Media.Knet.Ca

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is inviting Aboriginal people to complete a very one sided online survey that they say will help shape their position on "Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) On Reserve Lands".

Everyone is invited to share their opinions by clicking here.

From the web site ...

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) has been invited by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the Honourable Jim Prentice, to participate in a national dialogue to resolve the Indian Act's failure to deal with disputes over Matrimonial Real Property on reserve lands (MRP).

Outside of the reserve context, MRP issues are managed by provincial laws that guarantee that real property (land and homes and other assets tied to land) cannot be disposed of by either party to a relationship that is failing or failed without protection for the rights of the other partner. In all provinces, these rights extend to married persons - they deal with who may possess the marital home during a break-up or in the case of family violence, and prevent either partner from selling the home without providing an equal or equitable share in the home's value to the other partner. In some provinces, these rights are extended beyond formally married partners to common law partners, to Aboriginal customary marriages and to same-sex partnerships.

In this questionnaire, we are asking for your advice and input on what you think is the best way to resolve the outstanding gaps in federal legislation regarding matrimonial property rights on reserve lands. The government of Canada is advancing three main options - the adoption of provincial laws (which vary from province to province), the use of provincial laws with the option of Bands to opt-out of those laws where they create their own laws that meet minimum standards, and a new federal law setting basic standards for MRP rights protection, also with the right of Bands to opt-out of the federal model by adopting their own laws meeting certain standards.

Our main question is simple: which option or approach do you think is most likely to close the gaps in the Indian Act and to help those affected by MRP disputes protect their rights and interests? This may seem to be a fairly straight-forward question, but there are complex issues at play. There are so many flaws and gaps in the Indian Act that amending it on any one issue can invite valid demands to reform the legislation to address other and often closely related problems - like the absence of accountability and governance rules, the failure of the Act to provide appeal mechanisms regarding Band decisions, and major issues associated with the Indian Act's membership and status provisions. In addition, ownership of and rights to homes and land interests on reserve often raise treaty rights issues - since about 50% of all reserves in the country were established originally by treaties. Treaty rights are protected by the Constitution from any negative effect or infringement by ordinary legislation like the Indian Act, and so any change to the Indian Act itself can have un-intended impacts on treaty rights.

Penny Carpenter, K-Net's Business Manager and Donna Williams, KO Teleheatlh Manager travelled to Toronto this week to meet with:

• Ministry of Health's e-Health and Aboriginal Liaison office;
• Smart Systems for Health office
• Ontario Telehealth Network office.

Penny attended these meetings to

• introduce the developments happening within the Kuhkenah Network with additional broadband connections being established in a number of Aboriginal health sites; and 
• identify strategies and needs to have all the Aboriginal health sites begin to receive equitable access to the Smart Systems for Health Agency network services and resources.

Articles and press releases on the latest round of court proceedings between Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, Platinex and the Ontario government concerning mining exploration and development on the First Nation traditional territory without appropriate involvement of the community. Unfortunately, some of the reporting demonstrates both the ignorance and prejudices against First Nation positions with statements like the ones the Canadian Press reporter writes (see below - "The province must write a blank cheque ..."

From Wawatay News Online - posted 2007.01.10

Injunction against Platinex remains in place

A Toronto-based mining company remains barred from drilling in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug following hours of discussions in a Thunder Bay court Jan. 9.

Representatives for the community, Platinex Inc. and the province of Ontario met in a back room of the court for more than four hours trying to reach an agreement that would lift the injunction, provide the company access to the land and give the community rules of engagement that must be followed, the lawyers said.

“Kitchenumaykoosib’s trust has been betrayed,” said Kate Kempton, who represents the community with nearly 1600 band members. “It’s too risky for KI to proceed without these rules in place.”

Platinex wants to continue drilling on the land to confirm earlier results of platinum in the community’s traditional lands.

But for that to happen, an agreement must be in place.

”It’s still possible to come to an agreement in the next little while,” Kempton said. “We’re still stuck on key issues.”

