Media.Knet.Ca

This information is mostly for new moms ... I recently moved from Thunder Bay to Calgary. I would say that moving to Calgary has opened my eyes to all these things: importance of Breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and baby wearing.  Therefore, I just wanted to share it back to northern Ontario since these are my roots. Being a new mom has opened my eyes to so much. I realise how challenging this is and I just want to share this with other moms because these concepts are important in raising healthy strong Anishnabe children.

AFN press release ...

National Chief Responds to Minister Prentice's Dismissal of The First Nations Child Welfare Crisis

OTTAWA, Feb. 8 - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Phil Fontaine recently announced that the AFN is considering filing a Canadian Human Rights Complaint against the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) based on discriminatory funding of First Nation Child Welfare Agencies.

"It is unfortunate that the Minister will not acknowledge the true extent of the problem, and instead chooses to focus on the exact number of on-reserve First Nation children in state care. As the Minister responsible for status Indians in Canada it is disappointing that the Minister is not concerned with the total number of First Nations children in care. Whether it is 27,000 or 37,000, it is tens of thousands too many. But to set the record straight, the following is based on indisputable evidence generated by third party AND joint INAC-AFN collaborative studies:

• INAC funded a national research published report called Wen: de in 2005, based on three sample provinces where First Nation children are tracked in off-reserve agencies confirm the total number to be 27,000.
• Total conservative estimate is 27,000 First Nation children in provincial and First Nation agencies overall.
• INAC year end data confirms the on reserve total at 9,000, but the AFN's position is that all First Nations children matter, both on and off-reserve.

"The Minister went on to state that funding for First Nations Child and Family Services is not capped at 2% but increases annually by 11%. There are two budget components for any given child welfare agency, operational and maintenance," pointed out the National Chief. "The operational budget is the component that would enable the agencies to raise the quality of protection and engage in prevention services, this budget has been capped at 2% for the past decade."

"To equate the departmental maintenance budget increases of 11% annually as a good thing, is like saying the fact that the increasing numbers of First Nations children coming into care is a good thing. I would hope that Minister Prentice agrees with this point as evidenced by the following quotes from his own departmental website:

"The current Program also lacks the authority to provide adoption subsidies and supports and less costly placement options such as kinship care, which are more effective for the child."

"The reimbursement regime for high cost placements out of the parental home combined with the lack of resources for least disruptive measures/prevention services is contributing to escalating program costs."

"At the end of the day, we must remember one thing, no matter what the exact number of our children in care is, these current high levels are unacceptable," concluded the National Chief.

"The Minister may acknowledge 9,000 and choose to ignore those in off reserve agencies. However it is the responsibility of First Nations to address the health and well being of every single First Nations child, no matter where they reside."

A fact sheet with more detailed information has been contributed by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, a partner of the Assembly of First Nations

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

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The Evidence Supporting Human Rights Case in Child Welfare
Summary Sheet

Prepared by Cindy Blackstock of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
February 7, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------
Position: Number of First Nations children in care on and off the reserve

Source(s):
- Wen:de: We are Coming to Light of Day pp. 42-43
- INAC Year End Data
- Blackstock (2003)
- Ferris Manning and Zands
- Minister Prentice (2007)

Quotes/Comments:
In Wen de, an analysis of provincial child welfare data found there were 9771 First Nations children in care in three sample provinces alone. This lines up with the estimate of 27000 on and off reserve across Canada. The estimate that there were between 22,500 and 28,000 First Nations children in care was
first published by Ferris-Manning and Zandstra and separately
by Blackstock in 2003 have remained unchallenged. "I've looked at the stats over the last 10 years - the number of kids in apprehension has increased by 65 per cent," Prentice told CBC News Monday. CBC News (2007)

Position: It is important to support the work of First Nation child welfare agencies.

Source(s):
- United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (2003) Article 26
- Joint National Policy Review on First Nations welfare (McDonald and Ladd 2000)
- McKenzie B (2002)
- Wen de Report

Quotes/Comments:
Article 26 "It(The UNCRC) is equally encouraged by establishment of Nations child and family service agencies providing culturally sensitive services to children and families within their communities"Note: there are numerous citations supporting FN CFSA work I have included just a couple here but more could be provided if needed"

Position: Inadequacy of Federal child welfare funding.

