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Thirteen students participated in Oshki-Pimache-O-Win's first graduation ceremonies on Friday, September 7. Three different programs had successful graduates completing all the program requirements. The programs included General Educational Development (GED), First Nations Business Administration and Aboriginal Community Services Worker.

The entire graduation ceremony was webcast and is now archived. Click here to view video archived graduation ceremony.

National Chief Phil Fontaine appeals to everyone to send a message to the Canadian government to change their position opposing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that will be voted on this week. Below is the National Chiefs' public appeal as well a global petition organized by the Grand Council of the Crees and Amnesty International Canada in support of the Declaration. Please consider signing the petition ...

Assembly of First Nations
To: All First Nations Chiefs of Canada

Ontario Power Authority press release ...

Remote Ontario First Nation Communities get first Energy Conservation Kits
7/9/07

INAC press release ... 

Canada's government supports Northern Ontario Aboriginal tourism centre

     CONSTANCE LAKE FIRST NATION, ON, Sept. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor congratulate the Constance Lake First Nation on the opening of its $12 million Eagle's Earth Cree and Ojibway Historical Centre.

From London Free Press ...

Help for disabled, natives pledged - Ontario's new lieutenant-governor urged the public to lend a helping hand.
MICHAEL OLIVEIRA - September 6, 2007

TORONTO -- Challenges faced by the disabled in Ontario will get more attention and a new program will soon be launched to give a high-tech education to every aboriginal child in the northern part of the province, the new lieutenant-governor pledged yesterday.

INAC press release ...

Government Congratulates Aroland First Nation On New School Opening

AROLAND FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (September 5, 2007) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today congratulated the Aroland First Nation on the opening of the Johnny Therriault School.

"Canada's Government believes that First Nations youth deserve the best possible facilities in which to learn and thrive," said Minister Strahl. "We are proud to ensure First Nation youth can attend healthy and safe schools that measure up to standards in other parts of the country."

Aroland First Nation Chief Sam Kashkeesh said the new school will improve the educational outcomes for the community’s students. “The school represents hope for our young people, who will one day be our leaders.”

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada provided approximately $8 million for the new school. The 1,760 square-metre facility will house Kindergarten to Grade 8 classrooms to accommodate up to 120 students and has a full gymnasium. Construction began on the school in October 2005.

Canada's Government continues to make investments in education facilities across Canada. This commitment improves learning environments through funding and support for construction, expansion, renovation, repair, design, and planning. It also provides annual operation and maintenance funding.

The Aroland First Nation is located 400 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario, with a membership of approximately 594. The community is accessible by road year round.

For further information please contact:

Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

Linda Britt
A/Communications Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(807) 624-1559

Stephanie Ash
Communications Officer
Aroland First Nation
(807) 767-4443

Ministry of Northern Development and Mines News Release ...

Ontario Supports Development Of Aboriginal Training Centre - New Facility Would Help Prepare Young People For Forestry Sector Jobs

September 05, 2007

SUDBURY – The McGuinty government is promoting career development among Aboriginal youth in Northwestern Ontario by investing in a training centre at Pikangikum First Nation, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today.

“Our government is committed to fostering new economic development opportunities in small communities across Northern Ontario,” said Bartolucci, who also chairs the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). “This NOHFC investment will help the Pikangikum First Nation pursue partnerships that would support the establishment of a new forestry training facility for young people in the region.”

The NOHFC is providing $48,550 to Pikangikum First Nation for the next phase of its Whitefeather Forest Teaching and Training Centre project, which includes securing partnership arrangements and completing an implementation plan to support the launch of a new forestry training facility for Aboriginal youth. The Pikangikum First Nation is working with the Ontario government to obtain commercial forestry tenure and stewardship responsibilities on a portion of the community’s traditional land use area known as the Whitefeather Forest. The establishment of a training centre would prepare young people for new employment opportunities in forestry sector and value-added manufacturing jobs.

“Our government is committed to building strong partnerships with First Nation communities in the province’s Far North,” said David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. “The development of a new training centre would prepare local youth for new jobs in their region and enhance the community’s efforts toward self-sufficiency.”

