securing almost $80 million in investment based on accumulated government support of about $15.5 million through programs administered by the Forest Sector Competitiveness Secretariat
• Investments since October 2003 by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation totalling $187 million.

Federal government press release ...

2007 Canada Day Poster Challenge

Each year, students 18 years of age and under are invited to take part in the Canada Day Poster Challenge by designing a poster that illustrates their pride in Canada and in being Canadian. This year’s theme is A Portrait of Canada: Celebrating 140 Years.

The 13 provincial and territorial finalists will win a trip to Ottawa to celebrate Canada Day on Parliament Hill. In addition, the winning entry will become the official poster of Celebrate Canada! which includes:

• National Aboriginal Day, June 21
• Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, June 24
• Canadian Multiculturalism Day, June 27
• Canada Day, July 1

From June to September, the Canadian Children’s Museum at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec, exhibits the artwork of all 13 provincial/territorial finalists.

The deadline for submitting a poster, along with an entry form, is February 28, 2007.

Click here to download a print-friendly version of the Poster Challenge brochure.

The 2007 Canada Day Poster Challenge is underway! This year,we have even more reason to celebrate because 2007 is the 140th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation.To mark this special birthday, this year’s theme is A Portrait of Canada: Celebrating 140 years.

We invite you to illustrate how the people, places and events of the past 140 years have shaped our nation. Think about how Canada has evolved through significant social, cultural and historical achievements and technological innovations.There are countless reasons why we can be proud to be Canadian, from our country’s magnificent natural beauty to its unique cultural diversity, from our many national heroes to Canada’s place in the world as a model of democracy and freedom.

So show us what Canada means to you! We challenge you to design an original poster that brings together significant elements from our past and present.You could win great prizes including an exciting 3-day trip to the National Capital Region to take part in the Canada Day celebrations.

Best of all, the winning entry will become the official poster of “Celebrate Canada!”, a celebration across the country that includes National Aboriginal Day, June 21; Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, June 24; Canadian Multiculturalism Day, June 27; and Canada Day, July 1.

The artwork of the 13 provincial and territorial finalists will be part of a special exhibit from June to September 2007 at the Canadian Children’s Museum located in the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau,Quebec.

For more information, fun games and activities, and additional resources, visit the Poster Challenge Web site at: www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/affiche-poster

Pelican Falls 3rd Annual

Mixed Volleyball Tournament

3 guys 3 gals

Saturday, February 24th

$150.00 entry fee

contact Duane Ogemah 737-1283 work 582-3908 home

Everyone is invited to share their myknet story and experiences within the online discussion forum at http://meeting.knet.ca/moodle/mod/forum/view.php?f=263 ...

Please encourage other people you know who use MyKnet for their homepage to join these discussions as well so they too can share their myknet experiences within this online sharing space.

The K-Net team is working with three graduate students who are writing a paper about MyKnet. Adam Fiser (Toronto), Philipp Budka (Vienna) and Brandi Bell (Montreal) are interested in speaking with as many people as possible who have been using MyKnet over the years or who began using MyKnet and are now using some other service for their homepage.

If all goes well MyKnet will be featured in a special "Social Network" edition of the Journal of Computer Mediated Communications alongside Myspace and Youtube.

The three PhD graduate candidates would like to spend some time with you online (email, chat) or over the phone, to discuss your experience with MyKnet?  Their deadline for producing this paper is February 28th.

They are trying to address three major themes in their paper:

 1) The History of MyKnet.
 2) The Role of Youth.
 3) Cultural issues and opportunities.

They want to talk with and hear from as many of MyKnet's pioneer users and innovators and write the paper using as many original voices as they can. Maybe you could suggest some other people for them to contact as well?

Please visit their research site on the meeting space.
http://meeting.knet.ca/moodle/mod/forum/view.php?f=263.

It would be GREAT if you would be willing to share your MyKnet story and experience with others within this online discussion. You need to sign up for a Meeting Space account if you do not already have one.

This opportunity would really help them with their paper and let others know about your work on myknet!

Thanks for your help with this work!

NAN press release ...

Ontario Attacks Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) Litigation

THUNDER BAY, ON, Jan. 29 - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) spokesperson John Cutfeet are outraged by the Government of Ontario's attack on Aboriginal and treaty rights during Friday's court proceeding in the case of KI vs. Platinex.

"Ontario's legal argument dismisses constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights based on First Nation culture and spiritual connection to the land," said KI spokesperson John Cutfeet after the third court proceeding since Toronto-based mining company Platinex sued his northern First Nation community for $10 billion after they requested drilling equipment be removed from their traditional territory last Spring. "The mining act is an outdated piece of legislation, whereby the McGuinty government grants permits without consulting the First peoples where lands will be affected by the various impacts of mining. The McGuinty government claims the provincial mining act trumps all constitutionally protected rights recognized under section 35 of the Canadian constitution for all First Nations."

Government of Ontario lawyer Owen Young argued for intervener status in Thunder Bay's Ontario Superior Court Friday January 26, 2007.