Sources(s):
- Minister Prentice (2007)
Quotes/Comments:
Prentice said he know the system (child welfare) needs work and his department is try to figure out what to. CBC News Feb 6, 2007

Source(s):
- BC Children and Youth Review (AKA the Hughes Commission) (2006)
Quotes/Comments:
Recommendation 14 "... replace Directive 20-1 with a new approach that is more supportive of measures that protect the integrity of the family.

Sources(s):
-Amnesty International (2006)
Quotes/Comments:
"In 2000, the federal government acknowledged that chronic under- funding of child and family services in Indigenous communities means that Indigenous communities were often denied access to services that could provide for Indigenous children's welfare while keeping them within their families and communities."

Source(s):
INAC First Nations Child and Family Services National Program Manual(2005)
Quotes/Comments:
"the majority of the(NPR) recommendations, however, have not beenimplemented." "for example when the formula was conceived in the early 1980s computers were not used to the same extent that they are today. As well there was less emphasis on prevention than there is now. These changes have put more pressure on Recipients with little resources to adapt to current trends."

Source(s):
- INAC (2003) Evidence to Sub committee on children and youth at risk Mr. Smith, Acting DM INAC
Quotes/Comments:
"Having said that, let me assure you that INAC does not minimize the role it plays in child and familyservices, nor the effect our policy has on the lives of Indian children living on reserve. As recently stated by my minister, INAC's current one-size-fits-all first nations child and family services policy, developed in the late 1980s, has simply not kept up with provincial development in this area."

Source(s):
- Saskatchewan Government Community Resources and (2004)
- Wen de Reports
- Joint National Policy Review on First Nations Child and Family Services (McDonald and Ladd, 2000)
Quotes/Comments:
"The department continues Employment to press INAC on a funding approach for FNCFS agencies that would support equivalent child welfare services on and off reserve"

Position: Jordan's Principle to Jurisdiction Disputes as recommended in Wen de.

Sources(s):
- Wen de: Report
- Lavallee (2005)
Quotes/Comments:
Over 200 including Canadian Paediatric Society, National Youth in Care Network, UNICEF Canada, Canadian Child Care Federation, Laidlaw Foundation, Family Services Canada, International Social Services Canada,

Position: Neglect as Key Reason Why FN over represented in care

Sources(s):
- Wen de Reports
- Trocme, Knoke and Blackstock (2004)
- Trocmé, N.., Fallon, B., MacLaurin, B., & Shangreaux, C. (2005)
- Trocmé, N. MacLaurin, B., Fallon., B., Knoke, D., Pitman,L. & McCormack,.M. (2006)

Quotes/Opinions:
Two cycles of the Canadian Incidence Study on Reported Child Abuse and Neglect confirm that the leading reason why First Nations children come to the attention of child welfare is neglect fueled by poverty, poorhousing and care giver substance misuse.

Position: Link of Neglect to Poverty

Sources(s):
- Trocmé, N.., Fallon, B., MacLaurin, B.,& Shangreaux, C. (2005)
- Trocmé, N. MacLaurin, B., Fallon., B., Knoke, D., Pitman,L. & McCormack,.M. (2006)
Quotes/Opinions:
Secondary data analysis of the Canadian Incidence Study on Reported Child and Abuse and Neglect find that poverty is a key contributing factor to the over representation of First Nations children substantiated for neglect. Other factors are poor housing (correlated with poverty) and caregiver substance misuse. Both reports recommended additional investments in prevention services and long term sustainable community development to reduce poverty

Source(s):
- United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Committee Cultural Rights(2006)Reviewing Canada's 5th and 6th periodic reports

Quotes/Opinions:
Article 56 " the recommends the State Party (Canada) gather disaggregated statistical data inrelation to the relinquishment to foster care of children belonging to low income families, single mother led families, Aboriginal families and African Canadian families in order to accurately assess the extent of the problem.....in accordance with the provisions of Article 10 of the Covenant on the protection of families, the federal, provincial and territorial governments undertake all measures including through financial support, where necessary, to avoid such relinquishment"

