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From Winnipeg Free Press -

First aboriginal female judge appointed in Manitoba
Thu Apr 5 16:47:00 CDT 2007
 
A lawyer from northern Manitoba has become the first aboriginal woman to be appointed a judge in this province.
Doreen Redhead was appointed to the provincial court of Manitoba, effective immediately. A swearing in ceremony will be scheduled as soon as possible.

Redhead graduated from the University of Manitoba Law School in 1996. She has practiced law on behalf of the Fox Lake First Nation in Gillam, and the Keewatin Tribal Council in Thompson.

“It’s a huge step forward for women and for First Nations people,” said Attorney General Dave Chomiak. “It was actually very moving for me this morning to phone her and tell her what an honour it was for me to do that.”

Chomiak said having a female aboriginal judge gives the courts a better reflection of the population of Manitoba.

Redhead was selected by Chomiak from a list of candidates recommended by an independent judicial nominating committee, chaired by chief provincial court judge Raymond E. Wyant. Representatives of the Law Society of Manitoba and the Canadian Bar Association were also on the committee.

Press Release ...

Children's Aid Societies are Addressing the Auditor General's Recommendations

TORONTO, April 4, 2007 – Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies have developed policies and measures to address each of the 20 recommendations made by Ontario’s Auditor General in his first-ever value-for-money audit of four of the province’s 53 Children’s Aid Societies, the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) announced today.

“Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies have acted in a responsible and accountable manner to address the Auditor’s recommendations,” said Dennis Nolan, President of the OACAS. “Our member agencies are working hard to change their administration practices without compromising the quality of service offered to thousands of vulnerable families and children.”

When the report was released last fall, Children’s Aid Societies (CASs) formed working groups to review each recommendation and develop solutions. CASs are currently updating their policies in the areas of purchasing, procurement, fleet management, travel and hospitality expenses. These policies are being implemented concurrently with other directives, standards, guidelines and reporting requirements from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services as part of the Transformation Agenda.

“The field has worked hard to identify and disseminate best practices for delivery of high-quality child welfare services, for prudent management of resources, and for public accountability,” said Jeanette Lewis, Executive Director of the OACAS. “However, too many layers of administration and standards may compromise the amount of time workers spend trying to help children and families.”

The Transformation Agenda is a massive change in child welfare service delivery, supported throughout the children’s service system in Ontario. Major changes are being implemented beginning in April 2007 in the areas of differential response (a more child-family-centered approach: the right service at the right time), better permanency planning (including kinship and foster care, adoption, custody arrangements), and alternatives to court processes (mediation, talking circles). This approach will be supported by research, information systems and an outcomes approach to accountability. The Transformation Agenda also includes special Aboriginal provisions for Aboriginal and First Nations children to be served by their own communities.

“Our member agencies are embracing these changes, but need public support and confidence in the work they do to protect our children,” said Lewis. “Child protection workers play a vital role in our society. Much like police officers, firefighters and doctors, they protect and save lives by helping vulnerable children.”

Children’s Aid Societies rely on professionals and members of the community to report child abuse or neglect. It is important that the public trusts CASs and have faith in their ability to help children and families – this could be hard to achieve in the face of frequent and inaccurate messaging and lack of support.

About Children’s Aid Societies

CASs provide critical services and are legislated to exclusively perform certain functions under the provisions of Section 15 of the Child and Family Services Act (CFSA). Their mandate includes the following: to investigate allegations that children are in need of protection; to protect children; to provide guidance for protecting children and for the prevention of circumstances requiring the protection of children; and to provide care for children assigned to its care under this Act.

The legislation, regulations, directives and standards prescribe very specific and detailed requirements for what CASs must do for children and families, how they must provide services, including French language services, and the timelines in which critical services must be provided. The Ministry of Children and Youth Services oversees CASs’ operations in detail and Local Boards of Directors have oversight responsibility for agencies to ensure that services provided are tailored to the community’s needs.

In 2005/006 Children’s Aid Societies completed 82,346 investigations and cared for 29,385 children.

About the OACAS

OACAS is a membership organization representing 52 of the 53 Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario. The Association has served its members, the community, the public and the government in a variety of ways since 1912. These services have included the promotion of child welfare issues, member services, government liaison and policy development, research and special projects, quality assurance in child welfare practice and training for all protection workers throughout the province.

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For more information:
Marcelo Gomez -Wiuckstern
Communications Manager
Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies
(416) 987-9648
www.oacas.org

Click here to see the AUDITOR GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTION PLAN

The Sioux Lookout Aboriginal Area Management Board (SLAAMB - http://slaamb.on.ca) is establishing a new three year Centre for Aboriginal Apprenticeship Research project in Sioux Lookout. The cente is seeking three candidates to fill the new positions that appear in this week's Sioux Bulletin. The three positions include:

• Project Manager/Employment Counsellor
• Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor
• e-Learning Coordinator

The job advertisements follow ...