Other McGuinty government initiatives in support of northern prosperity include:

• Investing more than $13.8 million to date, from the NOHFC, to provide internships and work placements to help some 730 young northerners launch their careers in the North
• Investing nearly $640,000 in a mining training program for Aboriginal youth in Northwestern Ontario
• Refocusing the NOHFC’s Emerging Technology Program to help bring broadband Internet to most of the North within three years and continue with cellular service expansion.

These initiatives are part of the government’s Northern Prosperity Plan for building stronger northern communities. The Northern Prosperity Plan has four pillars: Strengthening the North and its Communities; Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally; and Providing Opportunities for All.

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Contacts:

Michel Lavoie
MNDM/NOHFC – Sudbury
(705) 564-7125

Ministry of Northern Development and Mines News Release ...

Ontario Funds Youth Entrepreneurial Experience Project - Program Will Require Students To Develop And Launch A Business Idea

September 05, 2007

SUDBURY – Aboriginal students can now participate in a pilot educational program focused on providing entrepreneurial experience, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today.

“With its emphasis on practical experience with mentors who are successful business professionals, this program holds much promise for young, aspiring entrepreneurs from remote First Nations,” said Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro. “Moreover, the program will be delivered in an environment in which students are encouraged to develop a strong sense of identity in the distinct language, culture and traditions of Aboriginal people.”

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) will invest $75,000 to assist with the development of Entrepreneurship: The Venture program at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School in Thunder Bay. The program, designed specifically for youth living in remote First Nations, will provide innovative hands-on activities, motivational speakers, business mentors and role models as well as insights into business theory and practice. The key element of this program will be the requirement for each student to develop and launch his or her own enterprise.

This project is in keeping with recently released recommendations of a Northern Development Council consultation that identified new training opportunities for Aboriginal youth as an important element of keeping young people in the North.

“The future of Northern Ontario lies in the talents, skills and creativity of its youth,” said Bartolucci, who also chairs the NOHFC “Our government is empowering young Aboriginal students by supporting a program that will develop their entrepreneurial skills.”

This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results for northern youth. Other examples include:

• Providing more than $2.3 million to date, through the Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneur Program, to help some 105 young people start their own business
• Holding consultations on approaches to stem out-migration of youth from the North, hosted by the Northern Development Councils
• Providing valuable on-the-job training and experience through the NOHFC’s Northern Ontario Youth Internship and Co-op Program.

These initiatives are part of the government’s Northern Prosperity Plan for building stronger northern communities. It has four pillars: Strengthening the North and its Communities; Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally; and Providing Opportunities for All.

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Contacts:

Michel Lavoie
MNDM/NOHFC – Sudbury
(705) 564-7125

MNDM News Release ...
September 04, 2007 
  
Ontario Invests Over $17 Million In Northern Telecom Expansion - Projects Enhance Economic Opportunities And Quality Of Life Across North

SUDBURY – McGuinty government investments in cellular telephone and broadband Internet services will deliver new opportunities for community growth and a better quality of life for northerners, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today. 

“Our communities need access to reliable telecommunications infrastructure that will allow them to share in the benefits of modern technology,” said Bartolucci, who also chairs the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).  “By expanding services to many more northern communities, these projects open up possibilities in education, health care, culture and business.”

The NOHFC is providing $17.4 million in support of 12 projects that will enhance telecommunications infrastructure across the North.  The projects will provide almost continuous cellular coverage along major highways from Sault Ste. Marie to the Manitoba border and deliver almost complete broadband coverage within that area.  In addition, they will extend coverage to hard-to-service locations such as the James Bay Coast and the remote Far North.  In all, the residents of more than 130 northern communities will benefit from new and enhanced services.  

“These improvements will greatly enhance the lives of residents in affected northern communities by providing them with access to a whole new range of products, services, information and activities,” said Bartolucci.  “The expansion of telecommunications infrastructure will help ensure that all northerners have an opportunity to participate in the global information society.”

