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Government of Canada Invests $9.45 Million for New School in Sachigo Lake First Nation

SACHIGO LAKE FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (October 12, 2005) - Kenora MP Roger Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today the official opening of the new Martin McKay Memorial School in Sachigo Lake First Nation. The announcement was made at a ceremony at the school today.

"Aboriginal youth are poised to make a significant contribution to Canada's society and economic growth, but must have the education and skills needed to succeed." said Mr. Valley. "This school is an excellent example of the working partnership that the federal government and First Nations are building in order to improve lifelong learning opportunities for Aboriginal Canadians."

The new 2,381-square-metre community school, offering Kindergarten through Grade 12 programming, is expected to accommodate approximately 210 students. The new school contains a total of eight classrooms, a computer room, a library, a gymnasium and shower facilities, as well as play areas for kindergarten and elementary students. INAC provided $9.45 million to Sachigo Lake First Nation, which managed design and construction of the school.

Chief Alvin Beardy said he's pleased with the new facility. "Bringing all our students together under one roof, and allowing them to finish high school in the community, will help our youth become better prepared to contribute to the growth and strength of the First Nation, of Ontario and of Canada."

The Sachigo Lake First Nation is located approximately 420 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout, Ontario. The First Nation has a total of 720 members, with approximately 460 residents living on the reserve. It is accessible by air year-round, and by ice road during the coldest months of the winter.

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This release is also available at: http://www.inac.gc.ca

For further information, please contact:

Tony Prudori
Acting Senior Information Officer
INAC Communications
(807) 624-1531

Chief Alvin Beardy
Sachigo Lake First Nation
(807) 595-2527

The Chiefs of Ontario Education, Health and Social departments co-hosted a one day Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Dialogue session on September 26, 2005 in Toronto,Ontario.  Approximately 80 individuals took part from across the Ontario region.  Participation included First Nations professionals from the Health, Social, Education and AHRDA fields; government representatives from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Human Resources Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and Health Canada (HC). The purpose of the dialogue sessions was to bring together First Nation people to discuss and provide recommendations on the design of and transition to, an ELCC program for children in First Nations and Inuit communities. 

Regional Perspective:
First Nations child daycare and child welfare services in Ontario (along with general welfare and homemakers’ services) are provided primarily under a federal/provincial cost-sharing arrangement known as the 1965 Indian Welfare Agreement.

The Ontario First Nations Chiefs had mandated a Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) to guide implementation of AHS when it became available to First Nations communities in 1998. Following the federal announcement of a First Nations/Aboriginal ECD Strategy in 2002, the Ontario leadership broadened the RAC mandate to reflect the wider ECD agenda including AHS and all federal/provincial initiatives targeting age 0 to 6. The RAC is made up of representatives from Health Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Aboriginal Health Office and the Chiefs of Ontario Health, Social and Education Coordination Units.
In FY 2002-03 the RAC conducted a regional mapping/environmental scan to lay the groundwork for an ECD Strategy that would reflect the needs of Ontario First Nations. It revealed that although the bulk of current ECD funding to Ontario First Nations is spent on licensed daycares and Brighter Futures projects, less than half of Ontario First Nations communities have daycare services. There are no ready sources of capital funding, and as noted, most Brighter Futures funding in Ontario First Nations goes to support programs for other age groups beyond 0 to 6.

Ontario First Nations leadership mandated the asset mapping process by resolution of the Chiefs-in-Assembly. The process was co-led and supported by Health Canada on behalf of the federal government departments.  Asset mapping supported Ontario First Nations in defining ECD for themselves, examining current ECD activity and developing ECD Plans and additional activities building on existing community strengths.   From July to November, 2004 a total of 102 First Nations across Ontario participated in the community-based asset mapping sessions In January 2005 representatives from an additional 16 Ontario First Nations engaged in asset mapping group sessions to support their ECD community planning, bringing the total number of participating communities to 118 (out of 134 First Nations in Ontario).

At the 2004 All Ontario Chiefs Conference resolutions 05-29 and 05-32 were passed by the Chiefs in Assembly.   Resolution 05-29 (attachment A) states “in recognition of the principle of universal funding, support and approve the implementation of the Early Childhood Funding Allocation Formula for Early Childhood Development/Aboriginal Head Start (ECD/AHS) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) for First Nation communities in Ontario.”  Resolution 05-32 (See attachment B) resolved; that the Ontario First Nation Community Planning – Asset mapping process and the transition process for allocation must be maintained; those Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreements handling Early Childhood funding shall be part of all meetings on these matters; that First Nation participation must be maintained through the Chiefs of Ontario, regionally and nationally, in the planning and development of the transition plan, which will include assessing the impacts of the single window approach and the design and development of an administration regime in preparation for the transition of the four programs under INAC; and that the four programs must increase program effectiveness, and must not result in a reduction of funding for First Nations.

All of the aforementioned documents have been reviewed in the development of this report.

Click here to read the entire report from the Chiefs of Ontario web site (Word Document)

The Ontario Aboriginal Sports Circle is hosting the Team Ontario Volleyball Tryouts for the North American Indigenous Games.

