Archive - May 2007

Ipperwash inquiry submits its final report to the Ontario government

From the Executive Summary ....

Aboriginal protests and occupations occur throughout the province, often with little warning, and no one can predict where they will occur. The fundamental conditions and catalysts that spark such protests continue to exist in Ontario, more than a decade after Ipperwash. However, my analysis has convinced me that Aboriginal occupations and protests are not inevitable, nor are they inevitably violent.

The provincial government and other institutions must redouble their efforts to build successful, peaceful relations with Aboriginal peoples in Ontario so that we can all live together peacefully and productively. There have been significant, constructive changes in the law and to key public institutions in the twelve years since Ipperwash. Yet more is needed. ...

Click here for the full report web site ...

Volume 1. Investigation and Findings
Volume 2. Poilicy Analysis
Volume 3. Inquiry Process
Volume 4. Executive Summary

Government To Respond To Report Today

TORONTO, May 31 - The Ontario government has received the final report of the Ipperwash Inquiry, Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today.

"On behalf of the McGuinty government, I would like to thank Justice Sidney Linden and the staff at the Ipperwash Inquiry for their dedicated efforts in conducting this important review," said Bryant. "The report is the result of more than three years of hard work, which, as promised, is immediately being made available to the public."

In November 2003, Attorney General Michael Bryant asked Justice Linden to conduct a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the 1995 death of Dudley George, who was shot by an Ontario Provincial Police officer during a First Nations protest at Ipperwash Provincial Park. Justice Linden was also asked to make recommendations about how to prevent similar events from occurring in the future.

The Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Monte Kwinter, and the Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, David Ramsay, will be in Forest, Ontario to provide a preliminary response to the report following Justice Linden's news conference.

"This has been an historic and profoundly important commission," said Bryant "We had an excellent commissioner who produced an extremely detailed report that will help us learn from the past and promote peaceful resolutions in the future."

The report is posted on the Ipperwash Inquiry's website at www.ipperwashinquiry.ca. The ministry has also posted a link on its website at www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca. Printed copies are available through the Publications Ontario bookstore, 880 Bay Street, Toronto, 1-800-668-9938, www.publications.gov.on.ca.

For further information: Greg Crone, Ministry of the Attorney General, Minister's Office, (416) 326-1785; Brendan Crawley, Ministry of the Attorney General, Communications Branch, (416) 326-2210

May 30th

NAN / KORI hosting Bullying Prevention workshop online

Online Bullying Prevention Education

Description:

Facilitators from the Ontario Principals Council will be conducting a workshop regarding bullying prevention. Join us to learn more about how we can make our schools and communities a safer place to learn.

Agenda - FRIDAY, JUNE 1

8:00 – 11:00 CST 

  • Types of bullying and how to recognize warning signs (Placemat activity)
  • Making bullying prevention a priority in your community

12:00 – 14:30 CST 

  • Strategies and tips on how you can help to prevent bullying (Fishbone activity)
  • Where to go for bullying prevention resources

There is no cost for the workshop. There will be group work and exercises so make sure you have enough room to work. All are welcome; you can join for the full, or half day.   

Please book your video conference site as a participant at least one-day prior to the workshop. 

Contact: Terry Moreau   Phone: 877.737.5638 X 1266   Email: tmoreau@knet.ca 

Please fax the following form to: 807.768.4817

anti_bullying_poster.jpg

Ontario government refuses to pay KI court costs protecting traditional lands

From the LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO Hansard (May 29) during question period

ABORIGINAL RIGHTS

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora–Rainy River): My question is for the minister responsible for native affairs. Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation has a $650,000 legal bill because it was forced to go to court to defend its constitutional and legal rights against a $10-billion lawsuit by a mining exploration company. The First Nation was forced to go to court to defend its rights because the McGuinty government failed to fulfill its constitutional obligations to consult with the First Nation before handing out mineral exploration permits to the mining company. Since it was the failure of the McGuinty government to fulfill its constitutional obligations and consult with the First Nation about its rights and interests that forced the First Nation to go to court, will the McGuinty government do the right thing and pay the $650,000 legal bill, which rightfully belongs to the McGuinty government?

