For the Second year in a row, the Aboriginal Head Start Program in Deer Lake has been selected to participate in a Canada-wide Community Exchanges Program. Last year staff members travelled to Mistawasis First Nation in Saskatchewan to exchange ideas and information. This year the group will travel to Kahnawake, Quebec.

Last year 16 sites were selected to take part in the Community Exchanges Program but because of overwhelming success, Health Canada increased the number of participating sites to 30 sites this year. Head Start sites are paired based on strengths and weaknesses.

Deer Lake Head Start has had tremendous success in its Culture and Language component of the Program. With the guidance and assistance from Elders and dedicated community members, the Program has been more active in exposing its students to traditional lifestyle practices.

Deer Lake Head Start hopes to get ideas on networking and creating linkages with other programs in the community. With a stronger emphasis on creating a working relationship with the local school.

The Exchange visits will take place in the fall 2006.

Indian Affairs minister feeling heat as Tories put brakes on native spending - SUE BAILEY for Canadian Press

OTTAWA (CP) - The desolate Kashechewan First Nation has become a flashpoint for growing frustration over Tory aboriginal policy.

That anger boiled over outside the Commons on Thursday as Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice turned his back on a confrontation with leaders representing the tiny James Bay community.

It started in the daily question period when New Democrat MP Charlie Angus, whose riding includes Kashechewan, challenged Prentice to recognize a Liberal-signed deal to rebuild what he called the flood-prone "rat hole" on higher ground.

Prentice refused. Instead, he countered over howls from the opposition that the Liberals never budgeted millions of dollars needed for the relocation.

Former Indian Affairs Minister Andy Scott signed an agreement last October pledging 50 new houses a year for 10 years.

"It is shameful that the previous Liberal government would have resorted to misleading the people of Kashechewan with empty promises and with no money set aside in the budget," Prentice said Thursday in the Commons.

"It is a situation we will deal with."

Angus says the minister's staff told him that it will be at least three years before a new site is selected. Moreover, funding expected this summer to repair existing homes and to study potential sites has been cancelled, he said.

Kashechewan Chief Leo Friday says he's worried that any delay will provoke residents, especially young people, to acts of civil disobedience.

"This government is trying to send my people back to that same shit hole that we've been out of for the last months," Friday said moments after Prentice refused to debate the matter in front of reporters and walked away.

"What are we going to do?"

Despite Prentice's claims that money was never budgeted, Friday says about $9 million had arrived in the community since the rebuilding deal was signed last fall. It was used to repair several homes, some of which were redamaged in the most recent flood.

The Cree community was moved against its will by Ottawa to the low-lying land in 1957.

More than 1,400 residents were evacuated for the third time in two years last month. They are now scattered among temporary homes in several northern Ontario cities and towns.

Spring flooding caused sewage backups in buildings, tainted drinking water and shut down hydro. This, after photos of Kashechewan toddlers riddled with skin infections blamed on dirty water made international headlines last fall.

Angus says he and Kashechewan leaders worked for months with the Conservatives trying to iron out details of a new plan.

"If we could (tell) the community, 'Yes, the minister needs more time but recognizes the (Liberal) agreement,' we'd be more than willing to go back and tell the people to be patient," Angus said.

"He has had ample opportunity to find the money and come up with a plan. He has done nothing."

Prentice insisted he is willing to continue talks with Kashechewan leaders.

"We have to patch that together, make it workable and livable and accelerate it as we can," he said when asked what residents are supposed to do in the meantime.

"Clearly, we have to move forward with a permanent solution."

Aboriginal issues may not be one of the Tory government's stated five priorities, but they've quickly become a political headache.

Prentice has taken heat since the maiden Conservative budget gutted a $5.1-billion plan signed by the former Liberal government, native leaders and all premiers to raise aboriginal living standards over 10 years.

The Tory budget commits just $150 million this year and $300 million next year for such goals.

Another $600 million was earmarked for housing and aboriginal programs in the territories - but only if surplus federal funds, to be finalized in the coming months, exceed $2 billion.