Today’s investment is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results in the North.  Other examples include:

• Contributing $250,000 to help Algoma University College establish a computer gaming technology centre on campus
• Investing $2.5 million over four years in the production of Météo Plus, a new television series to be filmed and produced in the Sudbury area
• Providing $67,500 to Geraldton Community Forest Inc. to do preparatory work for an online interactive mapping application that will provide users with a comprehensive view of all the tourism values, natural features and recreational activities Northern Ontario has to offer.

These initiatives are part of the government’s Northern Prosperity Plan for building stronger northern communities. The plan has four pillars: Strengthening the North and its Communities; Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally; and Providing Opportunities for All.

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Backgrounder
NEW CELLULAR AND BROADBAND INVESTMENTS IN THE NORTH

Twelve new projects will deliver expanded telecommunications services to the residents of more than 130 communities throughout Northern Ontario.

Under its Public Sector Emerging Technology program, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation is investing in the following 10 proposals from partnerships and alliances of municipalities, private sector businesses and organizations, federal government and other government-related agencies: 

• The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre:

- $1,650,000 to build on a partnership with Thunder Bay Telephone and FedNor to enhance services for more than 1,000 customers along 210 kilometres of highway in the Red Lake area
- $967,000 to extend and enhance services to residents along Highway 17 west from Thunder Bay to Vermillion Bay and from Thunder Bay south to the U.S. border
- $2,500,000 to provide broadband and telecommunications services to 37 communities and enhance services to another 28 communities along 1,100 kilometres of highways 11, 71 and 17
- $3,400,000 to implement enhanced cellular telephone services affecting up to 11,000 residents in more than 20 communities along 360 kilometres of Highway 17 between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie

• City of Kenora – $1,913,847 to expand cellular coverage to the communities of Minaki, Redditt, Whitedog First Nation, Wauzhushik Onigum First Nation and Pine, and to provide high speed wireless Internet service in the currently unserved communities of Sunnyside, Blindfold Lake, Echo Bay and Black Sturgeon East

• Rainy River Future Development Corporation – $2,500,000 to complete gaps in cellular and broadband Internet services along Highway 11 in the Rainy River-to-Shabaqua area

• Town of Cochrane – $113,423, in conjunction with Cochrane Telecom Services, to offer services to 57 occupied lots in the Silver Queen Lake area of the municipality

• K-Net Services, through Keewaytinook Okimakanak Northern Chiefs Council –  $1,000,000 construct and pilot a cellular demonstration telecommunications infrastructure initiative in Keewaywin and Weagamow First Nations

• Mushkegowuk Council –  $1,000,000 to bring high-speed Internet connectivity to Attawapiskat, Kashechewan and Fort Albany

• Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation –  $331,615 to increase access to high speed Internet in Ardbeg, Bayfield Inlet, Bear Lake, Carling Township, Dokis, Marten River, Nobel, Otter, Pointe Au Baril, Shawanaga and Tilden Lake

The NOHFC’s Infrastructure and Community Development program will assist two projects that rely on effective partnerships to create jobs and improve economic prospects in the North through improvements to infrastructure.  Contributions include:

• $1,000,000 to the recently formed Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission to assist in the development of the Whalen Information and Communications Technology cluster in Thunder Bay’s downtown north core, an effort that is expected to attract inbound sectoral investment around the city-owned Whalen building

• $1,000,000 to Confederation College’s Advanced Technology for Learning Project (the Learning Commons) to produce learning spaces and electronic access across the region in support of the NOHFC’s investment in expanded northern broadband capacity.

A vital component of the Northern Prosperity Plan, the NOHFC works through six unique programs to foster private sector job creation while supporting critical infrastructure and community development projects that build a foundation for future economic growth and enhanced quality of life.

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Contacts:

Ron St. Louis
Communications Services Branch
MNDM – Sudbury
(705) 564-7120

Wendy Parker
Communications Services Branch
MNDM – Toronto
(416) 327-0620

Randy McAllister
Northern Development Advisor
MNDM – Thunder Bay
(807) 475-1210

www.nohfc.com

Request for Proposals

HOSTING OF THE 5TH ANNUAL YOUTH SYMPOSIUM ENVIRONMENT

The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC) is mandated to host an annual youth symposium and is an excellent opportunity for youth to network and learn from one another regarding issues they face.  The theme for the 2007 Youth Symposium will focus on the Environment. 

