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From Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal at http://66.244.236.251/article_3711.php

OPG expanding power station at Ear Falls
By BRYAN MEADOWS - Feb 2, 2006

Work has started on expanding the Ontario Power Generation hydroelectric power station in Ear Falls.

Blasting of a tunnel under Highway 105 began this week and is expected to continue until late March.

The OPG project involves the construction of an additional 12-megawatt hydroelectric generating unit at its Ear Falls dam on the far western edge of Lac Seul.

Site engineer David Sennill said Wednesday that blasting of bedrock will occur two to five times per day.

Motorists may experience 10- to 15-minute delays during the blasting which is being carried out by Leo Alarie and Sons Ltd.

Sennill said crews are working just south of the existing power plant and blasting either way underground toward the English River and Lac Seul.

When the excavation and power house tie-ins have been completed, crews will remove the “rock plugs” from either end, he said.

OPG had halted work on the project last April, citing ongoing consultation with various parties and a reassessment of the “costs and risks associated with the expansion at the site.”

OPG did not elaborate on specific reasons for the cancellation. Nor was the company forthcoming on project details when contacted this week, saying only that an announcement would be made in the near future.

Lac Seul First Nation, located northwest of Sioux Lookout, had opposed the expansion, citing long-standing concerns about the Ear Falls dam and hydro development.

Chief David Gordon said there were “a number of things (the band) was trying to finalize” before it could endorse the project.

And apparently those concerns have been mitigated somewhat.

Lac Seul Coun. Rod Wesley said OPG has left the door open for more negotiations on possible benefits which might flow to the band from the project.

“We’ve asked to have more input into the project . . . (and) they’ve asked us to submit a proposal” on such things as jobs and training programs, he said.

Wesley added that he was unaware of what arrangements or agreements Gordon, OPG and Indian Affairs reached last week at a meeting.

Gordon was travelling to Toronto on Wednesday and could not be reached for comment.

On the heels of OPG’s expansion announcement a year ago Wednesday, Gordon issued a statement that flooding resulting from the dam at Ear Falls “has caused enormous suffering for our people.”

“We understand OPG’s wishes and are prepared to work with (the company) to create a plan that benefits all,” he said. “We will consent to reasonable development that includes aboriginal people. (But) we cannot consent to unilateral decisions to increase profits by impoverishing First Nations.”

For Ear Falls, the project means construction jobs and economic spinoffs over the next two years.

The existing OPG plant employs a dozen people and produces 17 megawatts of power with four units built between the 1930s and ’40s. New equipment was installed 10 years ago after the station building was destroyed by fire.

REsolve, a Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee (SLARC) initiative, is pleased to announce that YOUCAN, a youth oriented peace building and conflict resolving organization, will provide 40 area youth with the skills necessary to address and mediate conflict. The YOUCAN workshop, which runs from February 13th – 17th, will draw on students from Queen Elizabeth High School and schools reporting to the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council including, Pelican Falls, Dennis Franklin Cromarty (Thunder Bay) and Northern Eagle (Ear Falls).

“It was very important for REsolve to reach out to the youth in this town so that they could also benefit from our conflict resolving program”, said Don DeGenova, REsolve Project Manager. “When I heard about YOUCAN’s youth empowerment program to equip students with the skills necessary to build a conflict resolving community, I knew I had to find away to bring them to Sioux Lookout.” DeGenova goes to note that, “we couldn’t have done it without the help of Steve Poling and Rachael Paquette-Flanagan.”

YOUCAN’s mission is to equip youth so that they can engage and inspire others to peacefully resolve conflicts and develop healthy relationships in their communities.

“YOUCAN is extremely excited to partner with REsolve and CICR to make a difference with the youth community in Sioux Lookout”, noted Dave Farthing, Executive Director, YOUCAN. “An incredible partnership has now emerged with REsolve, the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee, Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution, Keewatin Patricia District School Board and NNEC. YOUCAN is honoured to be part of a collaborative venture that will contribute to establishing a sustainable program that has the potential to equip youth with the skills to help their communities resolve conflict in more peaceful and lasting ways”.