---------------------------------------------------------------References

• Amnesty International (2006) The human rights of indigenous peoples must be protected. Ottawa: Amnesty International Canada. Retrieved 07 February 2007 http://www.amnesty.ca/themes/canada_hr_ip.php
• Blackstock, C. (2003). First Nations child and family services: restoring peace and harmony in First Nations communities. In K. Kufeldt and B. McKenzie (Eds.) Child welfare: connecting research policy and practice (pp. 331-343). Waterloo: Wilfrid Laurier University Press.
• Blackstock, C., & Trocmé, N. (2005). Community based child welfare for Aboriginal children. In M. Ungar (Ed) Handbook for working with children and youth: pathways to resilience across cultures and contexts (pp.105-120). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
• Blackstock, C., Trocmé, N., & Bennett, M. (2004). Child welfare response to Aboriginal and caucasian children in Canada: A comparative analysis. Violence Against Women, 10 (8), 901-916.
• Blackstock, C., Prakash, T., Loxley, J., & Wien, F. (2005). Wen:de - we are coming to the light of day. Ottawa: First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.
• CBC News (2007) Foster Care System Needs Improvement: Prentice. Retrieved 07 February 2007 at http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2007/02/06/foster-care.html?ref=rss
• Ferris-Manning, C., & Zandstra, M. (2003). Children in Care in Canada: Summary of current issues and trends and recommendations for future research. Unpublished paper prepared for the Child Welfare League of Canada for submission to the National Children's Alliance.
• Hughes, Ted.(2006) BC Children and Youth Review. Retrieved 07 Feb 2007 at http://www.childyouthreview.ca/down/BC_Children_and_Youth_Review_Report_FINAL_April_4.pdf
• Indian Affairs and Northern Development (2005). First Nations child and family services national program manual. Ottawa: INAC social policy and programs branch. Retrieved 07 Feb 2007 at http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/R2-332-2004E.pdf
• Lavalee, T. (2005) Federally funded First Nation Children with complex medical needs. Paediatrics and Child Health 10(9), 527-529. Oakville: Pulsus Group Inc.
• Loxley, J., De Riviere, L., Prakash, T., Blackstock, C., Wien, F., & Thomas Prokop, S. (2005). Wen: de: the journey continues. Ottawa: First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.
• McDonald, R. & Ladd, P. (2000). Joint national policy review of First Nations child and family services joint national policy review. Ottawa: Assembly of First Nations.
• McKenzie, B. (2002). Block funding child maintenance in First Nations child and family services: A policy review. Unpublished paper prepared for Montreal: Kahnawake Shakotiia'takenhas Community Services.
  Sub Committee on Children and Youth At Risk, 37th Parliament Second Session (October 2003). Evidence of Mr. Michael Smith Acting Deputy Minister INAC. Retrieved 07 February 2007 at http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/cmte/CommitteePublication.aspx?SourceId=63966
• Saskatchewan Government Community Resources and Employment (2004) One year progress report on the recommendations of the Baby Andy review- July 2004. Retrieved 07 Feb 2007 at http://www.dcre.gov.sk.ca/publications/pdfs/BabyAndy_Progress_Report.pdf
• Trocmé, N.., Fallon, B., MacLaurin, B., & Shangreaux, C. (2005). The experience of First Nations children coming into the child welfare system in Canada: the Canadian Incidence Study on reported child abuse and neglect. In First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (Ed.), Wen:de: coming to the light of day (pp.60-86). Ottawa: First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.
• Trocmé, N., Knoke, D., & Blackstock, C. (2004). Pathways to the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in Canada's Child Welfare System, Social Service Review, December 2004, 577-600.
• Trocmé, N. MacLaurin, B., Fallon., B., Knoke, D., Pitman,L. & McCormack,.M. (2006). Mesnmik Wasatek: Understanding the overrepresentation of First Nation children in Canada's child welfare system: An analysis of the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS-2003). Ottawa: First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.
• United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (2006). Concluding observations of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Canada 4th and 5th periodic reports. United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: Geneva, Switzerland.
• United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (2003). Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Canada. United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: Geneva, Switzerland.