© The Canadian Press, 2006

Northern Nishnawbe Education Council is completing a search to fill a number of key positions. Please post the following job ads ....

NORTHERN NISHNAWBE EDUCATION COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NNEC seeks an Executive Director to provide leadership in the management and operation of its Education Programs: Secondary Student Support Program, Post Secondary Program, Wahsa Distance Education Centre, Pelican Falls First Nations High School, Pelican Falls Centre, Northern Eagle Student Centre and Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School.  The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is accountable to the Chiefs of the Sioux Lookout District. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• A university degree, preferably in education
• A minimum of five years experience in management and administration
• Strong communications, public relations, interpersonal, organizational and strong leadership skills
• Knowledge of relevant legislation pertaining to First Nations education
• Knowledge of First Nations education issues
• English is essential and fluency in Cree or Ojibway or Oji-Cree required
• Willing and available to travel

LOCATION Sioux Lookout, ON
SALARY      Negotiable - commensurate with related education and experience.
CLOSING   June 30, 2006 at 4:30 pm CST
TO APPLY  Submit resume, covering letter and two recent employment references to NNEC, Attn Dorothy Trout, Personnel Officer, by fax at (807)582-3865 or email at humanresources@nnec.on.ca , originals should follow or mail to PO Box 1419, Sioux Lookout, ON  P8T 1B9. 

For info visit www.nnec.on.ca or call 807-582-3245

NNEC requires Criminal Background Check from those offered positions

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NORTHERN NISHNAWBE EDUCATION COUNCIL
PRINCIPAL

Consider leading Pelican Falls First Nations High School, our private boarding school located on a picturesque 14 ha peninsula, 15 kms from Sioux Lookout, ON (a full-service community of 5000+).  We seek a dynamic educator and role model who can incorporate First Nation languages and values in the Ontario curriculum.  PFFNHS operates with a modified (condensed) school year from August to May and is home to 150 students from remote communities.

NNEC provides:

• Competitive salary/benefit packages; renewable contracts
• Extended vacation periods

Note: Staff are required to live in Sioux Lookout area; on-site living accommodations are not provided.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Principal’s Qualification Program (PQP) Parts 1 and 2 or be willing to complete
• Current member (or eligible) of Ontario College of Teachers;
• Must hold valid qualifications at the Secondary school level
• Must understand and be ready to implement the secondary curriculum for Ontario;
• Five years experience teaching First Nations students;
• Three years secondary school management and administration experience;
• Fluency in Sioux Lookout area First Nations dialect an asset.

Fax or mail your resume complete with:

• Statement of personal philosophy of education
• Copy of Certificate of Qualifications
• Copy of most recent performance appraisal
• Written permission for NNEC to contact three most recent employment references

Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. June 16, 2006 at NNEC Head Office, Attn Dorothy Trout, Personnel Officer, Fax (807)582-3865; mailing address Box 1419, Sioux Lookout, ON  P8T 1B9  Call (807)582-3245 for info.

NNEC requires Criminal Reference Checks from those offered positions

www.nnec.on.ca

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NORTHERN NISHNAWBE EDUCATION COUNCIL
Secondary Teachers
Full Time Positions

NNEC invites applications for various teaching positions for the 2006-2007 school year at Pelican Falls First Nations High School and Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School. 

Pelican Falls First Nations High School and Dennis Franklin Cromarty High Schools are private schools operated by the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council under the direction of District Chiefs and First Nation communities.  Pelican Falls First Nations High School is a unique facility that is located on Pelican Lake in the traditional territory of Lac Seul First Nation and within the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, Ontario.  Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario.  

Pelican Falls First Nations High School has the following teaching positions:

(1.0)   Mathematics , grades 9-12
(1.0)   Science, grades 9-12
(1.0) General Subjects

Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School has the following teaching position:

(1.0) Computer Studies

Teaching positions are full time with additional teaching assignments. 

NNEC provides:

• Competitive salary
• Extended vacation periods
• Established student support staff and counselling network     

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Certificate of Qualifications and Intermediate/Senior qualifications in required subject area(s);
• Member of Ontario College of Teachers
• Experience teaching First Nation students an asset
  Computer literacy
• ability to speak a District First Nations language an asset

Term  Full time positions starting August 2006 with renewable annual contracts.              