Rachael Paquette-Flanagan, Special Projects Coordinator at NNEC states, “I see this is an exciting opportunity to expand on the ground-breaking work of the Sioux Lookout Anti Racism Committee’s REsolve project. YOUCAN will offer area youth leadership, conflict resolution and mediation skills, all of which are essential in navigating difficult teen years and are essential in building a healthy, confident, responsible person.” Paquette emphasizes “NNEC is proud to partner with QEDHS and SLARC in bringing YOUCAN to Sioux Lookout; we are always looking for initiatives that foster healthy lifestyle choices that are transferable. This project has the potential to reach and affect a lot of lives in Sioux Lookout and the Northern communities.”

Steve Poling, Vice-Principal, Queen Elizabeth High School, remarks, “QE’s character education committee welcomes the YOUCAN conflict resolution program to our school. It is a welcome addition to our other youth assistance initiatives including: Natural Helpers peer support program, native awareness activities, NNEC support team, transition, and At Risk programs which are already working to help young people be successful in their learning and in their interactions with others.” He goes on to note, “The YOUCAN program will be a positive and proactive addition to our Anti-bullying initiative.”

REsolve is grateful for the on-going support received from the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution. Their assistance has taken the REsolve project to new heights. The YOUCAN initiative is also thankful for the generous financial assistance provided by the Best Western Sioux Lookout Inn and Johnny’s Food Market.

-30-

For further information please contact:

Don DeGenova, REsolve Project Manager
degedon@sympatico.ca
(807) 737-1501, (877) 737-5272

Steve Poling, Vice Principal
Keewatin Patricia District School Board
Queen Elizabeth District High School
Steve.poling@kpdsb.on.ca
737-3500 ext 224

Rachael Paquette-Flanagan, Special Projects Coordinator
Northern Nishnawbe Education Council
rpaquette@nnec.on.ca 
(807) 737-2002 ext. 234

Background Information:

YOUCAN

YOUCAN’s mission is to equip youth to engage and inspire others to peacefully resolve conflicts and develop healthy relationships in their communities. We are a national non-profit charitable organization dedicated to building a culture of peace among the youth of today. We are Canada’s leading organization run for-youth-by-youth. Our vision is to foster “a nation where all youth work in partnership with their communities to promote peaceful resolution of conflicts.”

YOUCAN became a federally incorporated youth-governed charity in 1997. Over the past 9 years YOUCAN has trained over 18,000 in conflict resolution coast to coast.

Queen Elizabeth District High School

Queen Elizabeth is a multicultural school in Sioux Lookout Ontario serving the students of Sioux Lookout and the Sioux Lookout District. There are 470 students at QE, 70 are from Northern communities and 45 are from the communities of Frenchman’s Head, Whitefish Bay, and Kejick Bay of the Lac Seul reserve. QEDHS if one of the schools under the direction of the Keewatin Patricia District School Board. 

Northern Nishnawbe Education Council

Northern Nishnawbe Education Council is non-profit organization that provides education programs and services to 24 First Nations in the Sioux Lookout District.

NNEC operates two First Nation highs schools, Pelican Falls First Nations High School and the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School. To accommodate the needs of First Nation secondary students, who must leave their home communities and families to pursuer their education, NNEC also operates the Pelican Falls Centre on the traditional Territory of the Lac Seul First Nation, a Secondary Student Services Program in Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout and the Northern Eagle Student Centre in Ear Falls.

Approximately 600 secondary students draw on NNEC secondary services and another 1200 use either the post secondary program or Wahsa Distance Education program.

Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution (CICR)

CICR was created in 1988 as a non-profit charitable organization based in Ottawa and operating out of St. Paul’s University. They are known for their efforts in dealing with deep rooted conflict and building conflict resolving communities both domestically and in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rwanda and Taiwan. Their mission is to foster, develop and communicate conflict resolution processes for individuals, organizations and communities and to embody the positive attributes of common sense, compassion and spirituality.