The matter will return before Justice Patrick Smith Jan. 22 and 26 and April 2 and 5.

Platinex was orginally barred from drilling in the community last summer.

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From http://www.tbsource.com/Localnews/index.asp?cid=90916

Drilling injunction upheld
Tb News Source - Posted: 1/9/2007

A court order stopping Platinex Mining from drilling on Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation will continue.

The two sides appeared in Ontario Superior Court Tuesday before Justice Patrick Smith. Justice Smith issued an injunction in July halting exploration work on the reserve.

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug claims the province circumvented a Supreme Court decision when it gave permission to Platinex to drill on their land without consultation and six months later, there is still no agreement on how the consultation process should proceed.

The First Nation says they have problems with new proposals brought forward by the province, at what they say is the last minute, and they can not go ahead without resolving these issues.

Later this month the concerned parties will return to the Superior Court to deal with procedural matters. Then in early April, the matter will be argued before the courts. In the meantime, there will be no drilling on the group's traditional lands by Platinex.

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Click here to read the follow MNDM press release online

News Release - Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
January 10, 2007 - 009
 
Ontario Committed To Resolution In Far North Mineral Exploration Dispute - Seeks Intervenor Status In Court Proceedings

SUDBURY – The Ontario Government is seeking intervenor status to participate in injunction proceedings between Platinex Inc. and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation.  Negotiations on a consultation process continued yesterday at the Ontario Superior Court in Thunder Bay but no agreement was reached. 

“Ontario remains optimistic that a resolution can be reached between the two parties and that is why we are seeking intervenor status,” said Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Rick Bartolucci.  “We believe it’s important to continue to proactively pursue a resolution that is acceptable to all.”

Although Ontario is not a party to the injunction proceedings between Platinex and KI, the Honourable Mr. Justice G.P. Smith’s interim order in July 2006 required a consultation process be developed for the Platinex drilling project and that the Crown be involved.

“The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, together with KI and Platinex, has worked hard on this issue and we will continue to devote our efforts toward finding a solution,” said Bartolucci.  “It’s only reasonable that all three parties should have the opportunity to move the yardsticks forward. It’s my hope that KI and Platinex will support our request to participate in the proceedings.”
 
One of the outstanding issues is the signing of a technical process agreement being drafted to guide the consultation.  Ministry staff indicated they would be prepared to sign a completed protocol and the minister has written to the Chief of KI offering to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC). 

“I have signed similar MOCs with other communities in the past, which reflect a broader political commitment to work together to improve the understanding of each other’s responsibilities, requirements, practices and expectations,” said Bartolucci.  “In our experience, these agreements can form the basis for the more technical agreements that follow.”

The ministry recognizes the Crown’s obligation to respect and honour the Aboriginal and treaty rights of communities and that communities have a right to be appropriately consulted and accommodated as set out in recent Supreme Court decisions. The Supreme Court decisions also confirmed the importance of all parties engaging in a reciprocal, constructive consultation process.

The ministry has been working cooperatively with First Nations to support increased participation by Aboriginal peoples in decisions that affect their lives.  It will soon be initiating public discussions on developing mining-related Aboriginal consultation guidelines.

-30-

Contacts:

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

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From http://www.cbc.ca/cp/business/070111/b011189A.html

Aboriginals say Ontario must pay for consultations to end mining dispute
Published: Thursday, January 11, 2007 - Canadian Press: CHINTA PUXLEY

TORONTO (CP) - The province must write a blank cheque for extensive consultations with the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation before any mining activity begins near the community, a spokesman for the remote northern Ontario band said Thursday.

John Cutfeet said the province didn't consult the First Nation when it allowed junior exploration company Platinex Inc. to drill on land 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont.

Ontario is holding up negotiations by refusing to pay for a full consultation on drilling on the Big Trout Lake property, he said.

While the proposed mining site isn't on reserve land, it is within the aboriginal band's traditional territory and could contaminate the community's lake, Cutfeet said.