For further information: Bryan Henry, AFN A/Communications Director, (613) 241-6789 ext. 229, cell (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca;. Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext. 243, cell, (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca.

Click here to check out the Native American Music Awards web site 

Press release ...

Submission Deadline: 2007 Native American Music Awards

February 7, 2007

The submission deadline for the Native American Music Awards is next week. In order to submit, you first have to become one of their members. The details:

DEADLINE: February 15, 2007

2007 Membership Application 
2007 Nomination Submission Form (Click on Link -PDF file)

The Ninth Annual Native American Music Awards is tentatively scheduled for September 15, 2007

Each year the annual Awards show program features over one dozen mesmerizing and dynamic performances by some of today’s leading Native American artists along with awards presentations in over 30 categories including; Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame.

Press release ...

Angus Calls For Action On Suicide Crisis In Kashechewan

Charlie Angus says a spate of suicide attempts in Kashechewan is a shocking indictment of the failure of Canada’s commitments to the community. Over the past month, 21 young people have attempted suicide, the youngest being nine-years-old. Angus says he is shaken by this wave of hopelessness in the crisis-ridden community.

Today in the House, he challenged Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice to make a clear commitment to the community. “What future is there for the young people in Kashechewan? The grade school is shut down. There is no community centre for young people. This is not a regional shame. It is not a national shame. Kashechewan has become an international symbol of utter hopelessness.”

Over the last two years, the community has been evacuated three times. The community is in the final stages of an internal process to choose a location for a new community. Angus challenged Prentice to live up to commitments made to the community.

“The government of Canada signed an agreement with the people of Kashechewan to build a new community. This minister needs to make a clear and public commitment to give hope to the people of Kashechewan.”

In November 2005, Kashechewan gathered international attention over an e-coli crisis in the water supply. Out of the Kashechewan water crisis, the government was forced to set national standards for on reserve water supplies.

"Once again, Kashechewan is calling out for all first nations. What about the crime of hopelessness? What about the complete disregard for the young? These children don’t even have a bloody school to go to."

Angus says the government needs to take the lead in addressing the failure of First Nation education funding. He calls on the government to insist that reserve schools are given the same resources for special education, schooling and youth at risk programs.

Audio Files:

1. During Question Period, Charlie Angus says many young kids have tried to kill themselves recently. http://www.charlieangus.net/audio/charliekashesuicide.mp3
2. During Question Period, Charlie Angus says the situation is getting so deplorable that international save the children are now looking at Canada. http://www.charlieangus.net/audio/charliekashesuicide2.mp3

AFN press release ...

Negotiation or Confrontation: It's Canada's Choice - Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples report on Specific Claims acknowledged by National Chief

     OTTAWA, Feb. 7 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Phil Fontaine commented on the work of the Senate committee on Aboriginal Peoples on the release of its federal specific claims report, Negotiation or Confrontation: It's Canada's Choice.

     The report of the special study, released in December 2006, echoes the AFN's recommendations presented to the Senate Committee on November 8th, 2006 to expedite the settlement of specific claims by establishing an independent claims body to be developed and implemented in partnership with First Nations within two years, and affirming the need for increased funding for the preparation, negotiation and settlement of outstanding specific land claims.

     "In order for First Nations to move from poverty to prosperity, Canada must settle its outstanding lawful obligations owed to First Nations," stated the National Chief. "The report, released by the Senate, encourages the development of a more efficient, speedier process for resolving the approximately 900 outstanding specific claims that represent a debt on Canada's books."

     The Senate Committee report acknowledges that improving the claims resolution system to enable quick, efficient and fair settlement of specific claims is a moral, economic, political and legal imperative for Canada. Within the existing process, it would take 200 years to settle all existing specific land claims.

     "I'm pleased that Minister Prentice has indicated that he looks to the Senate report for its recommendations on how to improve the process. We support him and we look forward to discussing with him the report and its recommendations to determine how we can jointly work towards creating a positive shift that will help turn the corner on First Nations land claim issues," stated National Chief Fontaine.

