Media.Knet.Ca

Margaret Angeconeb, from Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre, reports ... We are purchasing 10 phraselator units (7 to go to our Immersion schools, and 3 for our Centre).

From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2007/01/18/language-device.html

First Nation uses translation machine to save language
January 18, 2007 - CBC News

A translation device developed for the U.S. military after the Sept. 11 attacks is helping an Alberta First Nation and other aboriginal groups across North America preserve their languages.

The Phraselator (http://www.phrasalator.com/products.aspx), used by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, translates English phrases into the language chosen by the user. The hand-held device, about 10 by 18 centimetres, is programmed with thousands of phrases deemed to be useful in a specific situation.

When a person speaks English, it repeats the phrase in the programmed language.

A teacher at the Siksika First Nation just east of Calgary said young people in particular could be helped by the device.

"Siksika is one of the languages that is decreasing. It's not being taught at home anymore," said Herman Yellowoldwoman. "The only people that are teaching the language are the schools, and very little is being taught at home."

Developed by VoxTec International of Maryland for military use in Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001, it has now been adopted by U.S. law-enforcement organizations and aboriginal groups.

Thornton Media of California, owned by an American Indian, has worked with more than 40 tribes in the U.S. and Canada to help them control their own language destiny, the company website said.

"If your kids aren't learning the language, it doesn't matter how many speakers you have. If your kids aren't learning it, then your language is in trouble," Don Thornton said.

Most Siksika speakers older 

On the Siksika reserve, about 40 per cent of residents are fluent in the language, but most of them are over 45. Yellowoldwoman said even teachers have a hard time giving lessons to students.

"One of the biggest things is the sounds. When you write and read the Siksika language, the sound is not correct. And the only way they can ever get the correct sound is by listening."

The Phraselator has the sounds. And the machine can be programmed.

"You can also enter songs or words," Thornton said. On its website, Thornton Media promises the hardware, software and training so users can program "in YOUR language" — at $3,300 US a unit.

On the Siksika reserve, teachers want to use the tool one on one with students. They like the idea.

"It's [the language] a very important part of our culture. We want to keep it alive before it slowly disappears," said Larissa Calfrobe, 18.

Staff at the medical centre will also use the Phraselator so they can better communicate with patients who are more comfortable using their mother tongue.

Algorithms key to device

The Phraselator uses speech recognition algorithms, but is based on a different concept from most machine translation systems, the VoxTec website said.

Most efforts over the past 50 years of intense research have been based on the problem of recognizing phonemes — the smallest phonetic units that convey a distinct meaning, such as the "b" in bat — and universal translation.

Progress on the phoneme front has been slow, but VoxTec went at the problem by looking for a way to deal with phrases, recognizing that for most situations, there is "a specific lexicon that can effectively be communicated using a pre-defined, well-organized set of functional phrases."

Phraselator uses modules, groups of phrases in a given language designed by experts for specific uses such as disaster relief, the military or law enforcement, and then translated by linguists from the region where the language is spoken.

The modules advertised on its website range from Albanian to Vietnamese.

Don Thornton (and his wife) will be at our office on Monday, Feb. 12 to show us how to use the units and to start recording voices. We have invited a couple of elders to join us and we will be getting them to input some phrases.

INAC press release

Federal Government Announces $2.46 million in First Nations Economic Development Investments in Northern Ontario

Backgrounder

DRYDEN, ONTARIO (January, 18, 2007) – Mr. Rod Bruinooge, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, is pleased to announce approximately $2.46 million in investments towards economic activities that will advance development opportunities for First Nations peoples in Northern Ontario.

Speaking in Dryden, Mr. Bruinooge said, "We are working with native leaders and communities to improve opportunities and provide real results for Aboriginal people. Maximizing First Nations participation in economic opportunities is important to ensure a prosperous economic future for all Canadians. Robust economic opportunities are essential to the development of sustainable, healthy communities, and Canada's New Government is pleased to be doing its part to make this happen."

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) has committed to support the following projects in 2006-2007:

• $745,000 to the Attawapiskat/Fort Albany/Fort Severn First Nations to develop opportunities linked to diamond mining in Northern Ontario;
• $560,000 to the Pikangukum First Nation for the Whitefeather Forestry Project (Sustainable Forestry License);
• $317,500 to the Eabametoong First Nation for community-based resource planning at Eabametoong and Mishkeegogamang;
• $200,000 to the Seven Generations Education Institute for a Community Economic Development Officer Training Course;
• $141,900 to the Big Grassy & Ojibways of Onigaming First Nations for activities related to the Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park;
• $100,000 to the Pic Mobert First Nation for a Forestry Situational Assessment;
• $100,000 to the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation for the Two Feather Forest Products Business Development initiative;
• $64,700 to the Ojibways of Onigaming for a Water Bottling Manufacturing Feasibility Study;
• $48,000 to the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (formerly known as Sand Point) to explore forestry initiatives;
• $48,000 to the Ochiichagwe’Bagigo’Ining Ojibway Nation to explore economic ventures;
• $40,000 to the Mattagami First Nation for mining strategy initiatives;
• $40,000 to the Pic Mobert First Nation for a Mining Sector Opportunities Assessment;
• $31,900 to the Batchewana First Nation for a Fisheries Management Plan; and,
• $25,000 to the Nishnawbe-Aski Development Fund for a Hydro Project Development Workshop.