Please fax your resume complete with

• Statement of personal philosophy of education
• Copy of Ontario Certificate of Qualifications
• Copy of most recent performance appraisal
• Written permission to contact three most recent employment references

To: Dorothy Trout, Personnel Officer, NNEC Head Office, Lac Seul First Nation at (807)582-3865 or by mail to Box 1419, Sioux Lookout, ON, P8T 1B9.  Applications must be received by 4:30 pm June 23, 2006.  

www.nnec.on.ca

NNEC requires Criminal Background Checks from those offered positions

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NORTHERN NISHNAWBE EDUCATION COUNCIL
PAYROLL CLERK

NNEC seeks a Payroll Clerk for its Finance Department which provides payroll and human resource services for more than 140 full-time employees.  The Payroll Clerk maintains the payroll system and assists with maintenance of human resource information systems.  The Payroll Clerk must manage sensitive information with strict confidentiality and must have strong bookkeeping, computer, interpersonal and organizational skills to perform duties accurately and efficiently.  NNEC encourages applications by First Nations people from the Sioux Lookout District.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma or Certificate in payroll administration or a minimum of grade 12 with 2 years related work experience.
• Payroll association certification would be an asset.
• Experience with payroll systems in a computerized environment an asset.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

LOCATION Frenchman’s Head, Lac Seul First Nation
HOURS       8:30 - 4:30 (35 hrs/wk)
SALARY     Starting $22,508 to $30,122 annually
STARTING immediately
TERM         Full - time, renewable annual contracts
CLOSING   June 2nd , 2006 by 4:30 pm.

TO APPLY Submit resume, three employment references (with permission to contact) and covering letter to:

NNEC
Attn Dorothy Trout, Personnel Officer
by fax at (807) 582-3865
or mail to:
 PO Box 1419
 Sioux Lookout, ON
 P8T 1B9

Job description / more info. may be obtained by calling Dorothy Trout at (807)582-3245

NNEC requires Criminal Reference Checks from those offered positions

www.nnec.on.ca

First Nations and Metis health and wellness champions will be gathering at Fort William First Nation in August to critique the progress the Northern Ontario School of Medicine has progressed on the its Aboriginal mandate.

Northern Ontario School of Medicine Aboriginal Workshop

Date: August 1, 2, 3, 2006

 Location: In person (Fort William First Nation) & Online (live video feed & online discussions).

Addressing the needs, concerns and vision of the Aboriginal peoples in Northern Ontario has been a cornerstone of the Northern Ontario Medical School.  NOSM is pleased to offer you the opportunity to learn more about the efforts of the medical school to serve the health needs of Aboriginal peoples, on and off-reserve and to share your thoughts, concerns and ideas about what role NOSM can play in closing the health and wellness gaps of First Nations communities.

The workshop takes place in a face-to-face gathering in Fort William First Nation and on-line August 1, 2, 3, 2006. It will provide participants with the opportunity to comment on the progress that NOSM has made in addressing the issues raised by First Nations and Metis peoples raised during the first Aboriginal Workshop in the Anishinaabeg community of Wauzhushk Onigum near Kenora (June 10 - 12, 2003).  The full text of the Follow Your Dreams workshop report is available in English, French and Cree on-line. 

This workshop is part of a regional consultation that includes all members organizations that form the Aboriginal Reference Group of the medical school.

Workshop participants will have the opportunity to comment on the work of the Northern Ontario Medical School in five critical areas, including:

• Communications
• Community engagement
• Curriculum
• Research, and
• Admissions

The workshop will be conducted face-to-face in Fort William First Nation, via video conference and webcast technologies by K-Net Services.