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): Let’s give him the direct answer right off the bat—the answer is no—and then let’s talk about consultation and the attempt of the McGuinty government to engage First Nations of this province in a consultation exercise that we launched over a year ago.

We are working with the Chiefs of Ontario and other native organizations right across the province to get that engagement so that we can have a clear understanding of what our obligation is and what, in a sort of class sense, we’ll be required to do in regard to consultation for each sort of government activity. I have worked with all my fellow ministers and have had them look at their ministries and at what their obligation is for all the activities they engage in, and we’re actively pursuing that discussion with aboriginal people right across this province so that we’ll have a clear-cut set of the consultation guidelines over the next year.

Mr. Hampton: Minister, you might want to read what the judge said about the McGuinty government when he handed down his judgment: “Despite repeated judicial messages delivered over the course of 16 years, the evidentiary record available in this case sadly reveals that the provincial crown”—the McGuinty government—“has not heard or comprehended this message and has failed in fulfilling this obligation.”

“The Ontario government was not present ... and the evidentiary record indicates that it has been almost entirely absent from the consultation process” with Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug.

“The crown (Ontario) ... [has] chosen to ignore ... the concerns and ignore the perspective of the First Nations band in question.”

It’s very clear, when you read the judge’s decision, that the First Nation was forced to go to court to defend its rights because the McGuinty government failed.

This is a poor community. The unemployment rate is 85%. Don’t you think it’s fair that you finally meet your obligation and pay the legal bill instead of foisting it off on a poor—

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The question has been asked.

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: Speaker, I refer the question to the Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

Hon. Rick Bartolucci (Minister of Northern Development and Mines): I wish the leader of the third party would quote from the May 22 decision. However, let me tell you that Ontario has consistently presented solutions that are fair and reasonable as a way to keep all parties in this case moving forward to a resolution. Justice Smith has now adopted some of these provisions and timelines in his latest decision.

Our immediate priority isn’t about division, the way the third party’s is. Ours is to meet the timelines for information disclosure and to ensure that both parties move on in a collaborative, constructive manner.

INAC minister presents government funding priorities for 2007-2008

From INAC web site

Notes for an address the Honourable Jim Prentice, PC, QC, MP Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians
to the
House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

on the Main Estimates of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
May 29, 2007

Mr. Chairman, I thank you for inviting me to discuss the Main Estimates of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development with you and your colleagues.

I am grateful for the attention this Committee has given to my department’s agenda over the past year. I appreciate your consideration of such important issues as post-secondary education and housing, as well as legislative initiatives such as Bill C-34 and Bill C-44, now before you. I know we all share the same objective – improving the quality of life for Aboriginal peoples and Northerners.

You heard from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s Accounting Officer, Deputy Minister Michael Wernick, a short time ago regarding the Department’s Supplementary Estimates. I would like to speak today in the context of this year’s Main Estimates, the next step in the financial planning cycle, and how we are determined to move forward to make a real and positive difference in the lives of Aboriginal people and Northerners.

The current 2007–2008 Main Estimates includes $6.3 billion for my department. This represents a net increase of $36 million from 2006–2007.

The Main Estimates are of course the first step in the fiscal cycle, the starting point, which does not include resources that will be allotted through the Supplementary Estimates.

Mr. Chairman, funded by the Main and Supplementary Estimates, we are determined to move forward in clearly defined areas, through approaches and initiatives that will enable real change in Aboriginal communities and furthermore will give Aboriginal people the tools and the organizational structures they need to take charge of their own future.

First, we need to effect structural reform to protect women, children and families.

Whether the reform is legislative, as is the case with the repeal of Section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act, or a change in policies and programs, we must ensure that Aboriginal women, children and families have the same rights and have access to the same quality of services as all other Canadians.