Project Manager/Employment Counsellor

Reporting to the CAAR Management Team, the Project Manager/Employment Counsellor leads the CAAR project team. S/he works with the team members (Coach Mentor and e-Learning Coordinator) to plan, implement and document the apprenticeship development services and supports developed for the Centre for Aboriginal Apprenticeship Research project.

The Project Manager/Employment Counsellor designs and implements outreach strategies to engage potential and eligible apprentices from remote First Nations to participate in the project. In addition, working/liaising with the MTCU representative, s/he provides assistance, counseling and information to project participants and community members on all aspects of career advancement and, in particular, on apprenticeship development. S/he works proactively with participants to identify and overcome barriers to achieving success in the apprenticeship/upgrading/employment path they are following. S/he liaises with employers and potential employers to increase employment and good employer/employee relations including the design and delivery of cultural sensitivity and other relevant training modules.

The Project Manager/Employment Counsellor reports quarterly to the Management Committee and over sees the financial and administrative requirements of the project.

Employment Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in social services or management or equivalent experience. A minimum of five years in employment and/or career counseling with proven project management experience. Experience in trades and/or trade experience knowledge an asset. Excellent communication skills are required to liaise with community participants, project team members, First Nation communities, and other partners. The Project Manager/Employment Counsellor exhibits excellent judgment and demonstrates problem solving, consultative, persuasive and conflict resolution skills. Well-developed computer skills, telecommunications, and a demonstrated knowledge of human resources development programs and strategies. Report-writing techniques are required to document activities, produce required documentation and inform senior management of issues and progress.

Ability to speak Oji-Cree, Ojibway or Cree is an asset.

MUST be willing to travel to the First Nation remote communities.

SALARY – negotiable up to $ 54,000/annual D.O.E.

+++++++++++

Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor

Reporting to the Project Manager, the Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor is part of the Project Team. The Project Team works together to plan, implement and document the apprentice and training support and services developed throughout the project.

The Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor designs and implements outreach strategies to engage potential and eligible apprentices from remote First Nations to participate in the project. In addition, working/liaising with the MTCU representative, s/he provides assistance, counseling and information to project participants and community members on all aspects of career advancement and, in particular, on apprenticeship development. S/he works proactively with participants to identify and overcome barriers to achieving success in the apprenticeship/upgrading/employment path they are following.

The Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor provides one-on-one support, information and assistance to project participants both in the community and while on the job site. Working in an online or distance environment and face-to-face, the Mentor is the content helper for apprentices, pre-apprentices and students: clarifying problems, identifying solutions, and providing training and support.

Using the resources of the MTCU, the Coach Mentor is responsible for developing and delivering appropriate learning interfaces for participants, e.g. online chat to verify progress of participants; delivering video seminars on topics geared to small groups; information bulletins on available work, upcoming courses and fact sheets; and a variety of life skills and pre-employment workshops and seminars.

The Mentor liaises between the employee and employer to clarify job responsibilities, expectations and behaviour norms. S/he ensures project participants are properly oriented to new jobs and training programs and meets with individuals frequently and regularly online or in person. The Mentor and worker co-identify the appropriate strategy or tool to assist the employee in their successful integration to the workplace and/or training program.

In addition, the Employment Counsellor/Mentor acts as a “coach” who encourages people to achieve their goals and helps them believe they are capable of achieving success through the development of self-esteem, skills and job-related confidence.

Counsellor/Mentors are also advocates for project participants, working with them to remove barriers that may impede success.

Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in a related field such as social services, education or psychology or equivalent experience. A minimum of five years in employment and/or career counseling or in a helping profession. Experience in trades and/or trade experience knowledge an asset. Ability to speak Oji-Cree or Ojibway an asset. Demonstrated ability to animate and co-manage community-based initiatives and strong oral and written communications skills. Must
have knowledge and proven experience in use and basic understanding of computer hardware and software and interest in learning online pedagogical techniques. Ability to speak Oji-Cree, Ojibway or Cree is an asset. MUST be willing to travel to the First Nation remote communities.

SALARY – negotiable up to $ 44,500/annual D.O.E.

++++++++++++++

e-Learning Coordinator

Reporting to the Project Manager the e-Learning Coordinator is part of the CAAR Project Team. The Project Team works together to plan, implement and document the apprentice/employment support services model they develop throughout the project.