In Thunder Bay, October 22-23, 2005 at the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, 315 North Edward Street.

Registration at 8:30 a.m. 

For more information  See here:

The Chiefs of Ontario office is requesting First Nations post-secondary students, past and present, to please fill out a questionnaire concerning INAC's Post-Secondary Education Policy.

All completed questionnaires should be returned to Cara Martin (teresa@coo.org) at the Chiefs of Ontario. 

The deadline for responses is October 31, 2005.    
  
Click here to download the Questionnaire (PSE review ON workbook 05.doc (153 kb)  from the Chiefs of Ontario web site.
 
To view this Word Document you must have Microsoft Word installed on your computer.

The Aboriginal Health Conference being planned for October 25 - 26 in Thunder Bay, is a new initiative being spear-headed by the regional Ontario Hospital Association (OHA).  This event will bring together health providers, including the hospitals and other agencies with the end-users of aboriginal health care in Northwestern Ontario. The focus from the Ministry of Health is toward integrated services across the region.  The OHA feels it is important, at this time, to bring these all parties together for shared education, information and networking. 

The education and information is important, but the networking that will be available at this event is equally important to facilitate understanding and collaboration.

The theme of the conference is: Integration, Coordination and Collaboration – Building on Successes. The conference will allow for better understanding of how to successfully integrate Aboriginal healing processes, programs and services into "mainstream" healthcare in Northwestern Ontario.

Cost for this three-day event is $175 for the conference only, $225 for the conference and dinner/entertainment, October 26, 2005. For more information and registration information visit http://www.ohanorthwest.ca/?Aboriginal_Health_Conferenc

Speakers include: Colin Wasacase, Barbara Hall, MOHLTC, Bernice Dubeck, Pat Chilton, Rene Southwind, Geordi Kakepetum, Robin and Katherine Greene, Josie Potson, Ron Wakegijig, Janet Gordon, Garnet Angeconeb, Grand Chief Stan Beardy, Lawrence Martin and more ....

AFN is seeking input from community members on their draft First Nations Blueprint for Health.

"Input and feedback from all First Nations is welcome and will be considered up until one month prior to the First Ministers Meeting on Aboriginal Issues (expected in late November 2005). It at this time that the AFN is anticipating hosting a Policy Summit to review all material to be presented at the 2005 FMM.

Please provide your comments and feedback to Bryan Hendry, AFN Health and Social Communications Officer, at 1-866-869-6789 ext. 229; cell 613-293-6106; bhendry@afn.ca."

From Assembly of First Nations web site at http://afn.ca/article.asp?id=3

NEWS RELEASE

Tuesday October 4, 2005 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

NAN SUPPORTS KAKEGAMIC WALK FOR JUSTICE

KENORA, ON:  Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic, together with Margaret and Isaac Kakegamic, Grand Council Treaty 3 Chief Ken Skead, and community members of North Spirit Lake First Nation gathered in Kenora, Ontario today to raise awareness of the prolonged criminal investigation of the death of Max Kakegamic and launch a legal fund and coroner’s inquest focused on moving the case forward. 

“We’re raising awareness not only for ourselves and our own quest for justice, but for all the others across the lands of the First Nations,” said Margaret Kakegamic - the mother of Max Kakegamic who was killed in Kenora October 4, 2000. “I cannot explain how saddening and frustrating it is that five years after our son’s death no one is currently being tried for his murder.  It is now time for us to take further action for justice.”

About forty people participated in a commemorative walk from Kenora Police Services to the corner of Matheson and 3rd Streets South where Kakegamic was killed five years ago today.

During a news conference at Matheson and 3rd Streets parents Margaret and Isaac Kakegamic launched the Max Kakegamic Justice Fund that will assist the family in securing a lawyer to further the investigation. 

“This Justice Fund will allow myself and my husband to seek legal consultation and develop a strategy to further our case,” said Margaret Kakegamic.  “In addition to our own local fundraising, assistance from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal individuals and organizations across the region, will put us in a position to carry our case forward and get the answers we deserve, not only as a grieving family, but as a People.” 

The Anishnaabe Peace and Justice Coalition in Kenora is accepting contributions to the Max Kakegamic Justice Fund. 

The family also announced their request for a coroner’s inquest that they hope will eventually lead to a public inquiry into the case. 

The hearing for one of two Kenora Police Services officers charged with misconduct in relation to the death investigation and charging of Justin Carambetsos – the original murder suspect - was recently rescheduled to January 2006. 

* * *

For more information please contact:

Jenna Young                                                   
Communications Officer
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
(807) 625 4952 (807) 628 3953 (cellular)

from http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com./story.php?id=188517

Call for coroner’s inquest
There were tears of pain and tears from the cold wind at Tuesday’s Kakegamic Walk for Justice, but everyone present shared a unity of purpose that kept every heart warm.

By Ryan Crocker
Miner and News
Wednesday October 05, 2005

There were tears of pain and tears from the cold wind at Tuesday’s Kakegamic Walk for Justice, but everyone present shared a unity of purpose that kept every heart warm.