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

-30-

/For further information: Bryan Henry, AFN A/Communications Director, (613) 241-6789 ext. 229, cell (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext. 243, cell (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca/

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From the Globe and Mail ...

$250-million a year is needed for native land claims, report says
More violence is probable if disputes remain unsettled, Senate study concludes - BILL CURRY - From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

OTTAWA — A major Senate report is warning of more Caledonia-style blockades and violent confrontations between natives and non-natives unless Ottawa starts setting aside $250-million a year to settle land-claim disputes.

After hearing from a wide range of native leaders and academics over the past year, the senators concluded in yesterday's report that a plan to settle these claims is a proven way to better the lives of Canada's natives. Resolving land disputes, they argue, allows native communities to benefit from economic activities such as housing developments and natural-resources projects.

"In every case where they have been settled, it has meant an immediate improvement in the lives of First Nations people," the report states.

Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice, who spent most of his pre-political career working on land claims, has pledged to reform the way Ottawa deals with land claims but has yet to announce his new approach. A spokeswoman said the minister will go over the details of the report before responding.

The Senate committee is chaired by Conservative Senator Gerry St. Germain, a Métis with a strong interest in aboriginal policy.

In an interview, Mr. St. Germain said federal leaders need to treat their legal liabilities in the same way a business would, setting aside enough money each year so that the debt can be paid off.

He said most of the natives' claims against the government are clear cases of Ottawa allowing development, such as roads or rail lines, on native land without compensation. "It's fraud, theft and mismanagement," he said.

Although the senators found positive results where deals have been reached, the nearly 300 resolved claims are a fraction of the almost 900 that are currently backlogged.

The report found that long delays -- and Ottawa's conflict of interest in acting as both defendant and judge -- means it will be at least 90 years before that backlog is cleared.

To speed up the pace, the senators recommend at least $250-million be set aside each year to settle these disputes. They also call on Ottawa to create a claims commission to rule on these matters independent of the federal government.

Hard numbers are difficult to find, but Mr. St. Germain estimated that settling all specific claims would cost between $3-billion and $6-billion. Even at $250-million a year, it would still take between 12 and 24 years to clear the backlog.

Mr. St. Germain said the threat that further confrontations like Caledonia -- the Southwestern Ontario town where Six Nations protesters have occupied disputed land for nearly a year -- will spread across the country inspired him to dig into the issue.

"I can see problems just lying there waiting to happen and I think we have a responsibility as members of Parliament to make certain that if something is imminent, that we deal with it in a responsible manner," he said. "[Addressing claims] is something that I think really, really hits right at the very core of what we have to do right off the top to deal with our aboriginal peoples."

The Conservative government had promised an independent body for such claims during the campaign but has yet to act on the file.

As Canada was settled by Europeans, a wide range of promises were made to native communities in the form of treaties and other land arrangements. But natives who felt those promises were ignored, either by neglect or outright fraud, were legally prevented from hiring lawyers to defend themselves until the 1950s.

Since then, hundreds of claims have been filed against the federal government. Known as "specific claims," they deal with violations of deals that already exist. Talks toward new treaties or land claims are called "comprehensive claims." The report found that Indian Affairs estimates its liability for all claims to be at least $15-billion, a figure that the senators said will continue to rise unless action starts soon.

In an interview in December, Mr. Prentice said self-government and settling land claims hold the most promise for addressing native poverty in Canada.

"My view of where we need to go in this country is we have to resolve treaties, we have to resolve the self-government issues and there has to be a gradual replacement of the Indian Act," he said. "I'm pretty passionate about this because I think it is the way forward."

On behalf of the Kenora Law Association, I would like to share the link to our web site to ensure that this online resource is known to residents of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Given the increased use of the internet by residents of northern communities, the Kenora Law Association would like to ensure our web address is made known to Aboriginal Organizations  in Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory.

The site can be found at:

http://www.kenoralawassociation.ca/

The site contains full information on all lawyers in the Kenora District, including e-mail addresses.

National Aboriginal Health Organization press release ...

National First Nations Youth Suicide Prevention Forum - A Call for Participants

DATE AND LOCATION
The Forum will take place during March 22-25, 2007 at the Nottawasaga Resort Inn in Alliston, ON.