The workshop will be archived and made available from the conference website at http://www.meeting.knet.ca

What:

The NOSM Aboriginal Workshop will be conducted through face-to-face encounters in Fort William First Nation, through videoconference and online (webcast) technologies for the leadership, Directors of Health, CHRs, Community Telehealth Coordinators (CTCs) and other community-based health and wellness champions at the local and regional level who want to learn more about the work of the medical school and to share their ideas about well the NOSM has been in addressing the issues raised in the first Aboriginal Workshop three years ago.  The Aboriginal Workshop is part of a regional consultation being conducted by the NOSM as part of its commitment to increase the numbers of Aboriginal medical doctors and to improve the levels of health and wellness in Northern Ontario.

When:

August 1,2,3, 2006, live presentations will take place starting at 09:00 am Eastern Standard Time. Presentations will also be archived and available for viewing at any time from http://www.meeting.knet.ca

Where:

Live workshops will be conducted through videoconference and webcast technologies. Archived versions of the presentations can be accessed through the K-Net Meeting area http://www.meeting.knet.ca

Who:

Each First Nations and Metis organization which are members of the Northern Ontario Medical School Aboriginal Reference Group will select a list of delegates to participate in the Aboriginal Workshop.  Delegates should represent a broad range of interests, age groups and gender from the broad range of the Aboriginal community, on and off reserve across Northern Ontario.

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES EXPERT PANEL TO ADVISE ON A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK TO ENSURE SAFE DRINKING WATER IN FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (May 31, 2006) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, with Phil Fontaine, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Environment, today announced the creation of a panel of experts that will examine and provide options on the establishment of a regulatory framework to ensure safe drinking water in First Nations communities.

"This expert panel will conduct public hearings across the country to identify ways to ensure that all First Nations communities have access to safe drinking water," said Minister Prentice. "This is an important part of the action plan I announced in March 2006 which will create a regulatory framework for water quality, to be developed with all our partners."

"Our First Nations Action Plan recognizes the need for a regulatory framework on safe water in our communities. The key to success is recognizing that First Nations governments need support to meet any recommended standards,"added National Chief Phil Fontaine.

The expert panel is composed of three highly experienced and qualified individuals, including Mr. Harry Swain, who will serve as Chair, Grand Chief Stan Louttit, and Dr. Steve Hrudey. The expert panel will submit an options paper to the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the National Chief at the end of August 2006. A report of the findings will be made public in September 2006.

"Access to safe drinking water is vital to the health of all Canadians, including First Nations people living on reserve," stated Minister of Health Tony Clement. "I look forward to participating in this process so First Nations communities can benefit from the same protection of water quality and safety as other communities in Canada."

"A clean environment and sound policies for drinking water protection are both essential to the health and safety of First Nations communities," said Minister of Environment Rona Ambrose.

For further information, contact:

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Deirdra McCracken
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
(819) 997-0002

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Media Relations Unit
(819) 953-1160

Health Canada
Carole Saindon, Media Relations
(613) 957-1588

Environment Canada
Media Relations
(819) 934-8008 or 1-888-908-8008

Assembly of First Nations
Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director
(613) 241-6789 ext. 320

Backgrouder - Creation of a Panel of Experts for the Development of Options for a Regulatory Framework to Ensure Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities

Press Release from Native Women's Association of Canada

Premiers commit to an Aboriginal Women's Summit to address Violence

OTTAWA, May 30 /CNW Telbec/ - "The Western and Northern Premiers are committed to honouring Aboriginal women's issues as identified at Kelowna" stated President Beverley Jacobs of the Native Women's Association of Canada. "This is a monumental step for all women across Canada and will lead to a pivotal shift in awareness and perceptions of Aboriginal women and the high rates of violence they experience. To address these issues will encourage healing for all women and will assist in addressing issues in our communities that have kept us silenced for way too long."

Commitments to address violence against Aboriginal women were made at a meeting between the Western and Northern Premiers and national Aboriginal leaders that took place yesterday in Gimli, Manitoba. Most notable for Aboriginal women is the commitment to hold an Aboriginal Women's Summit to address Violence.