More information on each project can be found at the INAC web site at http://inac.gc.ca

In 2005-2006, INAC Ontario Region invested approximately $15 million in economic development funding to assist First Nations to improve their socio-economic conditions to help close the gaps between First Nations peoples and other Canadians.

For more information, please contact:

Linda Britt, Communications Officer
INAC Communications
(807) 624-1559

Chief Andrew Solomon
Fort Albany First Nation
(705) 278-1044

Chief Roy Gray
Fort Severn First Nation
(807) 478-2572

Chief Bobby Kelly
Ojibways of Onigaming
(807) 484-2162

Chief Esther Pitchenesse
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
(807) 938-6684

Chief Charlie O’Keese
Eabametoong First Nation
(807) 242-7221

Chief Connie Gray-McKay
Mishkeegogamang First Nation
(807) 928-2414

Mr. Mike Fox, Sector Specialist
Nishnabe-Aski Nation Development Fund
(807)623-5397

Mr. Delbert Horton
Seven Generations Education Institute
(807) 274-2796

Chief Charles Pascal
Pikangikum First Nation
(807) 773-5578

Chief Jeffrey Florent Desmoulin
Pic Mobert First Nation
(807) 822-2134

Chief Vernon Barry Henry
Ochiichagwe’babigo’ining First Nation
(807) 548-5876

Chief Dean Sayers
Batchewana First Nation
(705) 759-0914

Chief Albert Comegan
Big Grassy First Nation
(807) 488-5614

Chief Willis McKay
Mattagami First Nation
(705) 894-2072

Kristen Sills
University of Windsor
(519)256-3113 ext 25

Ms. Audrey Gilbeau
Economic Development Officer
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek
(807) 623-2724

AFN Press release ...

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine Statement Regarding Appeal by Attorney General of Canada on Residential Schools Settlement Approval by Saskatchewan Court

OTTAWA, Jan. 17 - "We are very disappointed to learn that the Attorney General of Canada has appealed part of a Regina Court decision to approve the Indian residential school class action lawsuit. We strongly encourage the Government of Canada and the Saskatchewan Court to sever this legal issue so that the $1.9 billion settlement process can proceed without further delay in settlement payments for survivors."

"We have now heard from all nine courts. All agree the settlement agreement is fair and just. Some courts have raised some concerns that need to be addressed immediately to ensure survivors get their money in a timely fashion. Compensation payments for the approximately 80,000 residential school survivors should likely begin later this summer."

"We want to emphasize to the courts and the government the importance of getting this historic settlement completed in a timely matter. Many of the survivors, who are elderly and sick, are dying at a rate of four a day. We all agree we want to see an end to this sad chapter of Canadian history."

"The courts certification also means the Truth Commission will be starting its work next summer. The Truth Commission will ensure that all Canadians will understand the significance of the serious harm done to our people. First Nations are determined to send the message to the world that "Never Again" will such actions be tolerated in Canada."

"A comprehensive communications outreach plan to inform survivors of their rights to compensation is expected to begin once the court certification process is completed."

--National Chief Phil Fontaine

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information: contact: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789, ext. 229, cell (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca;. Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor to the National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext. 243, cell (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca.
 
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From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2007/01/17/residential.html

Ottawa fights decision on residential school legal fees
January 17, 2007 - CBC News

Visit http://www.classactionservices.ca/IRS/Phase/PDFs/DOJNoticeofAppealSask.pdf to see the Attorney General of Canada's notice of appeal.

Courts across Canada have approved a multibillion-dollar residential school deal, but Ottawa wants to appeal part of one decision relating to a Regina lawyer's fees.

Canada's attorney general filed documents with the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, seeking to appeal a ruling about the fees of a Regina lawyer.

And that isn't going over well with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, who's worried about delays in getting money to former residential school students.

"We are very disappointed," Fontaine said in a news release Wednesday.

"We strongly encourage the government of Canada and the Saskatchewan court to sever this legal issue so that the $1.9-billion settlement process can proceed without further delay in settlement payments for survivors."

