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The Aboriginal Artworks Group of Northern Ontario (AAGNO)

Present the

Pre-Christmas
Aboriginal Fine Arts and Crafts
Show and Sale

October 19 - 21,  2006 
Intercity Mall, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Thursday Oct. 19 & Fri Oct. 20 :
9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday Oct. 20: 
9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

 ON SALE

• Original Native Paintings
• Leather Work
• Native Jewelry
• Wood Carvings
• Birchbark Artwork
• Christmas Ornaments
  And Much, Much More!!!

“Come one, come all to see Authentic Aboriginal Fine Artworks of our Northern Ontario’s Aboriginal people. Great people, Great gift ideas, Great prices.”

From PHIL FONTAINE - Oct. 13, 2006

Native people wait for promise of better health

The federal Conservative government has clearly indicated that it has little understanding of how to optimize the investments of Canadian taxpayers in the health and social safety net.

Funding cutbacks to health and social programming aimed at the most vulnerable populations in Canada - particularly First Nations - will result in a greater burden to the system, and greater disparities among the health of Canada's richest and poorest populations.

Instead of producing savings to taxpayers, this is going to cost all of us in the short and long term.

Last week, Health Minister Tony Clement gave an address to the Empire Club in Toronto called The Need for Patient Wait Time Guarantees in Canada.

At the same time, the minister is defending the elimination of the First Nations and Inuit Tobacco Control Program even though the smoking rate among First Nations is almost triple the Canadian rate.

Clement has not explained how the patient wait times guarantee will benefit First Nations peoples, who have been excluded from any input into developing a new approach.

Let us remember that Clement is directly responsible for providing health services to First Nations, and there is a well-documented and shameful gap in the health status of First Nations and other Canadians.

Without taking a broader primary care and public health approach to the wait times guarantee, and without ensuring that federal, provincial and territorial governments become more accountable for how they are providing services to First Nations, this new strategy of the minority government will fail in its primary objective: ensuring that all Canadians have the same access to the same standard of care.

Any health professional will agree that access alone does not mean better health status. One must account for quality of service as well as meeting basic needs, like housing and water.

Many First Nations communities are in crisis. One in four First Nations children live in poverty. Overcrowding is double the Canadian average. Mould contaminates half of all First Nations homes.

As of Sept. 8, there are 89 First Nations communities - including 34 in Ontario alone - that have to boil their drinking water. This is why we see Third World diseases like tuberculosis and shigellosis in First Nations communities.

The situation calls for urgent reform of the system and strategic thinking, not simple tinkering with improved measurements of access to hip replacement surgeries.

Next month will mark the 10th anniversary of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples' final report and the one-year anniversary of the First Ministers Accord on Aboriginal Issues.

The Conservative government committed in its election platform to "accept the targets agreed upon at the recent Meeting of First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders, and work with first ministers and national aboriginal leaders on achieving these targets."

No such discussion has taken place.

As a result, the annual cost to Canadians of the government's failure to act will reach $11 billion in 2016.

What is truly unfortunate is the cost of addressing these issues is less than the future cost of being satisfied with doing nothing now. What is impossible to measure is the misery and maladies this do-nothing approach costs.

One of the targets achieved at the first ministers meeting was a comprehensive First Nations health plan.

It included recommendations to ensure that the root causes of poverty and disease were addressed in partnership between federal, provincial, territorial and First Nations governments.

The plan was endorsed by all jurisdictions and investments secured to ensure its implementation and success over the next 10 years.

Instead of proposing a "new approach" that will do nothing to make significant progress in closing the gap between First Nations and Canadians, Clement should look to the First Nations Plan. It is actionable and it has the support of all governments.

Lives are in the balance. Time and money should not be wasted trying to repackage innovative approaches for the sake of political gain.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Phil Fontaine is National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations

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

From http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1160949009607&call_pageid=970599119419

Staff working with First Nations
Oct. 16, 2006. 01:00 AM

---------------------------------------------------------------
Native people wait for promise of better health - Opinion, Oct. 13.
---------------------------------------------------------------

I wish to clarify the misleading statements contained in the op ed by Assembly of First Nations' Chief Phil Fontaine.

I met with Fontaine on Sept. 21 specifically to address the problems he cites.

We had a positive and productive discussion about how to improve working relationships and I invited the chief to work directly with me and Health Canada to help solve the native health-care problems that have resulted from 12 years of Liberal mismanagement.

In fact, just last week on Oct. 12, my officials met members of the Assembly of First Nations for further discussions about priority areas on which Fontaine and I will work together.

It appears that Fontaine was drafting his op ed saying the First Nations "have been excluded from any input into developing a new approach" at precisely the same time his staff were meeting with mine to develop the new approach.