Our continued work to address the issue of matrimonial real property and our recent partnership with the province of Alberta and Alberta First Nations to implement a new approach to child and family services are recent examples of new and innovative thinking—new approaches to the existing challenges in First Nation communities.

I am confident that, working in partnership with the provinces, territories, and Aboriginal groups, we can build on successes such as these.

Second, we must consolidate economic development tools, to obtain the maximum efficiency from our programs and services and to enable First Nations to take charge of their own economic development.

That is why the Aboriginal Business Canada program and the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board were unified under my department in December 2006.

Furthermore, under the Aboriginal Workplace Partnerships Initiatives we have formalized partnerships with local governments, influential businesses, and trade unions to promote the employment of an Aboriginal labour force.

I am especially proud of the agreements that have been signed in the last several months with Siemens Canada Limited in Saskatoon, the City of Edmonton, the Calgary Health Region, the Nova Scotia Nurses Union, and the Nova Scotia Trucking Human Resources Council. All of these agreements will bolster the number of employment opportunities available to Aboriginal people.

To give you another example, this government allocated $300 million in Budget 2007 for the establishment of the First Nations Market Housing Fund. This fund will enableFirst Nation families and individuals to purchase, build and renovate on-reserve housing that meets their specific needs and tastes.

The program is expected to help finance the development of approximately 25,000 new housing units over the next 10 years, but the First Nations Market Housing Fund will not only encourage housing development. It will also help First Nation people living on reserve to obtain bank loans, build equity and generate wealth through home ownership.

Third, there is a desperate need to address the existing approach to the resolution of Aboriginal land claims.

I am happy to point to some recent successes. The Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement, for instance, was signed in December last year, resolving this country’s last major Inuit land claim. Bill C-51, ratifying this Agreement, has recently been introduced in this House. And last year three treaties were initialed with First Nations in British Columbia, the first to be initialed under the British Columbia Treaty Process.

But more, much more, needs to be done. I know that members of this Committee are eager to hear about our plans to address the current untenable situation presented by the specific claims process. Although I am not in a position to elaborate at this time, I am pleased to note that we intend to announce a new approach to the resolution of this long-standing issue.

Fourth, we must work to enable the participation of Aboriginal people in major resource development opportunities. The close proximity of many First Nation communities to resource development projects presents excellent opportunities for them to participate in these projects in a meaningful manner, and to share in the social and economic benefits that are generated by these initiatives.

For instance, this government recently passed regulations under the First Nations Commercial Industrial Development Act that will enable the Fort McKay First Nation, in partnership with Shell Canada Limited, to develop a multi-billion dollar oil sands mine in Northern Alberta. This project will attract investors from around the world and create hundreds of meaningful, well-paying jobs for community residents.

And we have also dedicated $500 million to the Mackenzie Valley Socio-Economic Impact Fund. Committed in Budget 2006, this Fund will assist those communities whose development is affected by the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project, should the Project proceed.

And fifth, we must continue to address the legacy of Residential Schools.

I am pleased to report to this Committee that the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement has received final Court approval. Now, former students and their families must choose whether to stay in the agreement or remove themselves from it. All parties to this historic agreement have agreed it is a fair resolution to the sad legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

Canada's New Government recognizes the importance of achieving fair and lasting resolution to the Indian Residential Schools legacy, and moving forward in partnership with Aboriginal communities across Canada. That is why we supported the motion for the House of Commons to apologize for the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

We are moving toward the implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, potentially as early as September of this year. In particular, we look forward to the important work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which is an element of this historic agreement and will provide a complete historic record of the unfortunate legacy of the Indian Residential Schools.

My department is not only responsible for First Nation, Inuit and Northern issues, but I am also Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. My officials work with Métis, Non-Status Indians and urban Aboriginal people in order to assist them in realizing their full economic and social potential.