Saskatchewan Queen's Bench Justice Dennis Ball ruled last month that the Merchant Law Group, headed by Tony Merchant, should receive $25 million to $40 million, with the exact amount to be negotiated or decided through the courts.

Merchant, a Regina lawyer, has represented thousands of former residential school students and has argued he deserves to be fairly compensated.

However, the attorney general of Canada says Ball made legal errors and wants the legal fees portion of his decision set aside. The government applied to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal for leave to appeal this week.

The residential school agreement is designed to bring closure to a painful chapter in Canadian history. Some 80,000 aboriginal Canadians attended residential schools in the 20th century. The schools were typically run by churches but were the responsibility of the federal government.

More than 12,000 former students have filed lawsuits alleging various forms of abuse, including physical and sexual.

The deal offers $10,000 to each former student for the first year attended at a residential school, plus $3,000 for each year after that. Worth an average of $25,000 per student, this segment of the deal is worth $1.9 billion. The deal also offers extra compensation to students who were physically or sexually abused while students.

Reconciliation process
The entire deal, which also includes money for memorial projects and a reconciliation process, is estimated to cost between $4 billion and $5 billion, according to court documents filed in Saskatchewan.

The deal had to be approved by courts in nine jurisdictions across Canada.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, the last of the nine to weigh in, announced it had approved the proposed compensation package.

All nine judges agreed the package is a reasonable settlement.

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NDP condemns government’s stall tactics regarding residential school compensation - Wed 17 Jan 2007

DUNCAN, BC – Jean Crowder, MP for Nanaimo Cowichan and the NDP’s critic for Aboriginal Affairs expressed her dismay at the Conservative government’s appeal of the residential school settlement decision in a Regina court.

“All nine courts across Canada had ratified this settlement agreement and survivors were finally expecting to see some compensation for the abuse and loss of culture they suffered at residential schools. Ordinary Canadians understand this is a grave injustice.” said Crowder.

“Now the Conservative government is slowing down the whole process by appealing the agreement on lawyer’s fees. That is not fair to the First Nation, Métis and Inuit families affected by residential schools,” said Crowder.

“People are waiting for the Common Experience Payment, but they’re also waiting for the Truth Commission to start its work, so all Canadians can hear what happened behind the doors of these schools. And First Nations, Metis and Inuit are all waiting for an apology from the Prime Minister for this assimilationist policy,” said Crowder.

“At the least, the Department of Justice lawyers and the courts in Regina should agree to deal with this matter separately from the rest of the agreement. The Residential Schools Agreement is a step forward in recognizing the ill-treatment of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. It should not face any further delays,” said Crowder.

Federal government press release ...

Federal Government Supporting Northern Ontario First Nations

KENORA, ONTARIO (January 17, 2007) - Mr. Rod Bruinooge, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced a $18.6 million investment to northern Ontario First Nations, to upgrade infrastructure for power generation and to assist with pressures caused by remote and seasonal issues.

"Canada's new government is determined to ensure that First Nations peoples have the same access as other Canadians to the key elements of healthy and fulfilling lives," said Bruinooge. "This funding addresses the very real challenges faced by northern communities, especially remote and isolated First Nations in the Kenora region."

Canada's New Government has provided:

• $8.6 million upgrade to the Wunnumin Lake diesel generating station. The upgrade will consist of building a new, larger diesel generating station near the community's airport that will allow more power to be generated to meet the current and future needs of the First Nation. The new facility will also allow for future expansion as required. Materials are being moved to the community on this year's ice road to allow construction to being this summer.
• $4.7 million to 11 First Nations with independently-operated diesel generating systems (those operating outside Ontario's regulatory framework), in recognition of the impact of rising diesel fuel costs on generating and distributing electricity.
• $3.5 million in one-time emergency funding to assist First Nations with the financial pressures associated with last winter's road conditions. Unseasonably warm temperatures delayed the opening of some winter roads, and caused load restrictions on others, which resulted in higher transportation costs for essential fuel and building supplies. This funding was transferred through the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.
• As part of an Ontario-wide program, INAC is also providing $1.8 million to 75 northern Ontario First Nations for the operation of designated community buildings and vehicles, in recognition of the impact of rising diesel fuel costs on First Nation communities.

In 2006-2007, INAC is providing more than $946 million to Ontario First Nation communities and organizations for the delivery of basic services for First Nations on reserve (such as education, income assistance, infrastructure and First Nation government support), as well as for claims and self-government agreements.

For further information, please contact:

Tony Prudori
INAC Communications - Ontario Region
(807) 624-1535

Press Release

McGuinty Government Investments Link Remote Communities

Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
January 16, 2007 - 014

Construction Begins On Winter Roads In Ontario’s Far North

SUDBURY – Construction of nearly 2,940 kilometres of winter roads to connect remote communities in the province’s Far North is underway with the help of an Ontario government investment, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today.

