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Nishnawbe Aski Nation press release

NAN Calls for Fair Trade Standards in Mining

THUNDER BAY, ON, Feb. 5 - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler delivered a statement to participants of the Rapaport International Mining Conference today in New York City calling on diamond exploration and mining companies to meet basic operating standards in terms of accommodation and consultation with First Nations within NAN territory - an area covering two thirds of Ontario.

"There needs to be a meaningful dialogue between Chiefs and councils, the Province of Ontario, and with industries regarding Aboriginal and treaty rights," said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. "When it comes to extraction and exploitation of the natural resources in the backyards and traditional territories of our people, clear and agreed upon standards must be implemented."

During the conference Fiddler distributed the following standards he hopes will end the failure of both the Government of Ontario and industries to acknowledge the various supreme court rulings, including Mikisew (November 2005), regarding the need to consult and accommodate First Nations prior to exploration:

• Respect for aboriginal, treaty rights and basic human rights outlined in international conventions and Canadian law
• Free, prior, and informed consent of affected First Nation communities
• Respect for moratoriums
• Ensure exploration and mining operations are not located in areas of disputed land claims, unresolved community overlap areas, or other places of conflict
• Ensure exploration and mining projects do not force communities off their lands
• No dumping of mine wastes into oceans, rivers, lakes, or streams
• Ensure exploration and mining projects are not located in sacred or spiritual sites, community protected areas, fragile ecosystems, and conservation or ecological value
• Ensure community land use planning takes place before exploration and mining commences
• Ensure projects do not generate sulphuric acid or other persistent pollutants in perpetuity
• Mining companies cover all costs of closing down and cleaning up mine sites
• Fully disclosed information regarding social and environmental effects of projects
• Ensure First Nations equitably share in wealth generated from the exploration and development of their traditional lands
• Safe working conditions
• Respect for aboriginal workers' rights and culturally sensitive labour standards
• Allowance for independent monitoring and verification of the above

Delegates of the conference participated in discussion and debate with leading NGOs, government development experts, and leaders of the diamond trade regarding ethical sourcing, corporate responsibility, and what the diamond industry can and should do to help the poorest people in the world.

The Rapaport Group drives sustainable economic development in the poorest countries of the world and is committed to using economic power and strategic positioning in the diamond and jewellery industry to help artisanal diggers and other disadvantaged groups obtain economic self sufficiency.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is an Aboriginal political organization representing 49 First Nation communities within the territory of James Bay Treaty 9 and Ontario First Nations of Treaty 5. This area covers over two-thirds of the province of Ontario and is home to approximately 45,000 people.

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

Ontario government press release ...

Ontario Invests In Aboriginal Community Development - Feasibility Studies Pave Way For Community And Small Business Centres In Aboriginal Communities

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is helping 14 Aboriginal communities prepare for the future by investing in feasibility studies for community and small business centres, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay announced today. The investments highlight the government’s commitment to strengthening Aboriginal communities.

“So far this fiscal year, more than $570,000 has been made available through the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program to help 14 First Nations and Aboriginal organizations determine the viability of running or expanding community or small business centres,” said Ramsay. “These studies are the first step towards improving service delivery and creating economic development opportunities within Aboriginal communities, many of which are remote First Nations in northern Ontario.”

Community centres facilitate the provision of essential services and activities for community members. Small business centres support entrepreneurial activities and early-stage growth of small businesses by providing rental space, shared services and business counselling assistance.

In addition to funding feasibility studies, the program provides grants for the construction, expansion or renovation of these facilities. Improvements to the ACCGP during this fiscal year have increased the government’s possible contribution for total eligible project costs from 75 to 90 per cent.

“This government made a commitment through the New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs to create strong and prosperous Aboriginal communities,” said Ramsay. “These feasibility studies are intended to help fulfil that commitment.”

Further information on the program may be obtained by contacting Tim Sim, at 416-314-7217 or by visiting the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs website at http://www.aboriginalaffairs.osaa.gov.on.ca/english/economy/grants.htm

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Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program

This program invests in the development of facilities that provide Aboriginal community services and encourage business activity.These facilities foster healthy lifestyles and skills development, especially among Aboriginal children and youth.

Eligible Applicants

First Nations, Aboriginal non-profit incorporated groups and Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Charter Communities sponsored by that Secretariat.