In this capacity, I announced a refocused Urban Aboriginal Strategy earlier this month that concentrates on job training and entrepreneurship for the nearly 50 percent of Aboriginal people who live in cities and towns across the country.

The strategy unites federal, provincial, municipal governments as well as Aboriginal and community organizations, and invests $68.5 million over five years to improve life and employment skills, promote entrepreneurship, and provide support to Aboriginal women, children and families.

Mr. Chairman, you and your colleagues are quite aware that the North is an important part of my mandate. Canada’s New Government is committed to working with Canada’s three northern territories to develop the North’s natural resources, and create jobs and prosperity for Northerners and indeed for all Canadians.

The North holds a significant percentage of Canada’s energy resources.  These represent an immense opportunity for exploration and development investment for generations to come. Resource-based projects in the North, including diamond mining and oil and gas exploration, have contributed to increased economic growth in the North over past few years.

This economic growth, besides being the means of improving quality of life for Northerners, also serves to bolster Canadian sovereignty in the North, raising the profile of Canada as an Arctic nation. We must do what we can to ensure that the current boom in the North continues, to the benefit of Northerners and other Canadians alike.

International Polar 2007-2008, which was launched on March 1st, will be another enabler of growth and development in the North. We expect that the research by Canadian and international scientists funded through the International Polar Year program will lead to new knowledge and environmental, health and economic benefits to Canadians in the North, and across our nation.

The two key themes for International Polar Year science – climate change impacts and adaptation, and the health and well-being of Northern communities – will be important to many nations, given the global effects of climate change.

In closing, I feel it is essential to note that while funding is a crucial element in the success of our programs and initiatives, it is not the only significant factor.  I have said before that simply continuing to fund existing programs without considering their validity or efficiency is not good enough. We must continue to consider whether the means by which we currently deliver services is truly producing the best results for Aboriginal people and Northerners.

The funding provided in the Main Estimates is essential to maintain and advance programs to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people and Northerners.

I welcome any questions or comments you may have.

Click here for the INAC Estimates web page

May 29th

Post-Secondary Scholarships - Annual AFN's Heros of Our Time awards

AFN's HEROS OF OUR TIME SCHOLARSHIPS

Deadline for applications: June 21

Click here fore the Application Booklet

Background:

Since 1988/1989 the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has sponsored the Heros of OUr Time scholarships to recognize the hard work, dedication and academic achievements of Aboriginal post-secondary education students who demonstrate excellence in their educational development. The scholarships are now divided into EIGHT categories that represent eight First Nation heroes and academic disciplines, each with a value of $2,000.

The Heros of Our Time scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for the AFN to acknowledge and celebrate the success of Aboriginal students in achieving their educational goals. It gives us great satisfaction to know that we are helping those who hold the future of First Nations in their hands.

The Awards:

  • Jake Fire Award - CRIMINOLOGY
  • Tommy Prince Award - NATIVE STUDIES
  • Walter Dieter Award - SOCIAL WORK
  • Omer Peters Award - POLITICAL SCIENCE
  • Robert Smallboy Award - MEDICINE
  • James Gosnell Award - LAW
  • John Young Award - SCIENCE
  • Doctor Freda Ahenakew Award - EDUCATION

May 28th

First Nations challenge INAC to address education funding shortfalls for schools

The following press release from the First Nations Education Council in Quebec addresses many of the same challenges facing First Nation schools across the country. Another shortfall facing First Nation secondary schools is the outdated formula funding only addressing the needs of community elementary schools and not taking into account the additional demands for providing an adequate secondary school program in the First Nations (ie. counselling services, accreditation, etc).

Press Release ...

