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From Heritage Canada Press Release at http://www.pch.gc.ca/newsroom/news_e.cfm?Action=Display&code=5N0321E

Minister Frulla Announces Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2006
OTTAWA, November 23, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced the names of the five communities that will be the Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2006. The following communities have been designated:

- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
More than 125,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $2 million

- St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
50,000 to 125,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $750,000

- Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec
Less than 50,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $500,000

- District of West Vancouver, British Columbia
Less than 50,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $500,000

- Wikwemikong, Ontario
Less than 50,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $500,000

The winning municipalities and Aboriginal community will receive contributions from the Department of Canadian Heritage of up to $2 million, enabling them to undertake a range of cultural and artistic activities.

"The Government of Canada has made a commitment to give all Canadians access to the arts and culture, as well as to encourage creativity and excellence," said Minister Frulla. "The Cultural Capitals of Canada recognize and highlight the important role municipalities play in the arts and culture. They provide their residents with access to the arts and enable them to explore the rich diversity of our culture. At the same time, they give our artists an opportunity to demonstrate their talent."

Unanimously recommending the successful applicants to Minister Frulla was an independent advisory committee composed of the mayors of the Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2005. Experts in the field of arts and culture acted as advisors.

The Department of Canadian Heritage launched the Cultural Capitals of Canada program on May 31, 2002. The program is open to municipalities, First Nations governments, and Inuit and Métis communities.

The program highlights applicants' past achievements that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the arts and culture. The funds enable recipient communities to hold special events that celebrate the arts and culture and to organize activities that create a legacy for the future and ensure that arts and cultural issues are integrated into municipal planning. Designations are awarded based on merit, the quality of the project proposal, and the applicants' earlier achievements.

The deadline to apply for a 2008 Cultural Capital of Canada designation is March 15, 2006.

Please visit the Canadian Heritage Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room for backgrounders attached to this release. They summarize the projects of the successful applicants, indicate the maximum amount that can be awarded to each Cultural Capital, and include a complete list of this year's applicants.

Funding under this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

Information:

Jean-François Del Torchio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for
Status of Women
(819) 997-7788

Jean-Guy Beaupré
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314

FACT SHEET - 1

Cultural Capitals of Canada 2006

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Category: Population over 125,000
Maximum contribution: $2 million

With all the brilliance to be expected of a city with such a rich cultural heritage, Saskatoon will be sparkling for its 100th anniversary celebrations. Among the many projects scheduled are the Centennial Celebrations, which will include a humorous look backward at Saskatoon's history; a national symposium on Aboriginal performing arts; and a strategy for creating an arts and cultural district especially for cultural meetings and exchanges. With its residents' overflowing energy and great creativity, Saskatoon is truly the picture of a cultural capital.

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Category: Population between 50,000 and 125,000
Maximum contribution: $750,000

St. John's is noted for its residents' pride in and commitment to the arts and culture. Important initiatives in 2006 will seek to attract as many people as possible to arts and cultural events in the area. Among the many projects planned is the expansion of the summer noontime concerts, an initiative that involves presenting concerts, stories, and theatre with free admission. The "St. John's, Cultural Gateway to the Province" project will promote the province's shows and cultural activities. The creation of cultural tourism infrastructure will provide a lasting legacy, bearing witness to the city's support for the arts, heritage, and cultural groups.

District of West Vancouver, British Columbia
Category: Population under 50,000
Maximum contribution: $500,000

The celebrations being planned will delight people of all ages and backgrounds, with activities designed to bring everyone together. This dynamic community will add new activities to its extensive cultural programming. The Symposium on Aboriginal Sculpture will provide mentorship opportunities for young Aboriginal artists so that they can preserve ancestral techniques and knowledge. Booktopia will expand its literary activities targeting young people. The summer festival will feature a world music component celebrating and recognizing the many professional artists from West Vancouver's various ethno-cultural groups. The activities will reflect the community, and everybody will be invited to take part. The programming recognizes that culture is essential for a dynamic society.

Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec
Category: Population under 50,000
Maximum contribution: $500,000

The town of Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce is well known for its entrepreneurship and famed as a centre of ceramic art. The theme "The History of Entrepreneurship," is an invitation to travel through time, following the development of the first craft businesses. An original initiative will allow veteran craftspersons from the best-known ceramics centre of the time, Céramique de Beauce, to pass on their know-how to high school art students by reproducing five collectors' pieces. In addition, a series of concerts, shows, and art exhibits will demonstrate that work can be combined with fun. The people of the town and surrounding areas and all Canadians will be invited to celebrate the growth of a region through its folk culture and its traditional crafts, which reflect the original form of artistic expression of our country's founders.