CICR’s community-based methodology is underpinned by the principle that everyone must have access to, and an understanding of the methods and principles used in conflict resolution. CICR helps communities identify and respond to conflict situations by providing citizens with the training, skills and tools necessary to become third-party neutrals and to identify and deal with deep rooted conflict in their efforts to build conflict resolving communities. To meet the definition of community, CICR delivers processes that are inclusive, barrier free and positively-centred. The Community-Based Conflict Resolution (CBCR) methodology is designed to build trust and establish new patterns of interaction within and between communities. This initiative will seek to build and promote a movement of Canadians toward mutual respect and understanding by establishing positive relationships, rooted in trust and in an atmosphere of collaboration which will contribute to a culture of peace and a community of good neighbours.

Brian Strom, Executive Director, (613) 235-5800 edcicr@ustpaul.ca

REsolve

The Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee, a non-profit, grassroots organization, was established in 1989 as a means of promoting cooperation and understanding between the Native and non-Native population of Sioux Lookout. Board Members include: Jay Curtis, Adrienne Fox-Kessic, Barb Carpenter, Bertha Jacques, Geraldine Guilfoyle, Mark Gaudet, Rachel Garrick, Rachel Paquette Flanagan, Susan Barclay, Terry Lynne Jewell and Jim Morris.

Sioux Lookout is a municipality in Northwestern Ontario that is home to approximately 5,000 people. The community has experienced many changes over the past twenty years. Once a predominately Euro-Canadian railroad town, it is now a cross-cultural community with over 50% of its population being of Aboriginal heritage. These changes have presented the community with many challenges in its struggle to respond to cultural differences.

The REsolve Project looks to build a sustainable model that will address and respond to conflict at the community level. In Phase 1, community based conflict resolution models across Canada and internationally were reviewed, and although there are many programs dealing with restorative justice issues, there are very few programs focusing on community based conflict resolution. Sioux Lookout is likely to be the first community in Canada to adopt such a program at the town level. In Phase 2, a series of community consultations were conducted, the results of which are captured in a 136 page Public Consultation Report, along with a seven page Summary Report. Phase 3 witnessed the first round of Community Based Conflict Resolution training with 20 citizens and in partnership with CICR.

The REsolve initiative is sure to be precedent setting in that it will set the standard on how such a program should be developed, tested, implemented and integrated within a community.

Dakota House a.k.a "Teevee" star of the popular hit series North of 60 interviewed for Y2L from the NAN Decade conference in Thunder Bay this past week.

Listen on 962 Bell Expressvu or 89.9fm or local slkt calls to your favourite youth radio program Saturday, Feb 4/06 starting at 10am cst. Y2L will feature Dakota House, Barb Lamoureau of the Yellow Ribbon Program, Norma Kejick, Alvin Fiddler, Goyce Kakegamic, Rhoda Shingebis, Cheryl Anishinabie and a host of students that will ask questions and talk about their experience at this conference about suicide prevention and awareness. Listeners can call in to request for their favourite song and ask questions to our special guests toll free 1-800-661-5171 or local 737-4040. Participate in the on-line poll question of the week by visiting www.wawatay.on.ca. Listen for the community calendar announcements about upcoming events. If you have any questions about the program or sponsorships contact Jerry Sawanas at jerrys@wawatay.on.ca.

Roger Howse, Education Program Officer at Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, traveled to Balmertown on Tuesday, January 31 to learn about Keewaytinook Okimakanak education programs. Discussions about how to ensure the Keewaytinook Internet High School (http://kihs.knet.ca) is sustained and adequately funded included a half day charter into North Caribou Lake First Nation to visit the local school, KiHS classroom and Wahsa Distance Education Learning Centre. While in North Caribou, a video conference with the KIHS classroom in Fort William provided an opportunity for Roger to meet with Craig Hardy, KIHS teacher for his home community.