FNEC challenges Prentice to solve long-term issues in First Nations education

     OTTAWA, May 28 /CNW Telbec/ - The First Nations Education Council (FNEC) is today embarking on a huge communications and public relations campaign designed to make the public aware of the realities of funding for First Nations schools and influence the federal government. Today, the FNEC along with a number of Quebec First Nations Chiefs, are urging the federal government to take another look at funding for First Nations schools, which are at a severe disadvantage when compared to the other schools in the province. "Our schools are attempting to survive with an outdated funding formula that has hardly changed in the last twenty years. This situation is unacceptable and intolerable." stated the Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, Ghislain Picard, at a press conference held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

     On the eve of the appearance of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Jim Prentice, before the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Quebec First Nations have been expressing their major concerns on funding and reiterating that it does not correspond to real costs or reflect First Nations needs. "How can we possibly fight against the high dropout rate when we have nothing for sports programs, nothing for vocational training and nothing to buy books with?" continued Chief Picard.

     Lise Bastien, Director of the First Nations Education Council, recalled that numerous studies confirm that the funding formula used by the federal government since 1988 is outdated and fails to meet current needs in education. "For years, the government has been telling us that they are revising these programs. This answer is unsatisfactory. Time has come to take action in order to offer essential services in First Nations schools as of September 2007," she stated.

     The First Nations funding formula was drawn up in 1988. Some of the costs it ignores are:

  • Costs connected with the integration of technology in schools.
  • Costs connected with running libraries in schools.
  • Costs connected to vocational training.
  • Costs connected to extracurricular sports and recreation.
  • Costs connected to following provincial reforms, which have considerable impact on the curriculum, teaching hours and support measures such as homework assistance, etc.

     In addition, funding of First Nations schools has not been indexed since 1996.

     Lastly, unlike all the provinces have done, the federal government has never invested to equip First Nations with modern management systems. "Its refusal to provide First Nations with the resources to access quality education means that the Government of Canada is deliberately closing the door on their future," concluded Ghislain Picard.

     Should you wish to receive further information, we invite you to visit our Web site, at www.avenir-future.com.

     The FNEC is a non-profit organization, which defends First Nations interests in the field of education.

-30-

/For further information: Lise Bastien, FNEC Director, (418) 842-7672; For requests for interview, please contact: Alain Garon, (418) 956-5720; Source: Eric Cardinal, Communications advisor, (450) 638-5159, Cell: (514) 258-2315/

FNIHB Ont Region announce health funding programs for First Nations

Letter from FNIHB Ontario Region Director ...

UPDATE UPSTREAM INVESTMENT PROGRAMS 2007/08

To: All Ontario Chiefs, PTO Health Directors, Tribal Councils

Ontario Region has received the Upstream resources for fiscal year 2007/08 for the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI), Maternal/Child Health (MCH) and National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy (NAYSPS). This means that, to date, we have received $8.3M to implement these programs inclusive of the $1.M to establish a comprehensive cross-training package for the communities, as well as establishing a comprehensive Training Advisory Committee.

The Upstream Investment allocation of $7.3M will be distributed in accordance with the recommendations presented at the Chiefs Health Forum/SCA Meeting held on February 28th and March 1st, 2007. The implementation and communications for the rollout of the Upstream Investment programs in accordance with the recommendations will be provided at a June 26-27, 2007 meeting, to be held in London, Ontario. Once arrangements have been finalized with the hotel, details will be provided to all communities, Tribal Councils and Regional Authorities. Communities will be resourced to send a maximum of three (3) representatives as the ADI, MCH and NAYSPS sessions will be held simultaneosly. These representatives will be the contacts responsible at the community level for completing workplans and other reports in the three (3) upstream program areas (ADL, MCH and NAYSPS).

Implementation of the Upstream programs, at the community level, should begin between July and August, 2007 once the workplans have been received from the Communities with a full fiscal year allocation being provided for the applicable programs. Funding guidelines/criteria, and workplan templates will be provided to the First Nations at the June workplan meeting.

The ADI program will be implemented universally with the Region, and the individual communities who wish to maintain prior year relationships with Organizations must negotiate these arrangements internally, within the allocation provided.