“The economic and social importance of the winter roads to isolated northern communities that are accessible only by air during other times of the year cannot be overstated,” said Bartolucci. “We appreciate that our government’s contribution to the Far North’s winter roads network is critical for lowering transportation costs and providing alternative access during the winter.”

In November, the minister announced that the McGuinty government had committed $3.5 million for this winter’s seasonal roads network, enabling 21 First Nations organizations and the Town of Moosonee to build 2,940 kilometres of seasonal roads.

The roads are built over frozen ground and waterways to connect communities in the Far North to the province’s permanent highway and rail systems. Weather permitting, the winter roads are in use from freeze up until late March. In most cases, the communities cost-share and manage the construction. Since 2003, investments in infrastructure, postsecondary education, research and innovation and key economic sectors have helped strengthen Ontario's economic foundations and continue to build opportunity.

Information on winter roads conditions is available from each community. A list of road construction projects is attached, and a map of the winter road network and community contacts may be found at: http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndm/nordev/wroads/default_e.asp

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Contacts:

Laura Blondeau
Minister’s Office – Sudbury
(705) 564-7454

Terry Bryson
MNDM – Sault Ste. Marie
(705) 945-5926

Backgrounder / Press Release

2006-2007 WINTER ROADS PROGRAM

Twenty-one First Nations organizations and the Town of Moosonee are using an Ontario government investment of $3,480,700 to build 2,940 kilometres of seasonal roads this winter.

1. Asheweig Winter Road Corporation - $556,500 - A 474-kilometre winter road network connecting the communities of Big Trout Lake, Wapekeka, Kasabonika Lake, Wawakapewin, Wunnumin Lake and Kingfisher Lake First Nations to the Pickle North all-season road.
2. Bearskin Lake First Nation - $111,300 - A 106-kilometre winter road running northeasterly from Muskrat Dam to the community.
3. Cat Lake First Nation - $183,750 - A 175-kilometre winter road from Pickle Lake to Cat Lake First Nation.
4. Deer Lake First Nation - $110,775 - An 88-kilometre winter road running west from North Spirit Lake to Deer Lake.
5. Fort Severn First Nation - $245,700 - A 234-kilometre winter road from the community to the Ontario border near Shamattawa, MB.
6. Keewaywin First Nation - $96,600 - A 92-kilometre winter road beginning at Magiss Lake and stretching to the community on the east end of Sandy Lake.
7. Koocheching First Nation - $21,600 - A 12-kilometre winter road to connect with the Keewaywin road.
8. Matawa First Nations Management - $596,925 - A 511-kilometre network of winter roads and trails connecting Nibinimik (Summer Beaver), Neskatanga (Lansdowne House), Eabametoong (Fort Hope) and Marten Falls to the all-season roads system.
9. Moose Cree First Nation - $25,200 - An eight-kilometre winter ice road to connect to Moosonee. 
10. Muskrat Dam First Nation - $170,100 - A 108-kilometre winter connector road from Muskrat Dam to Round Lake.
11. North Caribou Lake First Nation - $57,750 - A 42-kilometre winter road from the end of the Pickle North all-season road to Round Lake and across the lake to the community.
12. North Spirit Lake First Nation - $182,700 - A 116-kilometre winter road running northward from the end of the Nungessor all-season road.
13. North West Angle First Nation - $38,800 - A 70-kilometre winter road from Windigo Island to Kenora.
14. Pikangikum First Nation - $51,975 - A 33-kilometre winter road from the Nungessor all-season road to the community.
15. Poplar Hill First Nation - $51,450 - A 49-kilometre truck-standard winter road to connect into Pikangikum. 
16. Sachigo Lake First Nation - $73,500 - A 70-kilometre winter road running northwesterly from Muskrat Dam to the community.
17. Sandy Lake First Nation - $115,500 - A 110-kilometre winter road connecting with the Deer Lake road at Duckling Lake.
18. Temagami First Nation - $12,600 - A 12-kilometre winter road from Temagami Access Road to Bear Island.
19. Town of Moosonee - $18,300 - Two ramps required for the winter road to Moose Factory Island.
20. Webequie First Nation - $115,500 - A 110-kilometre winter road from Neskantaga to Webequie.
21. Weenusk First Nation - $210,000 - A 200-kilometre winter road from Peawanuck to Fort Severn.
22. 3981584 Ontario Inc. - $434,175 - A 320-kilometre truck winter road from Moosonee to Attawapiskat via Fort Albany and Kashechewan.

Assembly of First Nations Bulletin A Communiqué from National Chief Phil Fontaine January 2007

The Assembly of First Nations issues regular updates on the National Chief’s activities and work underway at the national office.

More information can be found on the AFN’s website at www.afn.ca.