In consultation with the Project Team, the e-Learning Coordinator identifies relevant information – pre-employment/apprenticeship seminars, life skills issues and problems, upcoming course opportunities, testimonials and success stories, Elders’ guidance and advice, employment forms, protocols and templates, etc - and produces them in appropriate web-based platforms to be posted online. The Coordinator also produces online content for the SLAAMB Apprenticeship website as well as assisting the members of the CAAR Team with a variety of production and computer services.

The e-Learning Coordinator is also responsible for identifying, designing and coordinating video learning sessions for the preemployment phase of the project. Included in these are public information and briefings, course material, employment seminars, sessions with experts and with members of the CAAR team.

e-Learning Coordinator Employment Requirements

Web development/programming background with experience in planning and managing web projects, organizing resources, and building web-based applications. Experience in curriculum and course design in an e-Learning environment. Comfortable with production tools and a good understanding of website components, including architecture, design, programming, and usability. Able to manage a variety of tasks and concurrent projects. Must exhibit strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills and have a positive attitude. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to speak Oji-Cree, Ojibway or Cree is an asset.

SALARY – negotiable up to $ 44,500/annual D.O.E.

Contract position up to 3 years.
Location: Sioux Lookout, Ontario

Please submit resume with a cover letter and three most recent references must be attached to:
Bob Bruyere, Coordinator
Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Manage Board (SLAAMB)
P.O. Box 56, Sioux Lookout, ON. P8T 1A1
807 – 737 – 4047
Fax: 807 – 737 - 4048
Mark envelope “ Private and Confidential”.
Closing date: Friday, April 13, 2006

Only Those Individuals Selected For An Interview Will Be Contacted!!

Federal gov't press release ...

Government Supports Wawatay Native Communications Society and Equay-Wuk Women's Group

SIOUX LOOKOUT, Ontario, April 3, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today announced funding of $48,898 for the Wawatay Native Communications Society and $24,999 for the Equay-Wuk Women's Group.

"Canada's New Government is pleased to participate in projects that allow First Nations people to promote their cultural traditions," said Minister Oda. "These initiatives will help increase knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and assist women in becoming leaders in their community."

"The Wawatay First Nations Cultural Multimedia Production Project will enable members of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, especially young people, to learn more about their peers in other communities throughout Northern Ontario," said Minister Clement. "Both projects announced today will benefit not only First Nations communities, but also the economy of Northern Ontario."

"Wawatay has been blending First Nations traditions with modern communications technology for more than 30 years," said Bryan Phelan, Publisher of Wawatay News. "This project brings our cultural content fully into the digital age, and makes it more accessible to a younger, wider audience."

The funds for the Wawatay Native Communications Society will be used for equipment and training for First Nations staff to create digital cultural content for Northern Ontario First Nations' website portals and for the regional Wawatay website hub.

The Equay-Wuk Women's Group will use its funds to help Aboriginal women increase their participation in First Nations governance structures in three communities in Northwestern Ontario including Mishkeegogamang, Neskantanga, and Wunnumin First Nations.

The Wataway Native Communications Society provides content for print media, radio, and television and also produces Wataway News Online. It broadcasts in Cree and Oji-Cree to 45 Aboriginal communities and is heard throughout Canada via satellite. It also provides weekly national programming through the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).

The Equay-Wuk Women's Group has extensive experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating community projects, and its particular strength involves Aboriginal women in the management of their communities, especially in the field of Aboriginal self-government.

Canada's New Government is providing this financial assistance through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Canadian Culture Online strategy and the Aboriginal Women's Community Initiative.

Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788

Erik Waddell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
613 957-0200

Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101

Ontario Hospital Association Presents:

OHA Region 1 NW Sub Region Aboriginal Health Care Conference - Building Collaborative Partnerships for Health Prosperity

September 25, 26 & 27, 2007

Valhalla Inn, 1 Valhalla Road, Thunder Bay

Over the past few years, there has been an improved awareness and understanding of the importance of blending traditional healings and contemporary medicine into the provision of health care for Aboriginal peoples. Collaboration and a community approach is necessary to face both cultural and geographical challenges.

This in-depth, multi-stakeholder conference will highlight opportunities and success stories of integration and coordination among providers of health care in the north.

Building on sucess of last year's program, Working Together in Harmony & Balance to Improve Health Services, this year's event will highlight:

• HR Planning and Skills Development
• Cultural Sensitivity Training for Caregivers
• Governance Models
• Updates on Current Policy Directions
• Blending Traditional Healings and Contemporary Medicine
• Live Telemedicine Demonstration
• Patient and Child Safety
• Storytelling Circles hosted by Native Elders

In attendance will be health care providers from hispitals and health agencies across the province. The conference will feature a Poster Display showcasing innovation and best practices in Aboriginal health care.