During the Canada Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable process, NWAC provided documentation in all areas of economic development, health, education, and housing. In NWAC's research, it was reiterated that violations of human rights and violence were underlying factors that needed to be addressed in order to have access to the above noted areas. NWAC was advised that the issues of violence against Aboriginal women would be addressed at the First Ministers Meeting in Kelowna in November, 2005. The issue was addressed by the Premiers and the Liberal government and commitments were made at that time to hold an Aboriginal Women's Summit. President Beverley Jacobs believes that in order to close the socio-economic gap, issues of violence must be addressed.

NWAC was recently advised by Minister Prentice that Aboriginal women and children are a high priority for this new government. NWAC is looking forward to addressing the Aboriginal Women's Summit with him as well as issues that were not on the table in Kelowna.

NWAC was very honoured that the Western and Northern Premiers made this commitment to hold an Aboriginal Women's Summit to address Violence. "We have a common vision and a common goal to have our children grow up in healthy secure homes and within safe communities."

For further information: Linda Kayseas, Media Coordinator, (613) 722-3033 ext. 231, Mobile: (613) 552-4249

Two news items addressing the Western Premiers' efforts to support the Kelowna Accord. See the CTV.ca article below.

From the Toronto Star 

Ottawa urged to adhere to Kelowna deal - May 29, 2006
TIM COOK - CANADIAN PRESS

GIMLI, Man. — Western premiers went into their annual meeting Monday urging the federal government not to back away from a $5.1 billion deal to improve the lives of aboriginal people.

The so-called Kelowna accord was signed last November by former prime minister Paul Martin, the premiers, territorial leaders and aboriginal organizations.

But Stephen Harper's new Conservative government has been cool to the deal. And the fact that it was not mentioned in the federal budget has led some to speculate that it's dead.

Western premiers met with aboriginal leaders at the outset of their meeting to discuss the issue. They reaffirmed their backing of the accord and said they would push the federal government for a meeting of aboriginal affairs ministers from across the country to plan how to proceed from here.

The premiers also reaffirmed the commitment to having an aboriginal economic summit next January in Saskatoon and a summit on violence against aboriginal women.

Host Premier Gary Doer of Manitoba said it would be "morally wrong" to backtrack on the commitments outlined in the Kelowna deal.

"In my view the Kelowna accord could never deal with 120 years of Canadian history, but at least it was a start."

Doer added the Harper government "should have the right to look at things but not have the right to walk away" from the principles of closing the gap between aboriginals and non-aboriginals.

British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell said he is hopeful the federal government has not abandoned the accord and suggested the provinces should proceed with their parts of the deal.

"I can tell you, in British Columbia we are committed to it. I believe the federal government will come to the table," Campbell said.

"We're coming up to an anniversary, if you want, of the Kelowna accord in November. My hope is that all provincial governments will have laid out their plans for First Nations, Inuit and Metis people about how they are going to close those gaps and bring the federal government in to provide the kind of resources that are necessary over the long term."

Assembly of First Nation national chief Phil Fontaine said the support of the western premiers leads him to believe that the Kelowna accord is not dead.

"I don't think there has been any word that the deal is done," Fontaine said.

"It may be a matter as simple as rebranding and we have no objection to that. If it is going to bring about the continuation of this process . . . then we would be happy with that."

Doer said he hopes if groups such as the western premiers throw their support behind the deal the federal government won't be so inclined to go another way.

"The will of the public always determines the best way to go," he said.

The Kelowna accord was struck after 18 months of talks. It included a 19-page plan of targets and reporting requirements over 10 years in areas such as health, education, housing and clean water.

It would have provided $624 million for First Nations in the first year alone, plus millions of dollars more for the Inuit and Metis.

The federal government's budget contained promises of two years of firm funding for aboriginal issues — $150 million is promised this year and $300 million next year.

The new government has said it "is committed to meeting the targets agreed upon" at the Kelowna meeting.

Still, that hasn't been enough to allay the concerns of some within the aboriginal community who fear the deal is dead.

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From http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060529/western_conference_060529

Western premiers stand up for Kelowna accord - May. 30 2006

Western premiers started off their annual meeting with a plea for the federal government to maintain the Kelowna Accord.