New Challenges for 2007

A new year is upon us and with it come new challenges and new opportunities. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on past accomplishments. Among these is the agreement reached for Residential School Survivors. The court ratification process is almost wrapped up, and the courts that have given decisions so far have been very supportive of the settlement. We will soon be in a 5 month court mandated review period allowing survivors the opportunity to assess the agreement. I, personally, and the AFN as a whole, continue to believe that this agreement is just and fair and is essential for survivors to begin the process of healing, recovery and wellness for the future.

First Nations were deeply disappointed about the federal Government’s decision last year to not support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. AFN is continuing to work internationally to advance First Nations interests. If you would like to send a letter to the UN to express your concerns about Canada’s stance on the Declaration, a template and contact information is available on our website (www.afn.ca).

The Government’s approach to changes to section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act and Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) also cause concern. The AFN supports changes in both of these areas, however, we are adamant that such changes must be pursued respectful of the duty to consult and in a manner that recognizes and supports the jurisdiction of First Nation governments to protect the collective and individual human rights of their citizens. The Government’s approach to these two issues may be characterized as an attempt to achieve a quick fix rather than working with First Nations to find substantial and enduring remedies.

In November, I co-chaired the National Aboriginal Health Summit with Premier Campbell where all governments reaffirmed their commitment to close the gap in health status between First Nations and other Canadians. Premier Gary Doer will host a second Health Summit later this year where further progress on First Nations health interests is expected to be made. To ensure that the federal government is fully engaged on advancing First Nations health priorities, I signed a joint health work plan with Health Minister Tony Clement at our December Special Chiefs Assembly. Our work with Minister Clement will improve access and the quality of health services, and ensure that essential changes are made in the federal system to provide greater control to First Nations.

First Nations scored a major victory in the Supreme Court of Canada late last year. The AFN intervened in two cases, Sappier-Polchies and Gray. These cases involved individuals charged with a forestry offence. The court decision established that Maliseet and Mi’ikmaq have an Aboriginal right to harvest wood for domestic purposes on their traditional territory. In this context, the AFN was able to raise several original arguments that were adopted by the court, including the scope of the Aboriginal right (“domestic use”) and the failure of the Crown to show that Colonial legislatures ever had the authority to extinguish Aboriginal rights. The AFN continues to monitor and be involved, where possible, in relevant Supreme Court of Canada business.

Prime Minister Harper recently shuffled his cabinet. Indian Affairs Minister, Jim Prentice, and the Minister of Health, Tony Clement, remain in their current positions -- AFN plans to continue to build on our relationships with them. We also anticipate working closely with the new Environment Minister, John Baird. As you know, environmental issues such as global warming, pollution, and contamination directly impact many First Nation communities. We cannot let another year, another season, pass without taking immediate steps to deal with these dire concerns. The AFN expects to become much more involved in this issue over the coming year.

At our Special Chiefs Assembly in December, we saw that many other important issues remain to be resolved, and a number of important events will take place over the next few months to address several of them:

• January 23-25 will see the National Aboriginal Economic Development Symposium take place in Saskatoon;
• On February 6-8 the National Housing & Water Policy Forum will take place in Toronto; and
• A National Aboriginal Women’s Summit will take place in June in Corner Brook, Newfoundland.

AFN is also expecting to hold a special forum on Matrimonial Real Property in the very near future, as well as a national conference on Historic Treaties. Information on these and other events will be sent to communities as it becomes available and will be posted on our website. I should also note, as I had committed at our last Special Chiefs Assembly, you can expect to see significant changes in how our Assemblies are run in the future. We are working to establish more effective ways of conducting our Assemblies, including how we effectively deal with resolutions.

As I look to the coming year, there will continue to be a range of challenges and opportunities. There will most likely be another federal election sometime this year. First Nations’ voter participation increased by 8 percent in last year’s federal election. Last month, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Elections Canada to enter into the second phase of a voter education campaign for First Nations. The goal of this campaign is to create educational tools and opportunities for First Nation citizens to make a choice about participating in electoral processes. I feel strongly that First Nations can make a difference by exercising their right to vote.

Regardless of whether or not an election takes place, the AFN continues to advance a set of priorities with which ever government is in power. We launched the Make Poverty History for First Nations campaign last fall, and as a part of this we undertook a wide range of initiatives that continue to drive us in the New Year. Central to this is the First Nations Plan, which builds on the resolutions and the policy positions adopted by the Chiefs-in-Assembly. In the coming months we will turn our energies to Creating Opportunities for our communities, opportunities for hope and success.