Interested First Nations youth groups in Nishnawbe Aski Nation are encouraged to submit a written proposal to bid for hosting the 5th Annual Youth Symposium.  In an effort to assist with bid submissions, the attached background information on OFNYPC and its past symposiums is attached for further review.  

Request for Proposal (RFP)

A written proposal should include the following information:

Host Information

1. Statement of Interest; please include why your youth group is interested in hosting the symposium, and what assets and strengths your youth group and host community will contribute to the annual symposium (please limit statement of interest to 250 words).
2. Name, description and location of the youth group and community bidding to host the conference. 
3. Letter of support and/or resolution from Chief and Band Council approving the youth group to make the bid.
4. Name and key contact information of the youth group.  To assist with the communication process, the lead contact and group must have access to telephone, fax, email including MSN or AOL Instant Messages.  The proposal must clearly demonstrate that the youth leader and group must have suitable qualifications as well as a strong commitment to devote time and effort to help plan for the annual symposium.
5. Names and contact numbers of the Host Community Planning Committee.
6. Name and contact of key finance persons responsible to manage the contract agreement i.e. financial arrangements for the symposium.
7. The conference must be held by the end of March 31st, 2008.  The date of the symposium is suggested for the last week of February 2008. Alternative dates may be considered to accommodate the host community.
8. A description of the conference planning details including a proposed agenda, suggested workshops and environment related events. 
9. Description of host group ability to contribute financially and in kind to the symposium. Will the host group set aside funds or fundraise to contribute to the symposium?
10. Description of a plan for Elders’ support for the duration of the symposium.
11. Conference planning must consider the diversity of all First Nations in Ontario.
12. All conference details are subject to OFNYPC approval.

Site Information

Description of the conference site requirements must include:

• Capacity for 300 youth delegates and at least 10 presenters;
• Multiple meeting rooms for plenary and breakout sessions;
• Good lighting, heating and access to electrical outlets at facilities;
• A list of accommodations available, public and private;
• Room rates and conference rate discounts if available;
• Description of accommodations and bathroom facilities;
• Description of kitchen, dining, cafeteria, and banquet facilities and/or other areas for meals;
• Shuttle and ground transportation services;
• List of youth volunteers and community supporters;
• Distance from accommodations to conference site;
• Logistics, map, and history of the community; 
• List of security and protection services;
• A good sound system with microphones;
• Proposed budget: please prepare a budget that includes accommodation, meals, meeting rooms, equipment, security, cleaning and setting up costs, ground transportation, and any other costs included with hosting the symposium

Local Resources Available

1. A description of area resources that can be tapped into for the environment related events;
2. A description of cultural and traditional activities, inclusive and mindful of the diversity of First Nations cultures, traditions and languages in Ontario; please include a listing of 5 workshops you think should be essential in the conference agenda. OFNYPC will approve final agenda.
3. Community catering services to provide healthy and wholesome meals snacks including traditional foods, a meal plan must be submitted and OFNYPC must approve final bid;
4. A clean ground site to host a sacred fire and or sacred rituals or customary practices;
5. Emergency and medical services;
6. Description of 3-5 local attractions to be used as possible entertainment sites-must be drug and alcohol free;
7. Traditional and cultural activities and other healthy recreational sporting events;
8. Interpreters and translations service a definite asset;
9. Local traditional knowledge practitioners knowledgeable on environment issues.

Proposals must be submitted by September 30th, 2007

The proposals will be reviewed and approved by October 7th 2007 and notification will be made shortly thereafter in order that the successful youth group can proceed with conference planning with the OFNYPC Coordinator. Upon preliminary selection, a site visit may be arranged. 

To be considered as conference site host, please submit proposal to:
 
Laura Calm-Wind
Chiefs of Ontario – Youth Coordinator

Chiefs of Ontario (Thunder Bay Office)
RR#4, Suite 101 Anemki Dr.
Fort William First Nations Office Complex
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7J 1A5
Tel: (807) 626-9339    Fax: (807) 626-9404
laura@coo.org

Website: www.chiefs-of-ontario.org

Click here for all the background information about previous gatherings