Wikwemikong, Ontario
Category: Population under 50,000
Maximum contribution: $500,000

The reserve of Wikwemikong, located on Manitoulin Island, is noted for the vitality of its culture and the quality of its traditional art. This community of 6,800 people will host many workshops for exploring the diversity of traditional arts, Aboriginal dance and lodge construction. Further, the cultural festival programming will be expanded so that visitors can learn about the traditions of other Aboriginal communities, including Inuit throat singing. Finally, visitors will be able to take part in a colourful fall fair, highlighting the farming heritage of this dynamic community. All the activities will encourage community members to learn more about their culture, their history and their language, and will cast light on the contribution of the Aboriginal community to Canada's history.

FACT SHEET - 2 -

Applicant communities -- Cultural Capitals of Canada 2006

Since 2003, the Cultural Capital of Canada designation has been awarded to individual municipalities or groups of communities with qualifying proposals. The proposals are for activities that seek to celebrate and build a lasting legacy for the arts and culture. Awards are divided into three categories based on population size.

Population Over 125,000

Calgary, Alberta
Laval, Quebec
Regional Municipality of Durham, Ontario
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Population 50,000 to 125,000

Strathcona County, Alberta
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Population Under 50,000

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
District of West Vancouver, British Columbia
Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec
Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador
Wikwemikong, Ontario
++++++++++++++++++++++++

From the January 2006 issue of Birchbark News at http://www.ammsa.com/birchbark/birchbark-Jan1-2006.html

January - 2006

Community gets cultural funding

By Cheryl Petten, Birchbark Writer, Wikwemikong

Members of cultural organizations on Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve will be able to spend less time trying to raise funds and more time planning and holding events in 2006, thanks to funding from Canadian Heritage.

The money-a maximum of $500,000 according to the press release from Canadian Heritage-comes along with the community's designation as one of five Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2006 and is to be used to fund cultural and artistic activities.

Doris Peltier is program manager of the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization (WHO), the organization that submitted the winning application to Canadian Heritage. Peltier stressed that putting together the application was a team effort, with a number of community organizations contributing. That same team effort will be present throughout the year as each of funded activities takes place.

Some of the funding will be spent on the community's annual cultural festival, which celebrates its 46th anniversary in 2006. The festival, scheduled to be held Aug. 5 to 7, will not only provide a showcase for the songs, dances, arts and culture of the Anishnabe people, but will also feature exhibitions of Inuit culture.

"We'll be doing Inuit dance and drum demonstrations and will also be providing Inuit traditional games as workshops to the youth of the community."

Organizers of the festival try to feature different cultures in the event each year, Peltier said. "I think it helps provide not only the visitors to the community, but our community members, with the option to see different cultures that might not be accessible to get to."

A seven-week cultural awareness conference is also planned, scheduled to run from June 21 to Aug. 4. There will be a different theme for each week of the conference, based on the Seven Grandfather Teachings-love, respect, humility, bravery, honesty, truth and wisdom.

"We'll start off with lodge building, and hopefully once the lodge is completely covered, that's where we will conduct most of our workshops," Peltier said. "The Seven Grandfather Teachings workshops will be done within that teaching lodge, as well as talking about the seven clans-the origins of the clans, the different clans-so that people can come in and begin to understand what their clan is and what their responsibilities are."

The conference will also teach participants about moccasin making, traditional dance, traditional arts, harvesting of wild plants and traditional cooking.

The Wikwemikong Agricultural Society will be hosting a rodeo as a way of recognizing the important role agriculture played in the history of the community, Peltier said. In addition to the rodeo events themselves, there will also be opportunities for people to learn more about that agricultural tradition.

"They will be having information booths set up and talking about 4-H and how we want to bring that back to the community, and things like that."

Wikwemikong artists will also take part in commemorating the Cultural Capital of Canada designation by hosting an art show.

Currently these are the only events in the works, but Peltier is hopeful the funding from Canadian Heritage will allow the community to organize even more cultural and artistic events throughout 2006. To keep track of any new events or activities added to the schedule, she advises people to check in periodically on the WHO Web site at www.wikwemikongheritage.org.

The other cultural capitals of Canada for 2006 include Saskatoon, which will receive up to $2 million, St. John's, which will receive up to $750,000 in funding, and Saint-Joseph-de Beauce, Que. and the District of West Vancouver, B.C., which will each receive a maximum contribution of $500,000. The 2006 cultural capitals of Canada were selected by an advisory committee comprised of representatives of the 2005 cultural capitals of Canada- Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, Ont., Toronto, Victoria, Annapolis Royal, N.S. and Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Que.

Neskantaga is hosting their 5th Annual "World Youth Day" Gospel Jamboree. The dates for this Jamboree is on January 26 - 29, 2006.

This year marks the 5th year of this annualy celebration of the World Youth Day cross that came to Neskantaga 5 years ago. 5 years ago also marks the first ever Gospel Jamboree in Neskantaga, which influenced our youth and other community members to start singing and playing music for the lord.

ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS PRESS RELEASE

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Seeks Answers to Seven "Key Questions" from Federal Political Party Leaders: Seeking Response by Friday, January 6

OTTAWA, Jan. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine has presented the leaders of the major, national political parties with a set of seven key questions that will be used to assess each party's commitment to a progressive and productive agenda for First Nations and Canada.

"We are seeking clear statements of commitment to a new relationship between First Nations and Canada, and the seven key questions we have put to each party leader will help us determine their commitment to a new relationship and a new, positive agenda for our people and all Canadians," said AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine.

Letters and questions were sent on December 14, 2005 to the leaders of the Bloc Quebecois, the Conservative Party, the Green Party, the Liberal Party, the New Democratic Party and the newly-formed First Peoples National Party of Canada. The letters requested that party leaders provide information about the policy positions of each party on key subject areas of interest to First Nations by January 6th.

"We will note the responses we receive and do not receive from the various parties and share this information with First Nations and the general public so they can make an informed decision on how to vote," said National Chief Fontaine.

The National Chief stated that the role of the AFN is not to tell First Nations citizens how to vote, but to provide them with best information and analysis of party platforms and commitments so they can make an informed decision when casting their ballot.

"This is part of our overall initiative to encourage First Nations voters to exercise their right to vote, to go to the polls, and to make our voices heard," said the National Chief.

Currently, there are at least 62 federal ridings in which Aboriginal peoples comprise a substantial portion of the electorate and 25 ridings where Aboriginal peoples make up 10% or more of the voters.

National Chief Fontaine stated: "First Nations can be the deciding factor in these ridings. We can have a real say in who forms the next government. If this election is as close as predicted, that means First Nations voters have tremendous influence over the final outcome. Every vote counts. This reality should compel all the parties and their leaders to speak out about First Nations issues and their agenda for change."

The Assembly of First Nations will make available responses from the various parties as they are received. The responses will also be posted on the AFN website.
 
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
 
Seven Key Questions for Party Leaders
-------------------------------

1. Does your party support the principles and objectives of the First Nations-Federal Crown Political Accord on the Recognition and Implementation of First Nations Governments that was signed on May 31, 2005? Specifically, does your party agree to implement the work plan that has been jointly developed by the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations, including the following:
   • Ensuring that adequate financial and human resources and accountability mechanisms will be provided which are necessary to sustain the involvement of the Assembly of First Nations and its regional organizations in policy development; and
   • Developing processes and legislation with us that will enable the further development of First Nation governments?
2. Does your party support the goals and commitments made by the First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders at the November 2005 First Ministers Meeting? Specifically, will your party commit to:
   • Supporting the 10-year dedicated effort to closing the gap in the quality of life that now exists between First Nation peoples and other Canadians; and
   • Holding another meeting between First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders within the next two to three years to measure the progress made towards closing the gap; and
   • Supporting the commitments made in the First Nations Implementation Plan, including specific actions in the areas of health, education, housing and economic opportunities; and
   • Providing all of the First Nations portion of the $5.1 Billion financial commitment made by the Government of Canada, including all of the specific commitments made in the areas of education, children, health, housing and infrastructure, economic opportunities, and relationships and accountability?
3. If elected, is your party committed to fully honouring the Settlement Package for Residential School survivors that was agreed to by the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations on November 21, 2005? Will you make a full apology to all survivors?
4. If elected, is your party committed to the joint development of a joint bilateral review process (Canada-First Nations) to examine and overhaul federal policies respecting self-government, comprehensive claims, specific claims and treaty rights?
5. If elected, is your party committed to addressing the systemic inequities created by the 1985 Amendment to the Indian Act (commonly referred to as Bill C-31), and to work with First Nations governments so that they can assume control of First Nation citizenship?
6. If elected, is your party committed to amending the current consultation and accommodation policies of the federal government to reflect the emerging case law as addressed in the Haida, Taku River Tlingit, and Mikisew Cree cases by the Supreme Court of Canada?
7. If elected, is your party committed to greater First Nations involvement in government decision making that affects First Nation citizens directly?

-30-

For further information:
Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director,
(613) 241-6789 ext. 320, cell: (613) 292-2787;
Ian McLeod, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer,
(613) 241-6789 ext. 336, cell: (613) 859-4335;
Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief,
(613) 241-6789 ext. 243, cell: (613) 298-6382

2nd Annual Mishkeegogamang Thunder Broomball tournament will be held on February 4, 5, 2006.

Entry Fee $1500.00

1st $10000   2nd  $1500   3rd $500

For More information Contact

Michael Bottle (807) 928-2490 928-2299

Destani Skunk (807) 928-2881

Sandy Lake First Nation

Derek Kakegamic 1st Annual Memorial Invitational Hockey Tournament

January 18, 19, 20, 21, 2006

Entry Fee:  $2,000.00

Prizes:  (all guaranteed)

Championship: $20,000.00

Runner-up: $10,000.00

Consolation: $6,000.00

Forth Place: $2,000.00

NO IMPORTS!!!