We saw an example of the potential of First Nations youth early in this New Year when millions of hockey fans in Canada and around the world witnessed the incredible goaltending of Carey Price as he led Team Canada to its third consecutive championship at the World Junior Hockey Tournament. Carey’s mother is Chief Lynda Price of the Ulkatcho First Nation at Anahim Lake in northern British Columbia. Carey is now 19 and playing Junior hockey for the Tri-City Americans in Oregon, and has been drafted by the Montreal Canadiens. Most importantly, Carey is an inspiration and a role model for all First Nations youth. Congratulations are due to Carey and his family! We look forward to seeing him on the national and international stage for many years to come.

I want to take this opportunity to wish you the very best in this New Year and reaffirm my commitment to work on your behalf to the utmost of my abilities.

Meegwetch and Happy New Year!

Assembly of First Nations, 473 Albert Street, Suite 810, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 5B4 Tel: (613) 241-6789 Toll-free: 1-866-869-6789 Fax: (613) 241-5808 www.afn.ca

FN Power Summit -Opponents, Proponents or Partners?

March 9 & 10, 2007— Calgary Sheraton Suites

Jim Prentice, the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Premiers, Hydro companies and Alternative Energy Companies will present at the “FN Power Summit” conference in Calgary. The conference runs March 9 &10, at the Sheraton Suites Hotel, and is expected to draw over two hundred people, so register early.

Canada is an emerging energy superpower. First Nation land and water provide unique operational and financial leverage. The conference will explore:

• What leads to successful relationships between First Nations, Power companies and governments?
• What principles and models lead to opportunity and wealth?
• How can First Nations help develop energy projects “Opponents, Proponents or Partners”?
• What is the role and direction of Provincial and Federal Governments' long-term energy plans?
• What are the implications for the production of electricity?

“We are pleased to announce that our program co-chairs will be Willie Littlechild, Elmer Derrick, Strater Crowfoot and Matt Vickers,” stated Ken Thomas, CEO of First Nation Network and host of the conference.

Who should attend: First Nation leaders and managers, Chiefs, Councilors, Tribal Councils, Provincial and Territorial Organizations, AFOA members and CANDO members. Ministers, Policy Advisors and Analysts as well as executives and managers of Power Utilities, significant energy consumers, independent power producers and marketers, lawyers, consultants and government employees are also invited.

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For further information, please contact:

Ken Thomas, CEO, First Nation Network,
E: ken.thomas@sasktel.net.
T: 306.241.5655, F: 306-664-7176
Website: www.firstnationnetwork.com

Indigenous Film Network - The Tour
is coming to Sioux Lookout
January 21 and 22
at the Nishnawbe Gamik Friendship Centre.

PAMELA MATTHEWS, from the Sachigo Lake First Nation, is an accomplished director, filmmaker and actor and she will host MOVIE NIGHTS in Sioux lookout!

Pamela recently appeared as Denise David in "Indian Summer: the Oka Crisis" and as Carolyn George (Dudley George’s sister) in “One Dead Indian”. Her other television roles include Renegadepress.com, The Rez, Destiny Ridge, Street Legal and North of 60, for which she was nominated for a Gemini Award for her guest starring role of Suzie Muskrat. Pam has also appeared in theatres across the country, most notably in “The Rez Sisters” at Alberta Theatre Projects, Sunshine Theatre and Theatre Aquarius.

Sunday January 21st   - 8:00PM

~ The Journals of Knud Rasmussen by Zacharius Kunuk and Norman Cohn ~

Monday January 22nd  – 8:00PM

• ~ Smudge by Gail Maurice ~
• ~ The Winter Chill by Paul M. Rickard, starring Dakota House and Glen Gould ~
• ~ A Shot in the Dark by Pamela Matthews ~

Nishnawbe Gamik Friendship Centre
 
TICKET PRICES – One Purchase for all Screenings (4 films)

• $10.00       Single Ticket
• $15.00       Couple
• $20.00       Family Pass [2 Adults 2 Kids]
• Free          Elders & Youth

Doors Open 7:30pm

Need info? Call Laurel Wood at 737-2174

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KUNUK COHN PRODUCTIONS
IGLOOLIK ISUMA PRODUCTIONS
BAROK FILM
PRESENT

A FILM BY ZACHARIAS KUNUK AND NORMAN COHN
“THE JOURNALS OF KNUD RASMUSSEN”

After completing “Atanarjuat The Fast Runner,” set in the mythological past in a community whose balance of life had not changed for 4,000 years, Zacharias Kunuk and Norman Cohn chose to depict a series of events that took place in 1922, when Shamanism was replaced by Christianity – and the balance of life was changed forever.

Kunuk was inspired to make the film for “a first audience that is Inuit: elders who are still alive and young people looking for a future beyond boredom, unemployment and suicide. It tries to answer two questions that haunted me my whole life: Who were we? And what happened to us?” Cohn adds “If the Inuit of “The Fast Runner” ended up in church, then the Inuit depicted in the “The Journals of Knud Rasmussen” have ended up in today’s headlines, all too often living desperate lives on the margins of society.”