The Ontario Regional Management Organization with Industry Canada's First Nations SchoolNet program discussions included a video conference with Joe Poirier, Program Officer at the First Nations SchoolNet in Ottawa and Carl Seibel, Telecom Officer with FedNor in Thunder Bay.

Freda Kenny, KIHS Vice-principal was able to join the meeting via video conference from the KIHS classroom in Keewaywin First Nation.

Click here to check out the pictures from Weagamow visit

Presenting....

Sandy Lake's Winter Road

Kitchi- Bingo

February 28, 2006

2 jackpots of $ 5,000.00

90 & 10

Total Package $142.00

(includes, 3 specials, Jackpot cards, Mini)

extra cards will be sold - sold separately

Extra Cards - 2 for $5.00

Extra Specials 3 for $10.00

Outside Communities are welcome and encouraged to participate. A designated Hall will be provided for your convenience.

ALL PROCEED GO TOWARDS THE

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

for more information

please call;

Jennifer Meekis (CAP coordinator) 774-5121 Ext. # 226

Doug Crowe (Rec. Director) 774-3421 Ext. #231

Ken Goodwin Jr (Radio Board) 774-5242

Today, the Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre hosted a special preview for residential school survivors and guests of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation's "Where are the Children" traveling exhibition that complemented a local presentation called "Residential Schools: the Red Lake Story". The official opening of these two powerful exhibitions is Wednesday, February 1. The exhibition will be at the Heritage Centre in Red Lake until March 31.

The "Where Are the Children" web site at http://www.wherearethechildren.ca/en/home.html provides a virtual tour with many of the pictures from the exhibition along with detailed information about the work of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and the residential school legacy.

The Red Lake Residential School Exhibit Committee included:

• Kaaren Dannenmann
• Suzette Hunter
• Helen Yutzy
• Shelly McKenzie
• Patricia Hunter
• Tina Kakepetum-Schultz
• Louis Simard
• Kim Tennant
• Sara Petko (curator of the Red Lake Story)
• Michele Alderton

A special message from the Heritage Centre Board of Directors highlights the importance of this exhibition as an opportunity to "bring more understanding about this dark time in Canada's history. It is a time that should not be ignored, brushed aside or forgotten. To fully understand our community, we have to understand our collective history."

Members of the Metis Nation of Ontario team including Doug Wilson - Director of Health Services (Ottawa), Andy Lefebvre - Economic Development (Timmins) and Troy MacVay, Information Systems (Ottawa) traveled to Sioux Lookout to meet with the K-Net team on Monday, January 30.

The meeting included video conference sessions with Carl Seibel at FedNor in Thunder Bay and with Randy Johns from his office in LaRonge Saskatchewan. Discussions about the network and the development of a mental health service delivered using video conferencing were the highlights of the meeting.

Click here to see some pictures from the meeting

Listen and call in your comments and views toll free 1-800-661-5171 this Saturday, Feb 4th on 89.9 fm or 962 Bell Expressvu. Local calls 737-4040 Also participte in this week poll question of the week on www.wawatay.on.ca

Young aboriginal youth are encourage to listen and participate in the Y2L (youth to leadership) national radio program. This week will feature invited guests to talk about their experience at the NAN Decade for Youth Conference "Seven Sacred Teachings Youth Suicide Awareness" which was held at the Norwester hotel in Thunder Bay. Updates on the Indian Residential School Settlement and community calendar to be broadcasted. Young people can request your favourite music.

This national radio program is seeking corporate sponsorships to support the continued programming for the Y2L national radio program.

Young aboriginal people and leaders fully support the idea of this special program which connects youth with their leaders. A successful launch in December with national leaders including  National Chief Phil Fontaine and role model John Kim Bell has promoted the goals and objectives of the radio program across this country. Aired on Bell Expressvu 962, communities now have accessibility with technology to participate in lively discussions, call-in to provide their views and opinions on historical and contemporary issues. However, without sponsorships and funding, the future of this program is not expected to run past March. For more informationa about this sponsorship campaign and how you can help support the future of the Y2L program, please contact Jerry Sawanas at Wawatay 737-2951 or email jerrys@wawatay.on.ca.