"It's clear the McGuinty government has a twisted interpretation of the spirit and intent of James Bay Treaty 9, not to mention sixteen years of Supreme Court decisions that have ruled for consultation and accommodation with First Nations prior to land exploration, let alone drilling," said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.

Despite a community declared moratorium on resource development recent Supreme Court rulings to consult and accommodate, including Mikisew (November 2005), Platinex received permission from the Government of Ontario to drill in KI territory February 2006.

KI brought a constitutional challenge to the Ontario Mining Act June 2006, claiming the Act fails to prioritize Aboriginal and Treaty rights deeming it unconstitutional.

In July an Ontario Superior Court decision halted Platinex from drilling in KI territory until the mining company and Province of Ontario fulfil obligations to consult with the First Nation community. In this decision, Justice Patrick Smith specifically referenced the impacts of mining on not only the right of First Nations to fish, hunt, and trap, but also on impacts to the cultural and spiritual connection to the land.

The next scheduled date for court proceedings is April 2, 2007 in Thunder Bay.

KI is a signatory to the 1929 adhesion of James Bay Treaty 9. The community is located approximately 600 km north of Sioux Lookout.

For further information: Jenna Young, NAN Director of Communications at (807) 625-4952; or John Cutfeet, KI Spokesperson at (807) 627-9062

The Chiefs' Steering Committee wishes to announce the upcoming Leadership Review Meeting about the work completed to date. The meeting will take place on March 20, 21, 22, 2007 at the Travelodge Airlane in Thunder Bay.

Communications Team Bulletin # 8– December 21, 2006

 Completed forty-eight (48) Treaty # 9, Treaty #5 (Ontario Portion) and Affiliated First Nations community visits.

Communities that were visited but were unable to provide an information session:

Moose Factory, Moose Cree, Mocreebec

Communities that were unable to visit are as follows:

Koocheching, Kashechewan

Leadership Review Meeting

March 20, 21, 22, 2007

Travelodge Airlane – Thunder Bay

Communities in Action Fund (CIAF) program
 
Now in its fourth year, CIAF grants have been awarded to many community organizations and partnerships throughout the Province. Programs funded in the past included everything from dancing, skateboarding, trail use, tai chi, a range of popular sports including after-school sport programs for children and youth to mentoring programs. CIAF, a key initiative of the government's ACTIVE2010 Strategy and Ontario's Action Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living has supported programs that remove barriers to participation for people of all ages and backgrounds - children and youth, low-income families, aboriginal people, older adults, women and girls, visible/ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

For information on CIAF program guidelines as well as Active 2010, please visit the Ministry of Health Promotion's website at http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/fund.asp.

There is a limited budget for CIAF funding and no guarantee that all applications will receive funding. Priority will be given to projects that meet CIAF and ACTIVE2010 priorities and result in getting inactive people active to improve health and fitness.

For your information, the last day for receipt of applications is March 2, 2007.

After 12 years of meetings, Manitoba Chiefs voted this week to abandon existing self-government process as a waste of time with very little being achieved during that time. The chiefs determined that working with the bureaucratics is not going to achieve the government-to-government relationship required for real self-governance to work. See story below ...

From http://www.portagedailygraphic.com/Top%20Stories/283541.html

Chiefs end talks with Ottawa
By Leighton Klassen - The Daily Graphic - Friday January 26, 2007

First Nations in this province have decided to end negotiations to dismantle the Manitoba division of Department of Indian Affairs.

Talks on the subject have been going on for 12 years, but a year-long review by Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs concluded nothing of substance has been achieved.

“Over the years, negotiations became more at the bureaucratic level and not at the First Nations level, so we felt the thing to do was to discontinue,” AMC Grand Chief Ron Evans said yesterday.

The decision was made on Wednesday during the second day of the three-day AMC meeting held at Long Plain First Nation.

The 65 chiefs who were present voted unanimously in favour of the move.

The move was also endorsed by the grand chiefs that represent the northern and southern aboriginal groups of Manitoba.

There has been no progress since an agreement was signed in December of 1994 by the assembly and then-premier Jean Chretien’s government to negotiate the dismantling of Indian Affairs in Manitoba, Evans said.

The idea was its responsibilities would be turned over to aboriginal governments in the province, effectively repealing Indian Act as it applied to Manitoba bands.

These bands would then have the authority and responsibility to administer and deliver programs handled by Indian Affairs and other federal departments such as housing, education, capital projects, band administration and justice.

Evans said the 1994 agreement was a key component to overcoming many of the issues aboriginals face.

“The whole purpose was to turn things around,” he said. “We’re the poorest of the poor, have the highest suicide rates, poorest education .... We need to do this by ourselves and there should be an agreement to take us there.”

Long Plain Chief Dennis Meeches said Ottawa still doesn’t understand First Nations can survive under their own governance. In the future, he wants his people to function in a society where they’re considered a nation, free from the control of Indian Affairs.