Late last November, Canada's premiers, territorial leaders, aboriginal leaders and then-prime minister Paul Martin signed off on the $5.1 billion deal designed to improve the lives of aboriginal people.

Manitoba's NDP Premier Gary Doer, host of the meeting in Gimli on the western shore of Lake Winnipeg, told reporters Monday that it would be "morally wrong" to backtrack on Kelowna.

"In my view the Kelowna accord could never deal with 120 years of Canadian history, but at least it was a start."

B.C.'s Liberal Premier Gordon Campbell said he's hopeful the Tory government hasn't abandoned the accord and suggested the provinces should proceed with their commitments under the deal.

"I can tell you, in British Columbia we are committed to it. I believe the federal government will come to the table,'' Campbell said.

"We're coming up to an anniversary, if you want, of the Kelowna accord in November. My hope is that all provincial governments will have laid out their plans for First Nations, Inuit and Metis people about how they are going to close those gaps and bring the federal government in to provide the kind of resources that are necessary over the long term.''

Doer hoped that if the western premiers stand up for the accord, the federal government will be less inclined to go in another direction.

"The will of the public always determines the best way to go,'' he said.

Phil Fontaine, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, said stand taken by the western premiers gives him hope that the Kelowna accord is not dead.

"I don't think there has been any word that the deal is done,'' he said.

"It may be a matter as simple as rebranding and we have no objection to that. If it is going to bring about the continuation of this process ... then we would be happy with that.''

The deal took 18 months to negotiate and includes a 19-page plan of targets and reporting requirements for a 10-year period.

While the Tories have said it "is committed to meeting the targets agreed upon'' in Kelowna, they haven't committed to the accord itself.

Besides the accord, the premiers intend to talk about border security and international trade.

On Wednesday, some U.S. and Mexican politicians will be in attendance for a one-day summit on international issues. ...

The Wildlands League is sponsoring an online petition in support the people of KI and their efforts to protect their traditional territories. The petition is called Stop mining from threatening Canada's First Nations and is addressed to Dalton McGuinty, Ontario Premier. It can be seen at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/405283786?ltl=1148962631.

News updates about the efforts being made by the people of Big Trout Lake can be seen by clicking here.

Susan Casey-Lefkowitz, from Washington DC, who is a senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC - www.nrdc.org) along with Anna Baggio from the Wildlands League and a Toronto Star reporter traveled to Big Trout Lake to visit the community and the mining exploration site. Click here to see the pictures of this visit.

Two online news reports describe the confusion around the attempts by mining company to develop mine on Big Trout Lake traditional territory.

from http://www.timminspress.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentID=51741&catname=Ontario

First Nation sues province in attempt to stop mine: platinum mine spurs lawsuit

Canadian Press - Monday, May 29, 2006

TORONTO (CP) -- The development of a potentially rare and lucrative platinum mine near Aboriginal land in Northern Ontario has prompted a First Nation to sue the provincial government, while it faces a $10-billion lawsuit from a Canadian exploration company.

The cases centre around Platinex Inc.'s hopes to mine for platinum in an area populated by about 1,200 members of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, located about 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.

The company says about 90 per cent of the world's platinum comes from mines in South Africa, and a Canadian mine would be an extraordinary opportunity for all those involved, including the Aboriginal community.

But the community has made it clear they are against mining on their traditional territory and a landmark Supreme Court ruling dictates they should have been consulted before Platinex was cleared by the province to go forward, said deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which is providing assistance in the legal fight.

"For any company to work in (Aboriginal) territory, it's just common courtesy to call the chief and council and say, 'We're interested in doing this type of work in your community, can we come and sit down and talk about it,"' Fiddler said.

He said the First Nation was shocked to find the company setting up to work and drill in a lake about 15 kilometres from their community, an area they consider to be part of their traditional territory.

They asked the company to leave the area but Platinex said it had received a permit from the province to do exploratory work and refused. But Platinex pulled out after further confrontations and sought legal assistance.

"The company turned around and sued the community for $10 billion. We thought it was maybe a typo, we thought it was $10 million but it was really $10 billion," Fiddler said. "So that was a shock to the community."