To receive updates about this conference or to be mailed a brochure, please email rmoonah@oha.com

For registration and further information please visit our web site at www.oha.com/conferences

Thunder Bay, Ontario – Tuesday, April 03, 2007  Wasaya Group Inc. hosted a Reception and Press Event today at the Travelodge Airlane to make three important announcements.

1.      Pledges in the amount of $505,000 from Wasaya Group Inc., Wasaya Airways LP, Wasaya WeeCheeWayWin, and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation (K.I.) to Sioux Lookout’s Meno Ya Win Health Foundation. The money will go towards a CT Scanner for the new Regional Health Centre in honour of the late Grace Tesky, a community member of K.I.

2.        Wasaya Group Inc. and its ownership communities signed a wholesale agreement with TruServ Canada Inc., Pratts Wholesale Ltd., and Triple 4 Advertising Ltd., for First Nations Stores.

3.      Wasaya Airways LP welcomed Keewaywin First Nation as the 10th ownership community to join the 100% First Nation owned partnership.

About Wasaya Group Inc.Wasaya Group Inc. is a partnership of nine northern First Nations. It was originally founded as a First Nation business enterprise in 1989 and is comprised of Bearskin Lake First Nation, Kasabonika Lake First Nation, Kingfisher Lake First Nation, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, Nibinamik First Nation, Wapekeka First Nation, Wunnumin Lake First Nation, Muskrat Dam First Nation and Pikangikum First Nation.

The Keewaytinook Okimakanak Research Institute (KORI) and the Faculty of Education of Lakehead University are hosting a series of on-line workshops on First Nations Digital Education. 

The first workshop with take place on April 20th at 3:30 Central Standard Time. 

The workshop is entitled Community-based Aboriginal Education and is facilitated by Ethel Gardener, the director of the Department of Aboriginal Education at the Lakehead University Faculty of Education. 

The series is open to professionals, community champions and anyone interested in the opportunities and challenges associated with First Nations Digital Education.  If your school would like to be a host video conference site for this workshop series, email brianwalmark@knet.ca or 1-877-737-5638 ext 1261.  You can also participate on streaming video using the chat feature...

For more information, join the Digital Education with Remote Aboriginal Communities (DERAC) discussion forum website at http://meeting.knet.ca/moodle/course/view.php?id=20 (you need to sign up for an account to join this forum).

- JOINT NEWS RELEASE -

• ONTARIO SUPERIOR, COURT OF JUSTICE
• ALBERTA COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH
• SUPREME COURT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
• MANITOBA COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH
• SUPREME COURT OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
• QUEBEC SUPERIOR COURT
• SUPREME COURT OF THE YUKON TERRITORY
• NUNAVUT COURT OF JUSTICE
• COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH FOR SASKATCHEWAN

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Courts to issue further notice to former students of Canada's Indian residential schools and their families

The settlement has been approved by the courts, and now former students must decide whether to opt out

OTTAWA, March 29 - The second phase of a national notification programme has begun, on behalf of courts across Canada, to alert former students of the Indian residential school system and their families that they must decide whether to stay in the settlement or remove themselves (opt out) from it by August 20, 2007.

Notices will be distributed, published, mailed, and broadcast throughout Canada, describing the settlement benefits and how to get them for those who stay in, and explaining what it means to opt out and how to opt out.

This is the continuation of a notification programme that began in June of last year, when former students and their families learned how to give their views about the fairness of the settlement.

Then, nine courts across Canada held public hearings.

All of the courts approved the settlement after those hearings.

The opt out period formally began immediately following a court hearing on March 22, 2007, and notices were placed on the court website (http://www.residentialschoolsettlement.ca/).

Community outreach coordinators will begin informing former students across Canada, and phone calls will be placed to those who previously came forward.

The settlement provides:

- At least $1.9 billion for "common experience" payments to former students who lived at one of the schools. Payments will be $10,000 for the first school year (or part of a school year), plus $3,000 for each school year (or part of a school year) after that.

- A process to allow those who suffered sexual or serious physical abuses, or other abuses that caused serious psychological effects, to get between $5,000 and $275,000 each. Those students could get more money if they also show a loss of income.

- Money for programmes for former students and their families for healing, truth, reconciliation, and commemoration of the residential schools and the abuses suffered: $125 million to the Aboriginal Healing Foundation; $60 million to research, document, and preserve the experiences of the survivors; and $20 million for national and community commemorative projects.

Family members who were not students will not get payments.

Former students who opt out will not get any payment from the settlement.