“There’s nothing wrong with being a nation within a nation,” Meeches said. “I love this country and I represent it, but I have to stay true to my culture.”

Evans said talks will not resume until the federal government takes the negotiations out of the hands of bureaucrats and initiates a government-to-government process with aboriginal chiefs.

The assembly plans to send a letter to Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice explaining its action, he said, adding he hopes Prentice will be willing to restart negotiations in a meaningful way.

Prentice wasn’t available for comment, but his office offered a brief comment on the announcement.

“It’s disappointing anytime negotiations are called off, however, we still believe negotiations are the only way we can achieve anything,” spokeswoman Deidra McCracken said yesterday. “We’re looking to reopen discussions.”

During a speech at the national conference in Calgary of Engineers Without Borders, Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean, challenged Canadians to address the third world conditions that exist in Canada in aboriginal communities. See the two news stories about the GG's visit to Alberta ...

From http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald

Gov. Gen. calls for action on native poverty

Kerry Williamson kwilliamson@theherald.canwest.com, CanWest News Service - Friday, January 26, 2007

CALGARY - Her eyes opened by her first state visit to developing countries in Africa as well as her travels in Canada, Governor General Michaelle Jean is urging Canadians to focus on their own developing world in the form of desperately poor aboriginal communities.

Speaking in Calgary on Thursday evening, the governor general said Canadians need to ''admit once and for all'' that urgent work needs to be done ''in our own backyard'' and not just in impoverished Third World countries.

'We must not forget that there is a developing world right here in Canada, there are developing communities right here in Canada, that we can no longer ignore,' said Jean, speaking at the Engineers Without Borders national conference.

'Let us admit once and for all that the developing world is closer than we think. There is urgent work that needs to be done in our own backyard.'

Jean - who visited Algeria, Mali, Ghana, South Africa and Morocco late last year - said she was struck by how similar social problems in those countries are to problems on First Nation reserves in this country.

She pointed to aboriginal communities which struggle to provide people with clean drinking water, have high rates of violence against women, have 'desperate' needs for adequate housing and health infrastructure, and a pressing need to improve education.

The Haitian-born former journalist also referred to the marginalization of young people on First Nation reserves.

'I saw situations and needs there that are identical to the situations and needs in Canada,' she said.

A report to the federal government last year deemed 21 reserves in Canada as high-risk health hazards because of their lack of safe drinking water. A further study, released by the International Housing Coalition and sponsored by the Canadian Real Estate Association last June, found that Aboriginal housing on reserve is seriously deficient.

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

From http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/news/shownews.jsp?content=n012717A

Canadians must all help fight 'poverty and exclusion,' says governor general - JAMES STEVENSON - January 27, 2007

CALGARY (CP) - Canadians have a collective responsibility to combat the problems of "poverty and exclusion" and not simply rely on government help, the Governor General said Saturday.

Wrapping up a three-day tour of southern Alberta with a graduating class of Aboriginal teachers, Michaelle Jean said all Canadians must help the less fortunate in society.

"The more we are indifferent, the more we will fail some of our fellow citizens and we can't set an example to the world - and the world is looking at us as a country," Jean said Saturday in Calgary.

"I think that sometimes we actually could do more, but if we are indifferent, this will not happen."

Promoting and praising action on native and social issues was a key theme during the Governor General's second official visit to Alberta.

She spent nearly three hours Saturday afternoon listening to the stories of 11 teachers from the Siksika Nation, one hour east of Calgary, who had graduated from a University of Calgary program last year.

Unique to Canada, the Master of Teaching program combines aboriginal language, culture and teaching with mainstream educational practices.

"It's always wonderful to celebrate a good success story," Jean said afterwards.

"It's one thing to be aware of difficulties, of situations that are very troubling, but it is also so important to acknowledge the solutions brought to the problems by the people themselves."

Jean's message reverberates in Alberta where years of soaring oil and gas prices have brought both unprecedented wealth and soaring social problems including homelessness and spousal abuse.

But Jean said social problems that come from poverty and exclusion were not unique to Alberta, and Canadians had a shared responsibility to fix them.

Within hours of arriving in Calgary last Thursday, Jean told a packed room of young engineers gearing up to help promote development around the world that Canadians can no longer ignore the impoverished conditions in their own aboriginal communities.

"Let us admit, once and for all, that the developing world is closer than we think," she said.

The next day, she visited a family shelter on the Stoney-Nakoda First Nation west of Calgary, noting that Alberta had the worst record of violence against women in the entire country.

But again, rather than pointing fingers, Jean said she needed to celebrate the success of the "courageous" women living in the shelter within their own small community.

"They're really making sure that something is happening against that terrible situation of violence against women," she said.

Jean told teachers and leaders of the Siksika Nation on Saturday that she would use her position to "advise, inform and warn" the federal government of their situation.

Siksika Chief Adrian Stimson said Jean's visit was a very historical moment, noting there is a great need for visits like the one the Governor General made to the successful graduates.

"I think it's a very great thing that's happened here today."