NATIONAL FIRST NATIONS YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION FORUM

Suicide in our communities is reaching rates of epidemic proportions; approximately 5-7 times higher than the national average, varying within each community.

While many FN communities are responding to the alarming rates of suicide through intervention initiatives; many others are still looking for ways to respond.

The National First Nations Suicide Prevention Forum will provide opportunity for First Nations Youth to obtain and share information through:

• Showcasing successful suicide prevention initiatives through presentations and workshops
• Delivering SafeTALK first-contact training
• Provision of a forum for First Nations Youth to engage in discussions surrounding suicide prevention
• Opportunity for First Nations Youth to recommend action

PARTICIPANTS
The National First Nations Youth Suicide Prevention Forum will bring together 32 First Nations Youth; between the ages of 18-29. Participants should have experience and/or interest in suicide prevention or other relevant First Nations Health issues.

COSTS
Costs associated with attending the forum will be provided by the National Aboriginal Health Organization and will be limited to air/ground travel, accommodations, meals, and incidentals. Other costs must be assumed by the participant or sponsor.

APPLICATIONS
For additional application forms and more information on the Forum, please visit: www.naho.ca

Applications to attend the Forum must be completed in full, and accompanied by a letter of recommendation and short essay as detailed in the application form. Applications missing information will not be considered.

INFORMATION & INQUIRIES
For more information or to submit an application to attend, please contact:

Winona Polson-Lahache
Tel: 613.237.9462 Ext 505
Toll-free: 877.602.4445
Fax: 613.237.1810
wpolsonlahache@naho.ca.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 5 PM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2007

Click here to download a copy of the application form

From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2007/02/06/fontaine-speech.html

Living conditions for First Nations 'unacceptable': Fontaine
February 6, 2007 - CBC News

First Nations people in Canada live in "Third World" conditions, with a lack of access to clean water and decent housing, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations said Tuesday.

"We rank no better than a Third World country, and that is simply unacceptable. There is no good reason why our people should be as poor as they are," Phil Fontaine said in Toronto.

In a keynote address at an assembly National Housing and Water Policy Forum, Fontaine said there is no question that the federal government must spend more money to address the serious problems in First Nations communities. 

Fontaine said problems include unsafe drinking water, crowded homes, high unemployment, high suicide rates, limited access to quality health care, and thousands of children being looked after by provincial child-welfare authorities.

There are boil water advisories on more than 100 reserves, with about 35 communities in crisis over lack of access to clean drinking water. As well, on average, there are more than four people in every First Nations home, Fontaine said.

"When we start talking about the many crisis situations that exist in our communities, the response is usually: more money is not the answer," he said. "We all know more money is needed."

Fontaine said the government has made millions available to upgrade military equipment for the Armed Forces and to correct a perceived fiscal imbalance among some provinces.

If the federal government wants to make money the answer to problems, it clearly can, he said.

"The health of our people relies on clean water, clean air and healthy homes," he said.

Fontaine acknowledged, however, that First Nations people must help to find the solutions to existing problems by working with government officials and business leaders.

"It is all up to us. We must do it. We must create the solutions ourselves. Our community must decide on our future. We must work together to fix the system that has produced the results that we are living today," he said.

"We want to be real contributors to Canada's prosperity. We never ever wanted to be dependent on someone else. Any suggestion that we are happy with our current situation is so completely wrong."

Despair leads to suicide
John Beaucage, grand council chief of the Anishinabek Nation, which includes 42 First Nations communities in northern Ontario, told CBC News on Tuesday that the poverty leaves young people on reserves with a sense of despair.

"This despair is resulting from poor housing, where there may be four or five families living in one house that has three bedrooms and they take turns sleeping on the beds at night," he said.

"It's a situation where they are unsure of their drinking water supply and that drinking water could have E. coli or other kinds of bacteria. I think probably the most disturbing thing is this despair often leads these young people even to contemplate suicide.

"The suicide rates in northern communities are astronomical. They are crisis in proportion," Beaucage said.

Fontaine told reporters after his speech that the northern Ontario community of Kashechewan, which was evacuated in 2005 because of contaminated drinking water, is one community where suicide is a huge problem.