However, former students or family members who opt out will keep any right they may have to sue the Government of Canada, the churches that joined in the settlement, or any of the defendants in the class action lawsuits, over residential schools.

The opt out deadline is August 20, 2007.

Those who wish to opt out must complete, sign, and mail an opt out form postmarked by August 20, 2007.

The opt out form is available at http://www.residentialschoolsettlement.ca/EXC2-ENG.pdf, by calling 1-866-879-4913, or by writing to:

Residential Schools
Suite 3-505
133 Weber St. North
Waterloo, Ontario
N2J 3G9.

Eligible former students who stay in the settlement can get a payment from it.

However, former students - and family members - who stay in the settlement will never again be able to sue the Government of Canada, the churches who joined in the settlement, or any other defendant in the class actions, over residential schools.

Those who want to stay in the settlement and ask for a payment, may write, call 1-866-879-4913, or go to the website.

Claim forms will be mailed after August 20, 2007.

A toll-free telephone call center at 1-866-879-4913 has been set up to handle inquiries, with a link to crisis line services.

Also, a website displays the detailed notice, settlement agreement, list of recognized schools and hostels, and other information here: (http://www.residentialschoolsettlement.ca).

The following LU Press release indicates their new Honours Bachelor of Education in Aboriginal Education but the team at NNEC working with Brock U. is starting a similar program in the fall of 2007 in Sioux Lookout.

Lakehead University: New Program in Aboriginal Education Focuses on Aboriginal Learner; Program First in Ontario

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO--(April 2, 2007) - Lakehead University's Faculty of Education has established a four-year Honours Bachelor of Education in Aboriginal Education to start in January 2008. The proposal was overwhelmingly approved by Lakehead University's Senate on March 23, 2007.

The HBEd (Aboriginal Education) will be the first 4-year honours degree program offered by an Ontario university and the first to focus on critical foundations in Aboriginal education and Aboriginal pedagogy. The program prepares people of Aboriginal ancestry to become teachers with particular expertise to meet the needs of Aboriginal learners.

"This is a giant step forward for teacher education, especially Aboriginal teacher education in Ontario," says Dr. Julia O'Sullivan, Dean, Lakehead University Faculty of Education. "Graduates of this program will be highly qualified to teach primary and junior children using culturally relevant approaches and resources, and will have special expertise in early literacy and early numeracy education."

"For the past two years, we have worked in consultation with Aboriginal communities to design a program which will reflect the needs of these communities," says Dr. Ethel Gardner, Chair of Aboriginal Education at Lakehead University. "Aboriginal communities want their children to find academic success in education that is culturally relevant to them and responds to their learning needs. Several new courses have been created for the HBEd (Aboriginal Education) which address the issues brought up through our consultation process."

"This program provides graduates who will be well-rounded individuals who can teach in a context that is culturally relevant to Aboriginal students," says Goyce Kakegamic, recently retired Deputy Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. "This program ensures that there will be First Nation teachers available for our schools, and this will help with the success of First Nations students. We are delighted with this development and thank all those who have put much effort and support into this initiative."

Students who graduate from this program will have an understanding of culturally appropriate education grounded in Aboriginal philosophies. The graduates will have a thorough understanding of the needs of Aboriginal learners at the primary/junior level, and will utilize knowledge of Native language and culture in lessons and unit-planning.

Members of the Media: Dr. O'Sullivan and Dr. Gardner are available for interview by calling Eleanor Abaya at 807-343-8372. Goyce Kakegamic is available by calling 807-627-8070.

Lakehead University's main campus is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Superior. With a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a worldwide reputation for innovative programs and research. Lakehead has over 7,600 students and 2,200 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006 Lakehead University was named Canada's Research University of the Year 2005 in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Media Contact:
Lakehead University
Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications
(807) 343-8372
Mobile (807) 472-9110
Website: www.lakeheadu.ca

• NAPS is one of the largest and most progressive First Nation police services in North America
• Our jurisdiction is approximately the size of France with communities spread across almost 2/3 of Ontario, from the Manitoba border up the Coast of James Bay over to the Quebec Border.
• The organization began more than 12 years ago serving 7 first nation communities; today, we are providing service for 35 northern communities,  with 2 regional support offices and a main headquarters.
• Since 2003 our service has grown from a compliment of 92 uniform positions to the current complement of 132 uniform positions, an increase of 40 new officers in 4 years
• We are able to skilled jobs for both civilians and officers, with training provided through a number of qualified institutions.

Looking for a challenging and unique career?

Are you interested in living in a remote location with nature at your doorstep? 

Come see the possibilities@

www.naps-net.org

We welcome all applicants and encourage members of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation to apply