"All we want to see ... is that we have a say in what happens in our territory that's going to have a huge impact on our lives," he said. "The lake is our livelihood. We eat out of there. We drink water out of there."

In the meantime, a court injunction has halted work on the site, and Cutfeet said negotiations have stalled.

The province should not only be paying for a full consultation before any mining activity begins, but that right should be enshrined in law so all aboriginals are consulted before prospectors go in search of gold, diamond and nickel in the north, the First Nation argues.

This case is being closely watched because the band is challenging the Ontario Mining Act on constitutional grounds, which could impact the high hopes many have for unlocking the north's natural resources.

Rick Bartolucci, Ontario's minister for northern development and mines, said he's optimistic all sides will be able to resolve the dispute through negotiation.

While he wouldn't talk about whether the province will pay for consultations with the First Nation because it is part of the ongoing legal dispute, Bartolucci hinted the government won't be writing any blank cheques any time soon.

"Certainly our ministry and the government continues to be very, very responsible with regards to the management of costs of this engagement," he said. "We've made a rather fair proposal to (the First Nation) with regards to the cost they would incur."

Negotiations are continuing and moving forward, Bartolucci said. It's not necessary to legislate consultation with aboriginals into law because the Supreme Court has already handed down a ruling to that effect, he added.

But Anna Baggio of the Wildlands League environmentalist group said it's time the government took a strong stand to protect aboriginal land rights and the province's boreal forest.

The conflict over mining activity in northern Ontario could have been avoided if the province updated its "antiquated" mining act to spell out clear rules on aboriginal consultation and environmental protection, she said.

Right now, there is nothing compelling the province to hold meaningful consultations with aboriginals before they authorize mining activity on their land, she said.

"You can't just have business as usual development. It's failing communities and it's failing nature."

New Democrat Gilles Bisson, who represents Timmins-James Bay, said the government must go beyond simply consulting aboriginals and should legally include them in both planning and revenue-sharing if it wants to exploit the natural resources of the north, he said.

"The First Nations communities don't want to live in poverty forever," Bisson said. "They recognize that developing mining, water and forestry activities are going to be good for them over the long run. But First Nations have to have a say in what happens when it comes to access to their territories."

The Big Trout Lake dispute started last year when protesters blocked an access road and landing strip, arguing the government had no right to grant Platinex a mining permit for their land.

Platinex filed a $10-billion suit and asked for a court order to remove the protesters. The band filed a countersuit and successfully obtained a temporary injunction prohibiting exploration on the land.

Superior Court Justice Patrick Smith gave the band, company and province five months to negotiate. The talks were granted an extension this week.

© The Canadian Press, 2007

Ontario Native Education Counselling Association

23rd Annual Conference May 28th, 29th, 30th

Water Tower Inn, 360 Great Northern Rd, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

 “Leaders of Today – Standing Strong”

Who Should Attend?

The conference is designed for Education Counsellors, Social Counsellors, Directors of Education, Student Support Workers, Teachers, and anyone who works with First Nation Students in the education field.

What to Expect?

The conference theme is “Leaders of Today – Standing Strong.”  As Counsellors and Front line Workers, you are the people who make the difference.  The conference presentations will focus on topics that will provide relevant information, resources, and tools to assist you both in job performance and your own personal growth. Areas of particular interest in the conference include:

Tools for Teachers, Parents and Counsellors, How to get parents involved, Early Identification, Transitional Year, Finding Balance, Character Development, Addiction Workshops, Two Spirited, Language, Motivational Speakers, Motivating Students, Drugs/ Crystal Meth, Gangs, Bullying, Special Needs – Learning challenges, styles, and available tools, Gambling, Cultural Workshops, Special Education, Advocacy Strategies for parents, Student Identification Process, Student Success Strategies, Professional Boundaries for Teachers and Counsellors, Learning Styles, Effective Communications, Building Rapport, Learning to find personal strengths to help cope with lack of support, Building Effective Working Relationships, Retention – dealing with dropouts, Exploring ways to work with younger students, Effectively, How to be more organized to be productive, Building s Support System, Networking,

What is the Cost?