According to media reports, as many as 21 people between the ages of nine and 23 tried to commit suicide last month. Fontaine said "urgent action" is needed in the community.

Beaucage said the three-day forum in Toronto will give First Nations leaders a chance to pool ideas on how to improve housing and bring clean water to their communities.

"We want to target the communities at greatest risk," he said.

Beaucage said the government has a role to play in solving the problems of First Nations but it must respect their right to govern themselves.

"We are just moving into a position where we are able to do the work ourselves and we are saying to the federal government, stand out of the way, let us do it."

Human rights complaint
Fontaine said Monday the assembly is planning to file a human rights complaint against the federal government because, the assembly alleges, Ottawa is underfunding aboriginal child-welfare services.

One in 10 aboriginal children is in foster care, compared with one in 200 non-aboriginal children. According to the assembly, child welfare agencies for First Nations receive 22 per cent less money than those that deal with non-aboriginal children.

After the Harper government took office last year, it scrapped a $5.1-billion aboriginal spending plan worked out by the previous Liberal government at a first ministers meeting in Kelowna, B.C.

Known as the Kelowna accord, it promised to improve the social and economic conditions of aboriginal people.

Fontaine said the government needs to look at how much it spends on First Nations every fiscal year because aboriginal people are the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population.

"It's a complete misrepresentation to argue that First Nations have too much money, or enough money," Fontaine said. "We all know the opposite to be true."

The assembly describes itself as the national representative organization of the First Nations in Canada. Canada has more than 630 First Nations communities and about 756,700 First Nations people.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation press release

NAN Calls for Fair Trade Standards in Mining

THUNDER BAY, ON, Feb. 5 - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler delivered a statement to participants of the Rapaport International Mining Conference today in New York City calling on diamond exploration and mining companies to meet basic operating standards in terms of accommodation and consultation with First Nations within NAN territory - an area covering two thirds of Ontario.

"There needs to be a meaningful dialogue between Chiefs and councils, the Province of Ontario, and with industries regarding Aboriginal and treaty rights," said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. "When it comes to extraction and exploitation of the natural resources in the backyards and traditional territories of our people, clear and agreed upon standards must be implemented."

During the conference Fiddler distributed the following standards he hopes will end the failure of both the Government of Ontario and industries to acknowledge the various supreme court rulings, including Mikisew (November 2005), regarding the need to consult and accommodate First Nations prior to exploration:

• Respect for aboriginal, treaty rights and basic human rights outlined in international conventions and Canadian law
• Free, prior, and informed consent of affected First Nation communities
• Respect for moratoriums
• Ensure exploration and mining operations are not located in areas of disputed land claims, unresolved community overlap areas, or other places of conflict
• Ensure exploration and mining projects do not force communities off their lands
• No dumping of mine wastes into oceans, rivers, lakes, or streams
• Ensure exploration and mining projects are not located in sacred or spiritual sites, community protected areas, fragile ecosystems, and conservation or ecological value
• Ensure community land use planning takes place before exploration and mining commences
• Ensure projects do not generate sulphuric acid or other persistent pollutants in perpetuity
• Mining companies cover all costs of closing down and cleaning up mine sites
• Fully disclosed information regarding social and environmental effects of projects
• Ensure First Nations equitably share in wealth generated from the exploration and development of their traditional lands
• Safe working conditions
• Respect for aboriginal workers' rights and culturally sensitive labour standards
• Allowance for independent monitoring and verification of the above

Delegates of the conference participated in discussion and debate with leading NGOs, government development experts, and leaders of the diamond trade regarding ethical sourcing, corporate responsibility, and what the diamond industry can and should do to help the poorest people in the world.

The Rapaport Group drives sustainable economic development in the poorest countries of the world and is committed to using economic power and strategic positioning in the diamond and jewellery industry to help artisanal diggers and other disadvantaged groups obtain economic self sufficiency.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is an Aboriginal political organization representing 49 First Nation communities within the territory of James Bay Treaty 9 and Ontario First Nations of Treaty 5. This area covers over two-thirds of the province of Ontario and is home to approximately 45,000 people.

