Media.Knet.Ca

Indian Residential School Survivors
National Conference & Workshop

April 30, May 1&2, 2007
WINNIPEG Convention Centre

The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) is in the process of final approvals. This has paved the way for preparing survivors and communities to move forward. The next phase of the process is the "OPT-OUT Period" of 150 days, during which survivors will have the option of including or excluding themselves from the settlement. it is anticipated that implementation of payment will take place in late 2007, depending on the number of individuals who decide to receive the Settlement. This flow of money into our Aboriginal communities will have both positive and negative effects.

Positive Effects:

• Economic Development
• Individual and Community Investments
• Improved Quality of Life
• Will and Estates
• Elder Support

Negative Effects:

• Elder Abuse
• Family Violence
• Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Issues
• Fraud
• Conflict within communities

The Settlement Agreement Community Impacts Working Group (CIWG) has been created to coordinate and support efforts across Canada to minimize the negative effects and maximize the positive effects of the Settlement Agreement. Membership includes representatives from several Federal Government Departments, national Aboriginal organizations, and other stakeholders who are responsible for programs such as the IRS Reconciliation Health Support Programs.

Please join us for this three-day educational Workshop and Conference that will provide the tools to help effectively deal with the financial, social, personal, family and economic aspects related to the Settlement.

Click here for a copy of the conference poster and FAX REGISTRATION form (PDF copy of the faxed information)

Matawa First Nations tribal council press release ...

First Nations file to protect rights in Kenogami Forest

Thunder Bay, ON: The Matawa First Nations have just commenced legal proceedings in the form of a Judicial Review Application against Minister of Natural Resources, David Ramsey. The Director of Industry Relations at the MNR, Terrace Bay Pulp Inc. (owned by Buchanan Forest Products) and Neenah paper Company of Canada are also named respondents.

The legal proceeding seeks to set aside the MNR’s transfer of the Sustainable Forest License (SFL) in the Kenogami Forest, from Neenah to Terrace Bay/Buchanan on August 31, 2006, on the basis that Matawa First Nations were not consulted about the transfer and the terms of the SFL.

The legal case also seeks orders from the court requiring the Minister to fulfill the MNR’s obligations in term and Condition 34 of the Class Environmental Assessment Order, and to consult the Matawa First Nations about how this should be done. Term and Condition No. 34 required the MNR to undertake various measures to provide for more equal participation by Aboriginal peoples in the benefits provided through forest management planning, including more equal management and decision-making capacity, as well as employment, business, economic or financial benefits. “So far, little has been done to honour or implement these legal requirements,” says Chief Veronica Waboose.

Despite continued lobbying and requests from the nine communities of the Matawa First Nations to be included and consulted in any regional forestry planning developments affecting the Kenogami territory, the First Nations have been excluded. All of the Matawa First Nations have reserves either in or adjacent to the Kenogami Forest and therefore have treaty rights, including rights to harvesting, hunting, fishing and trapping in the territory covered by the Kenogami Forest. The non-cooperation and disregard for regional collaboration from both government and industry has left the Matawa First Nations with no other options to be heard.

The proceedings, which will come for a hearing before the Divisional Court of the Ontario.

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Notes to Editor:

Matawa First Nations includes nine (9) communities in Northern Ontario: AROLAND FIRST NATION, CONSTANCE LAKE FIRST NATION, EABAMETOONG FIRST NATION, GINOOGAMING FIRST NATION, LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION, MARTEN FALLS FIRST NATION, NESKANTAGA FIRST NATION, NIBINAMIK FIRST NATION, and WEBEQUIE FIRST NATION

Media Contact:

Kate Kempton, legal counsel
Olthuis Kleer Townshend
Tel: 416-981-9374
Cell: 416-571-6775
Email: kkempton@oktlaw.com

Stephanie Ash
Firedog Communications
Tel: (807) 767-4443; Fax: (807) 767-4479
Email: stephanie@firedogpr.com

Your school, your health centre AND your community can join others to become a host site for the upcoming Promising Practices in the North  2 day workshop being planned for March 22 and 23. Host this 2 day workshop in your community so parents, teachers, students, health professionals and community leaders can learn about the programs and services that are now available to support children with special needs. All you need is a meeting room with video conferencing facilities!

SIGN UP your community TODAY to be a part of this important event!

The Centres of Excellence are pleased to present: Promising Practices in the North 2007, an online regional conference to discuss special education. This workshop will take place ONLINE March 22nd and 23rd, 2007.

Over 20 presenters from around the region will make presentations regarding early intervention and behaviour issues to help parents, health workers and teachers with everyday challenges in the classroom.

The meeting area will provide a live stream of the workshops with online discussions. It is open to everyone (you do need to sign up for an account if you have not already done so) and is free of charge.

Join the online meeting area TODAY and share your ideas and experiences about the importance of addressing special needs in your community.

Visit www.meeting.knet.ca for more information including: agenda, live stream, online discussions, Video Conference registration, PowerPoint Presentations, links & resources.

To participate via Video Conference, please complete the Video Conference Form and fax to Terry Moreau (fx) 807.768.4817 or phone 766-8442    (e-mail: t.moreau@knet.ca)