Eligible Projects

Projects involving construction, acquisition, renovation and expansion of community, friendship and small business centres, and feasibility studies leading to the development of each, are all eligible.

An eligible applicant community can obtain one-time infrastructure funds for each of:

• Community / friendship centre
• Small business centre

to a maximum of $500,000 (not to exceed 90 per cent of the total eligible project costs).

For remote, fly-in communities, a maximum of $750,000 will be considered on a case-by-case basis (within the 90 per cent maximum cap).

An eligible applicant community can obtain funding for a feasibility study for each type of infrastructure project to a maximum of $50,000 per project (not to exceed 90 per cent of the total eligible project costs).

The program is comprised of two program components.

The Ontario Native Community Infrastructure Projects component helps develop community and friendship centres that contribute to a healthy social base in Aboriginal communities. These facilities provide essential community services and activities.

The Native Small Business Centres component helps develop small business centres that support entrepreneurial activities and provide opportunities for business development in Aboriginal communities. These facilities support early stage growth of small businesses by providing rental space, shared services and business counselling assistance.

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What We’ve Done
Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program projects approved since October 2003:

• BEARSKIN LAKE FIRST NATION received grant approval for $450,810 in September 2004 for a community centre.
• BIINJITIWAABIK ZAAGING ANISHINAABEK (ROCKY BAY) received grant approval for $33,000 in September 2004 for a small business centre feasibility study.
• FORT ALBANY FIRST NATION received grant approval of $33,750 in December 2003 for a small business centre feasibility study.
• KINGFISHER LAKE FIRST NATION received grant approval of $320,663 in September 2004 for a community centre.
• LAC SEUL FIRST NATION received grant approval of $3,750 in December 2003 for a small business centre feasibility study.
• LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION received grant approval of $26,625 in July 2004 for a community centre feasibility study.
• MISSANABIE CREE FIRST NATION received grant approval of $207,900 in August 2004 for a small business centre.
• MOHAWK COUNCIL OF AKWESASNE received grant approval of $300,000 in August 2004 for a community centre.
• NORTH SPIRIT LAKE FIRST NATION received grant approval of $23,250 in September 2004 for a small business centre feasibility study.

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For more information contact:
Tim Sim, Aboriginal Program Advisor
Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs
Email: tim.sim@osaa.gov.on.ca
Phone: 416-314-7217

Ontario government press release ...

Ontario Government Approves Early Work for New Sioux Lookout Health Centre - Investing $1.49 Million To Start Work On New Centre Of Excellence

SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON, Feb. 5 - The McGuinty government is investing $1.49 million to proceed with the first stage of construction of the new Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre, Michael Gravelle, the MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, announced today on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.

"Our government is working to make sure that communities across Northern Ontario have access to the best health care available. That's why we are investing in the development of the new Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre," Gravelle said. "This new facility, which has been designated as a Centre of Excellence, will provide culturally sensitive health care services across Northwestern Ontario."

The McGuinty government is investing $1.49 million toward site clearing, site services and road work as part of this initial work leading to the construction of the new Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre expected to commence this fall. The centre has been given approval to tender a contract for this preliminary construction work.

The new health centre will be a 60-bed facility that includes 47 acute care beds, eight complex continuing care beds and five substance abuse withdrawal management beds.

"We're delighted to be moving forward on the new Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre," Smitherman said. "This much needed, state-of-the-art hospital will improve access to quality health care for the residents of Sioux Lookout and its northern communities."

The commitment to build a new hospital is based on the Four Party Hospital Services Agreement signed by the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, the Ontario government, the federal government and the Town of Sioux Lookout.

Other initiatives by the McGuinty government benefiting the health of Ontarians include:

• Increasing operating funding to provincial hospitals to $12.9 billion in 2006/07, growing to $14 billion in 2008/09
• Reducing wait times for five key health care services (hip and knee joint replacement, cataract surgeries, MRI exams, cancer surgeries and cardiac procedures) with a recent investment of $222.5 million
• Increasing medical school enrollment by 23 percent and funding long-term care homes to hire 1100 new nurses.

Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.

This news release, along with other media materials, such as matte stories and audio clips, on other subjects, are available on our website at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca under the News Media section.

For more information on achievements in health care, visit:
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca.

For further information: Media Contacts: David Spencer, Minister's Office, (416) 327-4320; A.G. Klei, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, (416) 314-6197; Members of the general public, 1-866-532-3161