The MCH program will be made available to those communities where the number of children aged 0 to 6 years plus the number of pregnant wormen (prenatal) is at least sixty (60). Communities can meet these criteria either individually or by working together, for example, through a tribal council or health service organization. Those communities not meeting the MCH program criteria may be approved for a funding enhancement to the existing ECD allocation. More specific information concerning the MCH program will be sent prior to the June meeting.

The NAYSPS program will be implemented by a proposal driven process for individual communities up to a maximum of $150K and up to a maximum of $300K for multi community initiatives through Tribal Areas or Regional Authorities. Templates for the proposals will be developed and provided at the June Workshop. Criteria for the proposals will be as presented at the Chiefs Health Forum/SCA.

If you or your staff have questions on this matter, please feel free to contact:

  • Renee Crompton ADI 613-954-5699
  • Nicolette Kaszor MCH 807-343-5360
  • Lynda Roberts NAYSPS 807-343-5357

At this time, we would to thank the Advisory Committee Members for their participation in forming and presenting the recommendations at the Chiefs Health Forum/SCA held on February 28 - March 1, 2007. We will be asking the Advisory Committees will remain in place for fiscal year 2007/08 to assist in the review and preparation of the documents for the implementation of the initiatives.

Donna Barnaby
Director, Governance, Community Programs & Southern Operations
May 24, 2007

APTN supporting the production of five Aboriginal music videos

APTN Press Release ...

APTN Has Five Music Videos Up For Grabs

May 25, 2007

The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) has $100,000 to spend on the production of five music videos for Aboriginal recording artists from across Canada; that’s $20,000 a pop. The money will go towards production costs along with travel to Toronto, where all the videos will be shot. In order to be considered for the funding artists need to complete the application form and submit support materials by the June 30, 2007 deadline.

The final decisions will be made by the APTN programming staff, based on the strength of the application and the talent demonstrated in the music.

If you’re interested in sending in a song, here are a couple of things to consider:

  • You don't need to submit a creative treatment for your proposed music video because APTN will assign an executive producer in Toronto for your project if you win;
  • If you have already released a music video, APTN will still consider your submissions as they are hoping to come out of the project with five great music videos from five great recording artists or bands; and,
  • Once the video is completed, APTN will require the copyright holders of the music to give them the rights to broadcast the video on their station and the Internet AND the artists may ask APTN for the rights to send the music video to other television networks, like Much Music, CMT, MTV, etc...

The details are included in the GUIDELINES and APPLICATION forms, but the basics are:

DEADLINE: June 30, 2007

AMOUNT: up to $20,000 per artist/group for production costs

FOR: One song on a current CD or a CD that is soon to be released

INFORMATION: Rebecca Morris + Tel: 888.278.8862, ext. 234 + E: rmorris@aptn.ca.

You can also visit the APTN Open Call website for more information: www.aptn.ca/opencall2007/

Please feel free to contact the Aboriginal Music Program Coordinator if you live in Manitoba and you need help completing your submission.

Alan Greyeyes
Aboriginal Music Program Coordinator
T: 204.975.0284
E: alan@manitobamusic.com

May 27th

Climate change and health of the Inuit research supported by new funding for ArcticNet

Press release ...

Click here to visit the ArcticNet web site for more information

Circumpolar Nations Join Canada in Creating an Alliance of Arctic Research Networks

QUEBEC, May 25 - Arctic research networks from Russia, Norway, France and the United States are taking part in a Canadian-led initiative that will provide the most comprehensive picture yet of the impact of climate change on the entire Arctic region.

The ArcticNet Network of Centres of Excellence has been awarded $815,000 in new funding by the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) to create an international alliance of Arctic research networks, where scientists will share technical expertise and data on the region of the world most affected by climate change.

"We cannot get an accurate sense of the circumpolar scale changes happening in the Arctic by limiting ourselves to studying just the Canadian Arctic. Whether it's the Canadians, Americans or others, we all need an Arctic synthesis of what's going on. By focusing on only the Canadian Arctic, we miss half the picture," says Dr. Louis Fortier, Scientific Director of ArcticNet.