The company has filed the injunction to continue its work because it was legally cleared to do so, on land which -- according to some legal interpretation -- may be Crown property, said Platinex lawyer Neil Smitheman.

He said the monetary value attached to the case may give a wrong impression of what Platinex is after, since it refers to the maximum value the company believes the mine could be worth, and not a sum being sought from the First Nation.

He said Platinex just wants to continue its work and is caught in the middle of a fight between the First Nation and the government over an ongoing land claim.

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from http://www.tbsource.com/Localnews/index.asp?cid=83295

Mine files lawsuit against First Nation
Tb News Source - Web Posted: 5/29/2006

A northern Ontario First Nation is named in a $10 billion dollar lawsuit for opposing a proposed platinum mine near its reserve.

The K-I First Nation, formerly called the Big Trout Lake First Nation, tried to stop a Canadian company from building the mine on what they feel is their traditional territory. But the company, Platinex Inc., is taking the First Nation to court, saying the site 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay could be worth billions.

Platinex says developing the mine would provide tremendous opportunities for all involved, including the aboriginal community. The K-I First Nation is suing the province for giving Platinex permits to begin its work and wants control over the land.

The legal battle over the mineral development caused a flurry of questions at Queens Park Monday.

The Big Trout Lake First Nation is suing the province in connection with its approval of exploration work being done in the bands traditional lands by Platinex Inc.

A Supreme Court ruling says the province is obliged to consult with affected first nations before any such approval is given. NDP Leader Howard Hampton accused the government of ignoring the ruling, even though band officials had made their objections to the development clear. But Northern Development Minister Rick Bartolucci says all protocols are being respected.

Three women from the Mi'gmaq First Nation from the community of Listuguj, QC began their cross country cycling journey yesterday, leaving from Vancouver, BC. The Aboriginal Women on the Move-Cross Canada Cycle Tour (http://www.aboriginalwomenonthemove.org) is about making a difference and getting people involved .... "we want to raise awareness and bring attention to the social and health issues of family violence". The trip is sponsored in part by the National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence (www.nacafv.ca) along with many other individuals, groups and communities.

From http://www.aboriginalwomenonthemove.org/index2.html

Preparing for Launch : May 28th, 2006 in Vancouver

Greetings from the Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation….Home to the Aboriginal Women on the Move-Cross Canada Cycle Tour 2006

Cycling to End Family Violence

Time is fast approaching to the day we kick off from our pedals and start our cycling journey across Canada with our message in hand and in our hearts; to raise awareness and bring attention, initiate dialogue, share best practices and our goal to one day break the cycle of violence in our communities.   

Attached is the most recent revised Route and Date Schedule, there will be revisions depending upon what we experience along the way, visit our website and/or blog for any changes.

Aboriginal Women on the Move proudly announces that our “blog” is on-line at www.awotm.blogspot.com and you also link to the AWOTM blog through our website.  You will be able to follow our journey on a day-to-day basis, as we share our journey, our experiences.  

While on the road, AWOTM can be reached in a couple of ways; e-mail:  mimigeus@hotmail.com , cell: (506)789-3369, Messages at Haven House: (418) 788-5544 and National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence: (613) 236 1844

Aboriginal Women on the Move greatly appreciates all the support and kind words of encouragement extended to us over the past two years as we planned and promoted the cycle tour.  Your support, encouragement and friendship have fuelled our spirit, determination and commitment to make a difference.

Share in the AWOTM Journey….Get Involved….Together Can We Make a Difference

• Visit our website:   www.aboriginalwomenonthemove.org
• Tell your family and friends about “Aboriginal Women on the Move”
• Download and post our flyer in your community and/or workplace
• Support “AWOTM” through a donation or Sponsor a Kilometer…become a Friend of the Tour
• In-Kind Contributions
• Support your local Women Shelter
• Organize an information session on family violence in your community and/or workplace
• Denounce family violence and abuse….breaking the silence breaks the cycle!!!
• Join us or visit with us as we cycle through your community/territory/region
• Follow along our journey on our blog:  www.awotm.blogspot.com