Member fee before April13, 2007 - $200.00

Member fee after April13, 2007 - $325.00

Non-Members - $375.00

Elders and Students - $150.00

Group Rates Available if a group has 5 or more paid ONECA members inquire.

What is included in the Registration Fee?

May 28th, Breakfast and Lunch, Coffee Breaks

May 29th, Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee Breaks Banquet and Entertainment

May 30th, Breakfast, and Lunch, Coffee Breaks

I Want More Information - A complete program will be posted on our website once all facilitators have been confirmed. You can find this information at www.oneca.com under events/conference 2007, or contact the ONECA office at oneca@oneca.com bbor phone (705) 692-2999

 The Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation is a unique legal services office in Thunder Bay. The Corporation provides legal, paralegal, and law-related services, public legal education, research, and law reform services to the members of the First Nations of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN). The Corporation functions as an Area Office of Legal Aid Ontario (LAO).

This innovative legal service places substantial responsibility for the administration of justice and the provision of all legal services to the members of NAN, in the hands of First Nation people themselves.

The Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation is presently recruiting a full-time Community Legal Worker to serve Mishkeegogamang (New Osnaburgh) and the Independent First Nation Alliance communities of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake), Muskrat Dam, and Lac Seul.

Community Legal Worker

Working under the LAO Area Director and Legal Aid Coordinator, the CLW is crucial to the operation of this unique legal services corporation. S/he will work with justice personnel and the communities to improve the administration of the Euro-Canadian legal system of justice, and assist clients and their families in various legal matters. S/he will play a central role in the development and delivery of public legal education in the communities and assist in the development and implementation of restorative justice alternatives.

Qualifications:

• successful completion of Secondary School and/or equivalent experience in a related field;
• experience with the Euro-Canadian legal system and knowledge of Restorative Justice alternatives;
• experience in organizing and delivering programs;
• ability to work in a cross-cultural environment;
• good command of the English language;
• ability to speak the Oji-Cree language fluently an asset;
• willingness to communicate with others about law-related and traditional issues;
• must be willing and able to travel.
• possess a valid driver’s license

Location: Sioux Lookout or Lac Seul, ON, with extensive travel to the communities.

Salary: Salary negotiable.

Closing Date: Friday, January 19, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and 3 references to:

Mary Jean Robinson, Area Director,
Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation,
86 Cumberland Street S.,
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 2V3.

(Tel. 1-800-465-5581)
(Fax 1-807-622-3024)
Email: info@nanlegal.on.ca.

Communities in Action Fund program is now available, application deadline is set for March 2, 2007 (see press release below).

The Communities In Action Fund (CIAF) aims to help bring about a physical activity and community sport culture in Ontario by helping local and provincial not-for-profit organizations provide and enhance opportunities for physical activity through community sport and recreation.

This initiative is a key piece of ACTIVE2010: Ontario’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy that aims to help Ontarians be more physically active. The program also supports Ontario’s Action Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living, which was introduced by the Minister of Health Promotion Jim Watson in June 2006.
Eligible program applicants can receive non-capital funding for projects falling under one or a combination of categories covering planning, implementation, and/or development.

Specific information regarding the focus and eligibility requirements can be found in the CIAF guidelines.

If your organization is interested in applying to the CIAF and helping your community to be more physically active, please contact myself at the email address below. Consultation with ministry staff is strongly encouraged before submitting an application.

By working together, we can help Ontarians realize the benefits of an active lifestyle and contribute to a healthier Ontario. 
The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:

Shortcut to: http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/fund.asp

Full details available online, but if you have any difficulty please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Laurie Moyer
Regional Advisor
Regional Services Branch
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Health Promotion, Sports and Recreation Branch
62 Queen Street, P.O. Box 267
Sioux Lookout, ON  P8T 1A3

Telephone: 807-737-1018
Fax:    807-737-3419
Email: Laurie.Moyer@ontario.ca
www.citizenship.gov.on.ca. 
www.culture.gov.on.ca 
www.mhp.gov.on.ca
www.tourism.gov.on.ca

Ontario press release ...