For the team at Igloolik Isuma Productions, the best result of making “The Fast Runner,” was that many Inuit in the community discovered great things could be accomplished today through the same collaboration and teamwork on which the very survival of their people had once depended. The central rule of life, anchored in collaborative community effort, had not often been demonstrated since the changeover took place in 1922.

Igloolik Isuma’s mission begins and ends with the community. Depicting the lives of ancestors of people who worked on the production recognizes, dignifies and honors people who had a good sense of the world and their place in it, and thereby draws renewed sustaining energy into our world.

“We believe happy people should not worry about hidden things. Our spirits are offended if we think too much.” Avva

The words of the last great Iglulik shaman, Avva, and his life story, were recorded by the Danish adventurer Knud Rasmussen on his 5th Thule Expedition across the Canadian Arctic. Avva followed ancestral rules and taboos because they worked to protect human kind. They came out of life and were turned toward life.

SYNOPSIS

Iglulik, 1922-23. Real people, Actual events.
The great shaman, Avva, and his family are living on the land some distance from Iglulik, his home community that lately has taken up the teachings of Christian missionaries.

Explorer/adventurer Knud Rasmussen pays Avva a visit, accompanied by two fellow Danes: trader Peter Freuchen and anthropologist Therkel Mathiassen. Rasmussen hears and records Avva’s life story and that of his wife Orulu.Their son, Natar, impulsively agrees to guide Freuchen and Mathiassen north to Iglulik.

After a celebration, Rasmussen leaves to head west while Avva, facing strong headwinds, sets out with his family and guests en route for home. His beautiful daughter, Apak, has troubling dreams about the road ahead. In an oral culture that never anchored its history with pen and paper, digital technology today affords new opportunities for storytellers.

High-definition cameras are particularly well suited to the ancient art and values of Inuit storytelling, which invites viewers directly into a world of sentient beings – with no introductions – welcome to watch, listen and think for themselves.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ISUMA and "The Journals of Knud Rasmussen", GO TO: www.isuma.ca

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A Filmmakers Journey through Ipperwash
and the Murder of Chippewa activist Dudley George

Dudley George was the first person killed in a land claims dispute in the 20th century.

On September 4, 1995, Dudley George was one of thirty or so unarmed protesters, including Elders, women and children, who peacefully occupied Ipperwash Provincial Park to protest the destruction of their burial ground and a fifty year delay in returning their tribal land.

The Ontario Provincial government immediately ordered the Ontario Provincial Police to take steps to remove the Indians from the park. 

On the evening of September 6, under the cover of darkness, two hundred members of the heavily armed Tactical Response Unit moved in on the protesters.

The filmmaker’s journey:

Pamela spent many childhood summers camping at CFB Ipperwash where her father was the resident doctor for the cadets in training. Of course, she had no idea of the on-going land dispute. Then, on Labour day weekend, 1995, she met Dudley George during the peaceful occupation of the park – only to find out two days later that he had been killed by the OPP.  Soon after, Pam was hired by the George legal team to help on the case - and, in 2004, she played the role of Carolyn George in the CTV movie, “One Dead Indian”.

Produced, Directed, Written and Edited by
Pamela Matthews 
for York University’s MFA Master’s Thesis in Film Production
Thunderbird Productions     (DV/DVD 58min)
590B Roehampton Avenue,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada    M4P 1S8
(C) 416.997.3046     (T) 416.481.2848
Email:  pamelamatthews@sympatico.ca         
Website:   www.pamelamatthews.ca

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Upcoming scheduled visits to the remote northern First Nations include:

Indigenous Film Network Tour Schedule

TEAM A – Pamela Matthewa, Kyle Corston

Bearskin Lake 

Mon 15 – JKR
Tues 16 – Winter Chill; Shot in the Dark

Sachigo Lake 

Wed 17 – JKR
Thurs 18 – Winter Chill; Shot in the Dark
Fri 19 – Atanarjuat

Sioux Lookout 

Sun 21 – JKR,
Mon 22 – Winter Chill; Shot in the Dark

Big Trout 

Tues 23 – JKR,
Wed 24 – Winter Chill; Shot in the Dark

Wapekeka 

Thurs 25 – JKR

Cat Lake 

Fri 26 – JKR,
Sat 27 – Winter Chill; Shot in the Dark,
Sun 28 – Atanarjuat

TEAM B – Gail Maurice, Shawn Henry

Kingfisher 

Mon 15 – JKR
Tues 16 – Winter Chill; Shot in the Dark

Wunnumin 

Wed 17 – JKR
Thurs 18 – Winter Chill; Shot in the Dark

Weagamow Lake  

Fri 19 – JKR
Sat 20 – Winter Chill; Shot in the Dark
Sun 21 – Atanarjuat

Fort Hope 

Tues 23 – JKR
Wed 24 – Winter Chill; Shot in the Dark

Poplar Hill 

Fri 26 – JKR
Sat 27 – Winter Chill; Shot in the Dark
Sun 28 – Atanarjuat

Pikangikum 

Mon 29 – JKR
Tues 30 – Winter Chill; Shot in the Dark

Deer Lake 

Wed 31 – JKR
Thurs FEB 1 – W. Chill; Shot in Dark

North Spirit Lake 

Fri FEB 2 – JKR
Sat FEB 3 – Winter Chill; Shot in Dark
Sun FEB 4 - Atanarjuat

Workshops will be held in some communities.
Call Jacquie Carpenter, tour manager for more info. 416 535 1962 acquiec@isuma.ca

From http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com/News/280768.html

Whitedog school closed until further notice
By Mike Aiken - Miner and News - Monday January 15, 2007

Roughly 230 students at Wabaseemoong First Nation School have been told to stay home this week as the community addresses air quality issues in the facility.

Band councillor Waylon Scott said they’re concerned about illnesses related to mold and airborne asbestos.

“The principal’s been flooded with calls from concerned parents,” he said Monday morning.

The beleaguered building has been the subject of studies and makeshift repairs in recent years, as the First Nation and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada argued over plans for new construction.

National Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations and Treaty Grand Chief Arnold Gardner have both been involved in lobbying efforts to speed up the approval process, after overcrowding forced a teacher to give up the front room of their home to make way for a classroom.

The staff room has also been converted to a special education room for 12 children, as staff tried to deal with 320 students last fall. Scott said some students may be staying home because they weren’t getting enough help with their lessons, while parents may be keeping their children home over health concerns.

Complaints have included headaches and nausea, with adult staff also reporting concerns, Scott added. The principal had recommended the closure of the school. His decision has since been supported by band council.

Scott also said the air quality concerns were part of a report done for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada two years ago, which were confirmed by a new independent study.

Indian and Northern Affairs spokesman Tony Prudori confirmed the situation at the school, saying it would be closed from Jan. 15 to 19 for repairs. He noted Health Canada had been called to help deal with the air quality issues.

Prudori noted the department had made $220,000 available for repairs to the school, which were completed before the end of 2005 and included the heating and ventilation system. Indian Affairs has also offered to pay for a portable in order to ease overcrowding, he said.

Prudori added the department is continuing to work with the First Nation, in light of the most recent report, again offering financial assistance to carry out repairs.

A spokesman for the minister’s office in Gatineau, Que., Patricia Valladeo, said they were hoping to schedule a meeting later this week, but weren’t able to release details. She also wasn’t able to comment on the details of the reports, but said she would be looking into both matters.

A new building to replace the 34-year-old school could cost $18 million, with design and tendering processes yet to be completed. The existing structure was built on clay, which means the foundation is sinking, leading to problems with shifting walls, bent door frames and the electrical panel separating from the wall in the maintenance area.

Problems with heating led to burst pipes last Christmas, which meant there was a flood in the gym that led to the buckling of wooden floorboards.

The Treasury Board Secretariat was expected to provide preliminary project approval by the end of January, setting the stage for detailed design work and more precise cost estimates.
The process was not supposed to be delayed by the recent cabinet shuffle, in which former president John Baird made way for Vic Toews.

Whitedog is a community of about 1,700, including 878 living on-reserve, which is located about an hour’s drive northeast of Kenora.

The six First Nations SchoolNet Regional Management Organizations (RMOs) from across Canada met via video conference with the new program administration on Friday, January 12. This was the first RMO meeting with INAC officials since the December 1 announcement that the First Nations SchoolNet program would be moved from Industry Canada to INAC.

Juliet Balfour, Director of Operations - Education Branch, Indian & Northern Affairs Canada,  chaired the meeting. She provided an update on the work that has been completed to date and the work that is required to ensure the program is able to continue beyond its March 31, 2007 end date. She praised the RMOs for their past successes and indicated that the transfer from one federal department to another is a good indication that the program is viewed positively by the government.

The INAC officials are now preparing a Memorandum to Cabinet to continue the program for the next two years.

The First Nations SchoolNet program has provided FN schools across the country with the dollars required to construct and pay for broadband connectivity solutions so students in these remote and rural community can develop online skills and resources. In previous years, the FNS program also provided professional development training and workshop, online activities along with the hardware and software resources required to support the use of these broadband connections.

First Nation leaders and schools are encouraged to lobby INAC officials, especial INAC Minister Prentice, at every opportunity to ensure this funding program is continued.