I trust that the coincidence of Fontaine's confusing comments and the meeting of our staff was an unfortunate misunderstanding and not an indication that he no longer wishes to work co-operatively with Canada's new government to get things done for the families he represents and who trust him to act in good faith to deliver improved services for them.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Tony Clement,
Minister of Health,
Ottawa

Sioux Lookout First Nations Mini - Hockey Tournament

November 24 - 26th, 2006 ( Sioux Lkt Arena )

Entry Fee $ 800.00 (deposit of $ 500.00 required before your team entry is put in a draw)

First Nation Treaty Players only, Open to First Nation Teams only...Club Teams are welcome.

NO body checking or fighting rule

Deadline for entry fee is November 10th, 2006.

If any questions, or entry fee submissions; Contact Eno C. Anderson through email address enoca@sympatico.ca asap.

Thank you.

Eno C. Anderson, Coordinator

Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council

LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION

The Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council is announcing a public competition for a logo design. The logo that is selected will serve as visual representation for OFNYPC in print, web and broadcasting communications.

The design must reflect First Nations culture and the submission must include a detailed description or explanation of the logo designed. This design should be kept simple, with a maximum of four colors; this is to allow for easier reproduction for future promotional materials. The OFNYPC would like this logo to symbolize respect, unity, as well as diversity amongst the First Nations in Ontario.   

This invitation is extended to First Nations Youth from across Ontario. Submissions will only be accepted from individuals ages 15-29.

An award of $250.00 will be given to the designer of the winning logo.

Entries must be received by November 10th, 2006. All submissions must include your name, age, address, postal code, telephone number and/or email.  Hard copies must be submitted on a separate piece of 8½” by 11” white paper and can be mailed to:

Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council
c/o Chief of Ontario Political Office
Suite 101, 90 Anemki Dr.
Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1A5

Electronic submissions can be sent by email and should be attached as JPEG, GIF or PDF.  E-mail: laura@coo.org.  Subject line “logo competition”

For more info on the OFNYPC, check out our website at www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/youth.

Please note that the winning design will become the property of the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council and the Chiefs of Ontario

Assembly of First Nations Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement Conference for Frontline Workers – EASTERN REGION

WHERE: Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, 123 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON.

WHEN: Nov. 22-24, 2006

National Chief Phil Fontaine invites Frontline Workers and Survivor Organizations from Eastern Canada to participate in a detailed technical briefing on the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, as well as the court approval process, to ensure accurate information and consistent messaging is provided to former residential school students.

There are no Registrations fees. Participants will be responsible to pay for their own travel, accommodations and meal expenses.

• Poster and Information
• Registration Form

Draft Agenda will be posted as soon as possible.

Equay-wuk (Women's Group) Fall Gathering 2006

Sunset Inn, Sioux Lookout

November 7-9, 2006.

Theme:  "Empowering Families & Communities"

• Guest Speakers (TBA) - Topics:  Justice, NAN Youth, Residential Schools, Shelters
• Workshops on Women in Leadership, Self Government, Family Violence, Community Wellness, and Starting Women's Groups
• NAN Women's Council - Open Forum
• An evening of entertainment (Nov.7)
• General membership meeting & election of the Equay-wuk Board of Directors (Nov.8)
• Daily Door Prizes

Invitations are being sent to First Nation offices - delegates representing their community will be recommended by their Chief and/or Council.  Please contact your Chief if you are interested in attending.  A registration form must be filled out and sent to Equay-wuk (Women's Group).

Note:  Delegates are required to attend all sessions.

For more information, contact:

Felicia or Darlene

Phone:  807-737-2214 or toll free 1-800-261-8294

Fax:  807-737-2699 

Email:  equaywuk@nwconx.net

Visit our website to view the agenda and registration form.

www.equaywuk.ca

PART-TIME INSTRUCTOR OPPORTUNITIES

We are inviting applications from qualified individuals for contract teaching positions for several programs for the Winter Session, 2007.  Each program is offered in a modular format; students attend one-week/two-weeks on-campus sessions in each semester and the remaining is through distance delivery. These positions require flexibility, intensive instruction hours during the on-campus sessions, teleconference delivery, preparation, marking and student support by telephone and email when students are in their home communities.

First Nations Business Administration Certificate
 Spreadsheet Management
 Mathematics of Finance
 Introduction to Marketing II
 Managerial Accounting
 FN Human Resources Management I
 First Nations Funding Agreements
Aboriginal Community Services Worker Program
 Promoting the Needs of Elders
 Crisis Intervention and Response Planning
 Understanding Mental Illness and Treatment
 The Human Body
 Health Administration
 Approaches to Wellness for Women
Native Early Childhood Education
 Introductory Computer Skills
 Methods 1
 Child Growth & Development 1
 Field Practicum/Seminar 1
 Interpersonal Communications
 Introduction to Ojibway
 Introduction to Cree

Qualifications:
• Diploma or degree in the appropriate field of study;
• 3 - 5 years related experience;
• An understanding of First Nations culture;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and
• Experience in adult education is preferred.