McGuinty Government's Investment Keeping Ontario Active

Community Organizations Encouraged To Apply For Grants To Increase Rates of Physical Activity

TORONTO, Jan. 8 - For 2007-2008, the Ontario government is planning to invest $5 million into the highly successful Communities in Action Fund (CIAF) program, Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson announced today.

CIAF is a key initiative of the government's ACTIVE2010 Strategy and Ontario's Action Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living. By improving opportunities for community sport and physical activity, CIAF helps to remove barriers to participation for children and youth, low-income families, aboriginal people, older adults, women and girls, visible/ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. Visit www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/fund.asp for details.

"Our government is investing in this important program because it is working at the community level to enhance health and fitness," said Watson. "CIAF helps to provide Ontarians with access to sport and recreational activities."

Over the last three years, more than $15.8 million in CIAF grants have been awarded to approximately 542 organizations at the provincial and local levels. The fund supports programs that reach people of all ages and backgrounds. Programs funded by these grants include everything from dancing, skateboarding, tai chi and a range of popular sports to after-school sport programs for children and youth as well as mentoring programs.

"CIAF funding has helped us to make physical activity an easy choice for children with developmental and physical disabilities," said Henk Engles, Executive Director of the Ontario Track 3 Ski Association. "Sports create an opportunity for children to develop self-respect, self esteem and independence. These are life long skills which help young people integrate into school and the community."

This year, application forms are available on the Ministry's website: www.mhp.gov.on.ca. Applicants are encouraged to contact a ministry consultant prior to filing an application; contact information can be found on the website. The program guidelines have been expanded to encourage applicants to demonstrate how their projects also meet two key additional ministry priorities: injury prevention and mental health promotion. Where appropriate, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their project supports these two priorities while increasing physical activity.

"The Communities In Action Fund has already helped thousands of Ontarians become more active," said Watson. "We want to encourage as many organizations as possible to apply for these grants and I'm looking forward to seeing the great work that community organizations will do with CIAF support in 2007."

The Ministry of Health Promotion was established to improve and deliver programs that contribute to healthy living and wellness in Ontario. Key priority areas include Ontario's smoke-free strategy, healthy eating, active living, sport and recreation, injury prevention and mental health promotion.

www.mhp.gov.on.ca
www.active2010.ca

For further information: Adam Grachnik, Minister's Office, (416) 326-8497; Julie Rosenberg, Communications Branch, (416) 326-4833

Chiefs of Ontario press release ...
http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/news/dec20-06.html

Notice of Ontario Chiefs Forum on Health - December 20, 2006

This is an official Notice to all First Nations in Ontario that the Chiefs Forum on Health will be held at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in Toronto, Ontario on Wednesday, February 28th and Thursday, March 1st, 2007 to commence at 8:30 a.m. each day.

The Chiefs Forum on Health will be formally constituted as a Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA), to permit the passage of binding Resolutions, but only in relation to the health topics discussed at the Chiefs Forum on Health.

The normal Chiefs Assembly Rules of Procedure will apply, with one important modification mandated by Resolution 06/103 (“Quorum for Chiefs in Assembly Gatherings”) passed at the Garden River SCA on November 16, 2006. According to Resolution 06/103, all Chiefs of Ontario Assemblies require “sixty percent (60%) of all membership to be present in order to make decisions on behalf of the region”. The new 60% quorum is required for decision-making by way of Resolution, but is not required for general discussion.

Because of the importance of the Chiefs Forum on Health and the effect of the new quorum rule, all First Nation Chiefs (or Proxies) are respectfully urged to attend in Toronto on February 28 and March 1, 2007.

Further Information will be forthcoming in the New Year.