Open Ice Hitting during Playoffs.

Bring your own Sleeping Gear!!!

Contacts:

Doug Crowe @ Sandy Lake Band Office...807 774 3421

Greg Mawakeesic @ Arena...807 774 5445

Robert Kakegamic @ Home...807 774 5275

This tournament is held yearly to remember the late Thomas Ash. Thomas Ash played with Mishkeegogamang Falcon's and Osnaburgh Snipers as a goalie.

Dates: January 28, 29, 2006.

Entry Fee $1000.

1st $5000 2nd $1500 3rd $1000 4th $500

Equay-wuk (Women's Group) is sponsoring: 

"Nishnawbe Women in Leadership Workshop - 2006"

January 24-26, 2006. in Sioux Lookout, ON.

* Women - Are you thinking of running in an election?

* Want to learn about campaigning?

* If you are interested in running in a Band Council or First Nation election, this is the workshop for you.

The main goal of this project is to promote women's participation in First Nation elections.

Equay-wuk (Women's Group) will be hosting the "Nishnawbe Women in Leadership 2006" workshop for women from remote aboriginal communities in northwestern Ontario.  The workshop will be carried out using the resource, "Nishnawbe Women in Leadership - A Handbook for Aboriginal Women Running in First Nation Elections."

Click here for an agenda and registration form.

Visit www.equaywuk.ca for further details.

Contact:  Darlene Angeconeb, Project Coordinator
              (807) 737-2214 phone
              (807) 737-2699 fax
              1-800-261-8294 toll free
              email: equaywuk@nwconx.net

In celebration of Northern Ontario Business' 25th anniversary, we will be publishing a magazine featuring 25 extraordinary northerners. We are seeking input from individuals across the North, to help us compile a list of profilees. Please feel free to forward this message along to anyone you feel who could provide some input.

What is it that makes someone qualify as an extraordinary northerner? Some of the criteria we are looking for are: accomplishment in a chosen field, talent, struggle, overcoming the odds, sacrifice, resolve, determination, zest for life, caring for others, adventure, fearlessness, courage, positive attitude, organizing ability, focus, a love of the outdoors and a concern for the environment - to name a few. We're really looking for individuals who have left a footprint in the North. Although we are making some exceptions, for the most part the individuals should still have some connection to the North. We are looking for a cross-section of individuals, ranging from entrepreneurs to educators, health care professionals, athletes, artists, community organizers, volunteers, etc.

In addition to the name(s) of individuals, I am also looking for a short bio and explanation as to why you feel the individual is an extraordinary northerner, and where they can be contacted (you needn't provide the actual phone number if you don't have it available).

I will be conducting phone calls over the next week and half to compile the list and require the information by Jan. 13 (even sooner if possible).

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at 705-858-4430 (this is a home number, and also my business number) or e-mail me.

Thanks for your time,
Sari Huhtala, chacha@isys.ca

To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen and be 18 years of age or older on polling day.

Elections Canada is trying to make sure that EVERYONE who is eligible to vote gets a chance to voice their opinion on OR before election day of January 23. YOUR VOTE does count!

Your vote helps the party and the person you support. Every party gets an annual revenue based on the number of votes it obtains during each election. Every candidate is eligible for some federal funding based on the level of support they obtain from their riding. Therefore YOUR VOTE is important financially to both the party and the candidate you support. But most importantly, your vote goes towards helping send someone to Parliament Hill in Ottawa to represent our riding!! So be sure to cast your ballot on OR before January 23!

VOTE BY MAIL by calling 1-866-239-2831 (the Elections Canada office in Kenora) to get your mail-in ballot sent to you. You must complete the necessary forms and send them in before January 17 to be able to vote by mail. These forms are also available on-line at http://www.elections.ca

ADVANCE VOTING DAYS - January 13, 14 and 16 - If you are travelling to or through Sioux Lookout on any of these days, everyone in the Kenora Riding is able to cast their vote on any of these days at the Sioux Lookout Recreation Centre (85 King Street). Other advance polls are available on these days in other major centres across the riding.

VOTE IN PERSON before January 17 in KENORA at the local Elections Canada office at the B.D.C. Building, 302-227 Second Street South (open 7 days a week).

ON ELECTION DAY (January 23), every eligible voter is entitled to walk into any polling station in your riding, complete an application to vote and cast your ballot on that day.

For special assistance (a language interpreter) call the Elections Canada office at 1-866-239-2831 before January 19 so arrangements can be made to have someone available to help you vote.

EVERYONE CAN VOTE in this federal election!