The international alliance of research networks will produce the intelligence Canada needs to respond to major Arctic issues moving to the forefront of the country's agenda, including the health of Inuit, intercontinental shipping, national sovereignty and oil and gas development.

Inuit collaborators from around the world will play a major role in the new International Partnership Initiative. Funds will help ArcticNet's Inuit partners to attend international meetings in Canada and abroad. "This initiative will provide the opportunity to enhance linkages with the best Centres of excellence in the rest of the world, improving not only ArcticNet's network, but also circumpolar Inuit networking capabilities on an international level," said Duane Smith, President, Inuit Circumpolar Council (Canada) and Mary Simon, President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

Through the funding of a new international Ph.D. School and a major international Arctic meeting in 2008, a key goal of this Canadian-led initiative is to help train a new generation of Arctic scientists who are highly skilled, internationally connected and comfortable working in multidisciplinary teams with researchers from the health, social and natural sciences.

"These young trainees, whether they are masters, Ph.Ds or post-doctoral fellows, are already forming the next international network of scientists. They are getting to know each other, work together in the field, and share ideas at scientific meetings all over the world," adds Dr. Fortier.

In 2007 and 2008, ArcticNet investigators and students will work aboard a Russian icebreaker in the Siberian Sea, effectively doubling their access to the Arctic Ocean. Their partnership with the Russia-led Nansen-Amundsen Basin Observational System (NABOS) Network represents one of the most active and promising international collaborations in Arctic geography.

The partnership with NABOS will also give Canadian investigators privileged access to data from that network's Long-Term Oceanic Observatory, which records temperature, salinity, water velocity/direction and ice draft in the Siberian Arctic Ocean. As well, ArcticNet and NABOS, along with Norway's ARCTOS Network and France's DAMOCLES Network, are coordinating their oceanic observatories into a network that will provide an unprecedented view of the peripheral circulation that dictates the oceanic heat balance in the Arctic Basin.

"Thanks to a forward-looking investment by the Government of Canada, we are connecting with foreign networks which have the means to access the rest of the Arctic Ocean," adds Dr. Fortier. "Not only are we now taking our due place in an international network of networks, we're taking the leadership on it."

Networks of Centres of Excellence are unique partnerships among universities, industry, government and not-for-profit organizations aimed at turning Canadian research and entrepreneurial talent into economic and social benefits for all Canadians.

ArcticNet brings together scientists in the natural, human health and social sciences and decision makers with their partners in Inuit organizations, northern communities, government and industry to help Canadians face the impacts and opportunities of climate change and globalization in the Arctic. Over 110 ArcticNet researchers and 300 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research associates and technicians from 28 Canadian universities and five Federal departments collaborate on thirty research projects with more than 100 partner organizations from Canada, the USA, Japan, Denmark, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Russia, Greenland and France.

For further information: Martin Fortier, Executive Director, ArcticNet, (418) 656-5830, www.arcticnet.ulaval.ca

Web profile: Canadian Women's Community Economic Development Council (CWCEDC)

News update ...

The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women announced a $302,204 grant to the Canadian Women's Community Economic Development Council (CWCEDC) to help increase employment opportunities for low-income women, benefiting not only the participants themselves, but also their families and their communities. (see press release below)

Visit http://www.cwcedc-cpdecf.org to learn more about the CWCEDC.

From their web site ...

The Canadian Women’s Community Economic Development Council (CWCEDC) was founded in 2002 to advance women-centred community economic development as a means of reducing poverty and improving the lives of women, their families and communities.

We do so by: 

  • increasing the awareness of the effectiveness of holistic, women-centred CED
  • researching and documenting issues, trends and outcomes of the diversity and spectrum of women-centred CED, and
  • strengthening women-centred CED sector and organizations

We actively participate in, present research findings and address policy issues at social policy forums, round tables and consultations.