Lori Jacobs, Executive Director
 
Download Documents

• Health Forum Registration Form
• Health Forum Agenda
• Health Forum Proxy Letter

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CHIEFS FORUM ON HEALTH
February 28 & March 1, 2007
Delta Chelsea, Toronto

DRAFT AGENDA (Dec. 15/06)
DAY I – Wednesday, February 28, 2007 - 8:30 a.m.

1. Registration Call to Order

2. Grand Entry

3. Introduction of Chairperson(s)

4. Welcoming Address
* Chief Bryan LaForme, Mississaugas of New Credit

5. Opening Address
* Ontario Regional Chief (tbc)
* First Nation Inuit Health (tbc)
* Chair, Ontario Chiefs Committee on Health (tbc)

6. Adoption of Rules and Procedure/Draft Agenda
* Chairperson(s)

7. FNIH Budget

8. Upstream Investments
* Panel – Q & A

9. Pandemic Influenza

10. NNADAP

11. Injury Prevention

12. AFN Update

DAY II – Thursday, March 1, 2007 - 8:30 a.m.

1. Registration/Call to Order

2. Opening Prayer - Elder

3. Overview by Chairperson

4. Health Accord

5. Pan-Aboriginal Open Dialogue
* AHWS
* Mental Health

6. Public Health

7. LHINs

8. Closing Prayer – Elder

Resolutions will be dealt with after each issue

First Peoples Child & Family Review 
Volume 3 Number 1 - January 2007

"The latest issue of First Peoples Child & Family Review is now available online. We encourage you to check out our latest articles, as well as our offerings from past issues. If you are interested in contributing to the First Peoples journal, as an author or as a reviewer, information can be found on our website or by contacting the coordinating editor at mbennett@fncfcs.com.. The deadline for the next call for papers is March 31st, 2007."

Excerpts from the Table of Contents of the January 2007 issue:

• Ensuring Knowledge Transmission in the Aboriginal Child Welfare Field
• Keeping First Nations children at home: A few Federal policy changes could make a big difference
• The politics of kith and kin: Observations on the British Columbia government's reaction to the death of Sherry Charlie
• Reflections of a Mi’kmaq social worker on a quarter of a century work in First Nations child welfare
• Promising practice for maintaining identities in First Nation adoption
• Identity lost and found: Lessons from the sixties scoop

Click here to see the latest issue

Table of Contents, Volume 3, Number 1, 2007

4	Foreword Michael Hart
5	Ensuring Knowledge Transmission in the Aboriginal Child Welfare Field Marlyn Bennett
10	Keeping First Nations children at home: A few Federal policy changes could make a big difference Fred Wien, Cindy Blackstock, John Loxley and Nico Trocmé
15	The politics of kith and kin: Observations on the British Columbia government's reaction to the death of Sherry Charlie Gerald Cradock
34	Reflections of a Mi’kmaq social worker on a quarter of a century work in First Nations child welfare Nancy MacDonald and Judy MacDonald
46	Promising practice for maintaining identities in First Nation adoption Jeannine Carriere
65	Identity lost and found: Lessons from the sixties scoop Raven Sinclair
83	Indigenous knowledge and research: The míkiwáhp as a symbol for reclaiming our knowledge and ways of knowing Michael Hart
91	A way of life: Indigenous perspectives on anti oppressive living Robina Thomas and Jacquie Green
105	Here be dragons! Reconciling Indigenous and Western knowledge to improve Aboriginal child welfare Jean Lafrance and Betty Bastien
127	Are rural American Indian adolescents becoming a race of angels? John Courname
133	(A Literature Review) Re-examining issues behind the loss of family and cultural and the impact on Aboriginal youth suicide rates Kristine Morris

Click here to read the following Edmonton Journal story ...

Ont. reserve looks beyond housing, water crises - Deal may be near for improved services at Pikangikum

Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press - Published: Monday, January 08, 2007

PIKANGIKUM, Ont. -- Crammed into a ramshackle 700-square-foot house she shares with eight relatives, Juliette Turtle has resigned herself to a life without a decent roof over her head, a toilet or running water.