Keewaytinook Okimakanak is working in partnership with several organizations to support First Nation youth across Ontario to obtain certification as computer technicians.

The recently completed Cisco IT Essentials 1 (ITE1) course that ran from November 2005 to January 2006 had twelve First Nation youth successfully complete the program. Three youth passed the course the first time it was delivered in the winter of 2004-2005. Three other First Nations youth successfully completed the ITE1 Instructor training program in 2004 and are now delivering this course from their communities to other youth.

The course is delivered online using a variety of e-learning communication tools. Most of the participants are working as Computer Technicians in their home community and are employed under a Youth Employment initiative coordinated by members of the Keewaytinook Okimakanak team with funding from Industry Canada's First Nations SchoolNet program.  

Instructors for the ITE1 course are:

• Angus Miles (Lead instructor), Fort Severn First Nation (ITE1 and ITE2 instructor certified)
• Aaron Hardy, Fort William First Nation (ITE1 and CCNA1 instructor certified)
• Jamie Ray, Flying Post First Nation (ITE1 and CCNA1 instructor certified)

The 2005-2006, ITE1 graduates include:

• Leon Keeper, Pikangikum First Nation
• Darren Nadjiwon-Elliot, Cape Croker First Nation
• Benjamin Sabourin, Pic Mobert First Nation
• Denise Mckay, Deer Lake First Nation
• Delphine Matthews, Big Trout Lake First Nation
• Manley Wapioke, Shoal Lake #39 First Nation
• Jamie Michano, Pic River First Nation
• Jason Tait, Sachigo Lake First Nation
• Jeremy Sawanas, Deer Lake First Nation
• Robert Shawana, Wikwemikong First Nation
• Eric Sutherland, Fort Albany First Nation
• Willie Lazarus, Attawapiskat First Nation

The ITE1 2004-2005 ITE1 graduates included

• Robert Semple, Kasabonika First Nation
• Zach Morriseau, Fort William First Nation
• William Solomon, Fort William First Nation

Angus Miles is now working with Aaron Hardy to deliver the ITE2 Cisco Academy training program to those ITE1 graduates interested in getting this certification.

Other partners involved in the development of this training opportunity include the Keewatin Career Development Corporation and the Aboriginal Human Resource Development department that funded the Train-the-trainer program working with the Education Network of Ontario and Centennial College.

Many of these youth will be attending the upcoming Chiefs of Ontario gathering in Six Nations where they will meet to continue the ITE2 training as well as participate in the First Nations Youth Education gathering.

Heather Hudson's new book includes a case study about the work of K-Net ... 

From Rural Village to Global Village
Telecommunications for Development in the Information Age
by Heather E. Hudson
University of San Francisco
January, 2006

From the book's description on the promotional brochure ...

This book examines the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in development on the macro level (societal, socio-economic, and governmental), emphasizing rural and developing regions. Communication technology’s role in influencing and aiding development is a hot topic in policy circles, yet there has been little analysis on the potential impact of ICTs and related policy issues. From Rural Village to Global Village addresses this lack by reviewing the existing research on the impact of communication technologies and adding other findings. It also provides analysis of the policy issues that must be addressed to facilitate affordable ICT access in rural and developing regions. The volume concludes with case studies demonstrating the role of ICTs in situ. The discussion relates to the bigger “digital divide” issue, the repercussions communication technology —or the lack of— it has on communities and societies.

From Rural Village to Global Village will appeal to scholars and researchers in telecommunications, especially in the law and policy areas, and in media economics, international communication, and communication and development areas. It can be used as a graduate level text or supplemental text in advanced undergraduate courses.

• 0-8058-5667-6 [Cloth] / 2006  / 176pp.  / $65.00
• 0-8058-6016-9 [Paper] / 2006 / 176pp. / $24.50

There is a 20% discount available at www.erlbaum.com by entering Coupon Code Code SPCL during on-line check-out.

This book is also available from http://amazon.ca