The CWCEDC is a nationally incorporated not-for-profit organization of women community economic development practitioners.

Community Economic Development (CED) is local economic development that is focussed on people, employment, self-employment, inclusion and sustainability. Its goal is to provide meaningful work for all, at a level of income that provides a secure livelihood, in jobs that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

Contact Information:

Canadian Women’s Community Economic Development Council
110-105 May Street, North
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7C 3N9
Tel:    807.625.0328
Fax:   807.625.0317

info@cwcedc-cpdecf.org

Government Press Release ...

Federal Government Supports Projects to Improve the Quality of Life for Women in Thunder Bay and the Robinson Superior Treaty Area

THUNDER BAY, ON, May 26 - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, today announced three grants to the following local organizations:

- $302,204 to the Canadian Women's Community Economic Development Council (CWCEDC);
- $65,000 to the Waabi-ma'iingan Traditional Teaching Lodge (Grey Wolf); and
- $50,554 to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario (EFSNWO).

"Canada's New Government is proud to support these initiatives, which take concrete action to address the economic security of women in their communities and help Aboriginal women to overcome the challenges they may face," said Minister Oda. "The CWCEDC project will help increase employment opportunities for low-income women, benefiting not only the participants themselves, but also their families and their communities. The joint project of the Robinson Superior Treaty Women's Council and the Waabi-ma'iingan Traditional Teaching Lodge project will empower Aboriginal women of the Robinson Superior Treaty Area and enable them to participate more fully in their communities. And the Elizabeth Fry project will help women in Thunder Bay, particularly Aboriginal women, to break the cycle of crime and imprisonment."

"Our project will help women-centred community economic development organizations to increase their market share and their capacity to innovate and create additional employment for grassroots women in communities across Canada," said Ms. Rosalind Lockyer, President of CWCEDC.

The CWCEDC is a nationally incorporated not-for-profit organization of women community economic development practitioners working to advance women-centred community economic development as a means of reducing poverty and improving the lives of women, their families and communities. The funding supports the project Tools for Sustainability for Women-Centred Community Economic Development.

"The Robinson Superior Treaty Women's Council - Waabi-ma'iingan (Grey Wolf) Traditional Teaching Lodge project - Kitchen Table Tour: Phase 2 - will facilitate 21 community gatherings of Aboriginal women in the Robinson Superior Treaty Area. As well as sharing traditional teachings and wisdom, participants will be empowered to create community action plans and regional skills and resource inventories," said Corporation President Norma Fawcett.

The Kitchen Table Tour: Phase 2 is a seven-month joint project of the Waabi-ma'iingan Traditional Teaching Lodge (Grey Wolf) and the Robinson Superior Treaty Women's Council (RSTWC). Created to preserve and promote traditional teachings and language, Grey Wolf is currently working with Robinson Superior communities to develop an accountability framework based on the "clan governing system." The RSTWC works with Grey Wolf to empower local Aboriginal women in all aspects of their lives.

Ms. Alice Marie Taylor, EFSNWO Board President, said, "Working for Change offers six inter-related pilot projects that test approaches to assisting women who come into conflict with the law, many of whom have faced major barriers and systemic disadvantages in their lives."

The EFSNWO is one of 10 Elizabeth Fry Societies in Ontario. Through their professional staff and volunteers, they provide programs and services, such as counselling, financial assistance, accommodation, court assistance and emotional support, from the time a woman is arrested through to her discharge and return to the community. The new funding supports Working for Change, a project geared to Thunder Bay-area women in conflict with the law, 90% of Aboriginal descent.

Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and cultural life of Canada.

Visit Status of Women Canada's Web site at http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/.

For further information: Véronique Bruneau, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, (819) 997-7788; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director of Communications, Status of Women Canada, (613) 995-7839; This release is also available on the Status of Women Canada Web site: http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.