"I've just learned to accept it because there's no housing," the 58-year-old says through a translator as she sits on her worn beige sofa beneath a leaky window.

A few steps away, one of Turtle's grandchildren lies in what passes for a bedroom -- a space with three mattresses covering almost every bit of the floor. Clothing is hung on hooks or strings on the wall.

Pikangikum First Nation resident Juliette Turtle sits in an overcrowded bedroom Friday as her grandchildren sleep.

Outside is an outhouse the family members share -- a situation faced by almost every family on the Pikangikum reserve, 300 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.

When the pit starts to fill with excrement, the Turtles fill it in, dig a new hole nearby, and move their floorless outhouse shack over it.

Also on the property are the gravesites of relatives, including some of the seven children Turtle has lost to suicide.

She's not sure why most of her 12 kids took their own lives, but it's not shocking in a community that has suffered one of the highest suicide rates in the world.

"After all the things I've gone through, I'm hoping my grandchildren don't have to go through the same things," Turtle says.

The community of 2,200 has a litany of problems that start with basic infrastructure.

Half of the 430 homes are falling apart and unfit to live in, yet continue to be occupied. Ninety per cent don't have running water or indoor toilets. Turtle and many other families haul water in jugs from the community's water treatment plant. Some draw water from a lake and boil it to make it safe.

Still, many in the community believe there is hope for the future.

After years of fighting the federal government over funding, a deal may be close at hand to build water and sewer lines, and more housing.

Federal officials and local leaders formed a working group in November to tackle the priority areas, and will meet again this week. Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice has promised swift action.

"We've made significant progress at the table," Prentice said last month. "In the new year, people will see us moving in a very tangible, concrete way."

Community residents are cautiously hopeful.

"This is something we've heard in the past," said Dean Owen, who served as chief for 18 months until last fall.

"There is hope . . . that all these things will start happening."

The band has received money to build about 10 new homes in each of the last several years, Owen said, but it's not enough to keep up with a growing population and the need to replace dilapidated houses.

Work to connect homes to the water treatment plant has been stalled since 2001, when the former Liberal government took over the band's finances. The books were in order, but the government felt the band was not addressing the community's social problems, including its alarming suicide rate.

Last September, a regional medical officer of health based in Kenora said Pikangikum's water troubles were putting residents at risk of developing disease. The town's electrical supply -- a diesel generating station -- is so overtaxed that residents were told not to put up Christmas lights this season.

Still, there are signs that life has begun to improve.

Mick Staruck, principal of Pikangikum's school, said the youth suicide rate peaked in 1999, when a half-dozen kids in his Grade 7 class alone took their own lives.

Over the last two years, only two children in the entire school have ended theirs.

Staruck credits a new wave of dedicated teachers recruited specifically from northern areas, along with new after-school programs and sports that have kept kids engaged and off the streets.

The school has forgone new supplies in order to hire its first guidance counsellor as well as several teaching assistants.

The traditional water routes used by the people from across Nishnawbe Aski Nation for thousands of years are now popular canoe routes for people from around the world. A new canoe route atlas that is a combination of close to 100 years of travel by the two authors is being published in this spring describing this special part of Canada.

Over the past 40 years, Tom Terry travelled thousands of miles by canoe with family, friends, community members and guests through this special part of Canada. Tom and Carol operate a local canoe outfitting operation along with all their other activities.

This region was originally known as the "Little North" by the fur traders who were travelling these routes from the Hudson Bay and the Great Lakes in order to reach central Canada. Thus, the title of the new atlas is simply, "Canoe Atlas of the Little North" by Jonathan Berger and Thomas Terry.

The new atlas is reviewed on the Ottertooth.com web site at http://ottertooth.com/Otter-misc/littlenorth.htm with a link to the publisher’s promotion of the atlas available at http://ottertooth.com/Otter-misc/images/atlasinfo.pdf (1.4M PDF).