Interested candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, resume, with references by October 30, 2006 at noon EST to:
Executive Director
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education & Training Institute
106 Centennial Square, 3rd Floor
Thunder Bay, ON  P7E 1H3
Telephone: 807-626-1880
Fax:  807-622-1818
Email:  info@oshki.ca

While we appreciate all applications for this position, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Sandy Lake First Nation, Presents:

Sandy Lake Youth Invitational Hockey Tournament

Brian Walmark, Keewaytinook Okimakanak's Research Institute Coordinator, was recently reappointed as a member of the Northern School of Medicine Board of Directors, representing the city of Thunder Bay.

From http://www.nob.on.ca/aroundtheNorth/10-03-06-nosm.asp

NOSM’s new Board of Governors

Six new members have joined the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. At the annual member’s meeting the audited financial statements were approved, amendments to the corporate by-law were ratified and new members sworn in.

Barbara Beernaerts, was nominated by the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, Dr. Amar Cheema, was nominated by the post-graduate medical trainees, Austin Hunt, nominated by the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, Jeanne Naponse was nominated by the Union of Ontario Indians, Neil MacOdrum was nominated by the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and Elizabeth Moore was nominated by the Nishnawbi Aski Nation.

Dr. Jean Anawati, Helen Cromarty, Ron Chrysler, James Gordon, Dr. Peter  Hutten-Czapski, Jeremie Larouche, Dr. Neil McLeod , Dr. Dermot McLoughlin, Dr. William McMullen, Tracey Ross, Lou Turco, Dr. Stephen Viherjoki, Brian Walmark and Carl White were re-appointed.

From http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com/News/260187.html

Treaty 3 Chiefs angered by program funding cuts

By Mike Aiken - Miner and News - October 11, 2006

Treaty 3 chiefs advocated for constitutional challenges and civil disobedience Tuesday, during the first day of the fall National Assembly being held in Seine River.

Upset by what they saw as arbitrary cuts and amendments to programs affecting their children, leaders didn’t mince words.

Delegates at the table focused on the recent cuts to supports for special needs students on First Nations, who usually attend provincial schools in neighbouring communities.

“It’s a clear and blatant violation of our treaty rights,” said the chief responsible for the education portfolio, Chuck McPherson of Couchiching First Nation.

He said families are considering placing their children in the care of family services, so they can ensure they get access to a proper education.

As classes resumed, Couchiching band council found themselves without funding for 16 education assistants, who accompany special needs students in classrooms. Across Treaty 3, the total was $1.3 million in cuts, and members began a letter-writing campaign to protest the drastic changes.

Without the added support, McPherson said three students in the Kenora area have been unable to attend school, which he saw as a violation of the children’s rights under the treaty, as well as their provincial right to be in school and their rights against discrimination listed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The federal government came under criticism in aboriginal circles for a range of cuts last month, as well, which included anti-smoking campaigns and funding for legal challenges.

“The new Conservative government has openly targeted treaty rights and our people,” said Chief Earl Klyne of Seine River.

As First Nations celebrated their recent victory regarding redress for residential school issues, assembly chairman Francis Kavanagh said the clawbacks were already in the works.

“We’re financing our own settlements,” he said.

Others criticized Indian and Northern Affairs for saying the decisions were related to expensive evacuations due to flooding on northern reserves, such as Kashechewan.

Chief Warren White of Whitefish Bay called for civil disobedience when he urged chiefs to force a meeting with Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice over the issue. During their trip to Ottawa in December, he said they should sit in the minister’s office until he agrees to meet with them.

Right to consult denied

Speakers also called for a legal challenge based upon their right to consult in section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. While this right has normally been applied to resource rights, they said it was time to apply it to social policies.

Chiefs also suggested they ignore provincial laws regarding child care, because Queen’s Park ignored their suggestions on changes to the new Child and Family Services Act.

“I can say to you we got diddly,” stated George Simard of Weechi-It-Te-Win, the aboriginal children’s aid society operating in the southern part of Treaty 3.

Simard told the assembly he wasn’t prepared to work with provincial regulators towards harmonizing practices, and their only recourse was to go through the courts and force the province to consult with First Nations.

Lac La Croix First Nation Chief Leon Jourdain challenged his colleagues to commit $3,000 each towards the development of their own child care system, saying it was time to act on their words.

The assembly continues Wednesday with an update on a controversial youth trip to Honduras, followed by a visit from the auditors on the their third and final day, Thursday.