For further information: Kristy Hankila, Communications Assistant, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4902, (807) 472-9604 (mobile)

Ontario government press release ...

Ontario Invests In Aboriginal Community Development - Feasibility Studies Pave Way For Community And Small Business Centres In Aboriginal Communities

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is helping 14 Aboriginal communities prepare for the future by investing in feasibility studies for community and small business centres, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay announced today. The investments highlight the government’s commitment to strengthening Aboriginal communities.

“So far this fiscal year, more than $570,000 has been made available through the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program to help 14 First Nations and Aboriginal organizations determine the viability of running or expanding community or small business centres,” said Ramsay. “These studies are the first step towards improving service delivery and creating economic development opportunities within Aboriginal communities, many of which are remote First Nations in northern Ontario.”

Community centres facilitate the provision of essential services and activities for community members. Small business centres support entrepreneurial activities and early-stage growth of small businesses by providing rental space, shared services and business counselling assistance.

In addition to funding feasibility studies, the program provides grants for the construction, expansion or renovation of these facilities. Improvements to the ACCGP during this fiscal year have increased the government’s possible contribution for total eligible project costs from 75 to 90 per cent.

“This government made a commitment through the New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs to create strong and prosperous Aboriginal communities,” said Ramsay. “These feasibility studies are intended to help fulfil that commitment.”

Further information on the program may be obtained by contacting Tim Sim, at 416-314-7217 or by visiting the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs website at http://www.aboriginalaffairs.osaa.gov.on.ca/english/economy/grants.htm

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Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program

This program invests in the development of facilities that provide Aboriginal community services and encourage business activity.These facilities foster healthy lifestyles and skills development, especially among Aboriginal children and youth.

Eligible Applicants

First Nations, Aboriginal non-profit incorporated groups and Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Charter Communities sponsored by that Secretariat.

Eligible Projects

Projects involving construction, acquisition, renovation and expansion of community, friendship and small business centres, and feasibility studies leading to the development of each, are all eligible.

An eligible applicant community can obtain one-time infrastructure funds for each of:

• Community / friendship centre
• Small business centre

to a maximum of $500,000 (not to exceed 90 per cent of the total eligible project costs).

For remote, fly-in communities, a maximum of $750,000 will be considered on a case-by-case basis (within the 90 per cent maximum cap).

An eligible applicant community can obtain funding for a feasibility study for each type of infrastructure project to a maximum of $50,000 per project (not to exceed 90 per cent of the total eligible project costs).

The program is comprised of two program components.

The Ontario Native Community Infrastructure Projects component helps develop community and friendship centres that contribute to a healthy social base in Aboriginal communities. These facilities provide essential community services and activities.

The Native Small Business Centres component helps develop small business centres that support entrepreneurial activities and provide opportunities for business development in Aboriginal communities. These facilities support early stage growth of small businesses by providing rental space, shared services and business counselling assistance.

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What We’ve Done
Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program projects approved since October 2003:

• BEARSKIN LAKE FIRST NATION received grant approval for $450,810 in September 2004 for a community centre.
• BIINJITIWAABIK ZAAGING ANISHINAABEK (ROCKY BAY) received grant approval for $33,000 in September 2004 for a small business centre feasibility study.
• FORT ALBANY FIRST NATION received grant approval of $33,750 in December 2003 for a small business centre feasibility study.
• KINGFISHER LAKE FIRST NATION received grant approval of $320,663 in September 2004 for a community centre.
• LAC SEUL FIRST NATION received grant approval of $3,750 in December 2003 for a small business centre feasibility study.
• LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION received grant approval of $26,625 in July 2004 for a community centre feasibility study.
• MISSANABIE CREE FIRST NATION received grant approval of $207,900 in August 2004 for a small business centre.
• MOHAWK COUNCIL OF AKWESASNE received grant approval of $300,000 in August 2004 for a community centre.
• NORTH SPIRIT LAKE FIRST NATION received grant approval of $23,250 in September 2004 for a small business centre feasibility study.

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For more information contact:
Tim Sim, Aboriginal Program Advisor
Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs
Email: tim.sim@osaa.gov.on.ca
Phone: 416-314-7217