About 40 people participated in the event, which paid tribute to Max Kakegamic, who was murdered five years ago, his body dumped on a street corner. It opened with speeches and a ceremony outside the Kenora police station, followed by a commemorative walk to the intersection of Matheson and 3rd streets, where Kakegamic was found.

“We’re raising awareness not only for ourselves and our own quest for justice, but for all of the others across the lands of the First Nations,” said Margaret Kakegamic, Max’s mother.

“I cannot explain how saddening and frustrating it is that five years after our son’s death no one is currently being tried for his murder. It is now time for us to take further action for justice.”

The family has requested a coroner’s inquest they hope will eventually lead to a public inquiry, something that usually takes a lot of hard lobbying over a long period of time to secure.

Margaret Kakegamic, with her husband at her side, also announced the launch of the Max Kakegamic Justice Fund, which will pay for a lawyer to represent the family and further the investigation.

The Anishnaabe Peace and Justice Coalition is accepting contributions for the fund.

“The justice fund will allow myself and my husband to seek legal consultation and develop a strategy to further our case,” she said.

“In addition to our own local fundraising, assistance from aboriginal and non-aboriginal individuals and organizations across the region will put us in a position to carry our case forward and get the answers we deserve, not only as a grieving family, but as a people.”

The ceremony ended with a solemn row of participants placing cedar and flowers on a concrete block, building a makeshift memorial. The cedar is tremendously important to aboriginals because it represents, above all else, strength.

Strength certainly didn’t seem to be in short supply as Isaac and Margaret Kakegamic thanked everyone for taking the time to show their support and helping in the healing process. They ask the residents of Kenora to keep the pressure on, and help them find a sense of closure.

For more information and links about past marches and articles about the Max Kakegamic case CLICK HERE

http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com./story.php?id=188770

Regional chief optimistic about First Minister’s meeting
Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse is hoping to see federal funds soon for First Nations health and housing, as well as education and economic development.

By Mike Aiken
Miner and News
Thursday October 06, 2005

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse is hoping to see federal funds soon for First Nations health and housing, as well as education and economic development.

He’s also optimistic about the release of compensation for residential school survivors by March 31, 2006.

And all this money should go directly to band councils, he said Wednesday, during his visit to Big Grassy.

“Get it to the communities. That’s where it’s going to make the most impact,” he said.

Toulouse was selected in June to replace Charles Fox, who resigned early. He visited Treaty 3’s fall session of the National Assembly as part of consultations before the First Ministers’ Meeting on aboriginal affairs Nov. 25 in Kelowna, B.C.

The $700 million in aboriginal health money has been in the pipeline since the 2004 federal budget, and is supposed to flow to communities before the end of the year, according to Health Canada.

Similarly, $1 billion for aboriginal housing is in the works, Toulouse said.

“There’s still some hurdles that need to be overcome,” he acknowledged, noting one of the sticking points is the distribution of financing to bands in third party administration.

The regional chief is also taking up the torch on revenue sharing, and he spoke of renewing efforts to bring back Bill 97, which was quietly killed by the government earlier this year after it stalled in committee at second reading.

“In all our treaties, it speaks to revenue sharing agreements. We must have these treaties honoured,” he said.

A new $5-billion daycare agreement between the federal and provincial government also leaves room for optimism, as groups like the Sioux Lookout Area Management Board spell out how this new money could be used in Treaty 9 to alleviate some of their urgent needs.

Despite a population explosion in the North, 90 per cent of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is without facilities, he said, criticizing the obvious discrepancies between northern and southern Ontario.

Toulouse also supported efforts to use provincial employees to help with the assessment of special needs on First Nations in Treaty 3, as long as it was clear who had the authority and jurisdiction, he cautioned.

With regards to youth, Toulouse noted the need for action on issues of importance to the new generation.

“It’s not all a lost cause,” he said, noting young people are part of the present, not just the future.

Toulouse will also hold consultations with chiefs at the end of the month in Toronto, before heading west in November. The First Ministers’ Meeting is described as the culmination of the prime minister’s aboriginal roundtable process, which started in April 2004.

Assembly of First Nations Bulletin

AFN Residential School Survivors Update - September 23, 2005

More information can be found on the AFN’s website at www.afn.ca  

As you know, on May 30 2005, the Assembly of First Nations signed a Political Agreement with the Federal Government regarding the speedy resolution of all residential school issues. Over the past two months we have been actively involved in negotiations with the Federal Government’s appointed representative, former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci. As part of those negotiations, the AFN called for an immediate payment for the sick and elderly, a lump sum payment for all individuals who attended residential schools, and a better method of obtaining further compensation for those who are survivors of sexual or physical abuse. Those negotiations have not been concluded. It is not clear what the final agreement will look like.

We remain optimistic that a fair and just resolution of all issues will be reached. We are encouraging all parties at the negotiation table to be fair and to work hard toward reaching an agreement before March 31, 2006. This is the date set by the Political Agreement by which Frank Iacobucci must report to Cabinet with a settlement proposal.

One of the questions we are frequently asked is whether survivors, who have not yet hired a lawyer, should do so in order to be included in the settlement. The answer is no. The negotiated settlement, if successful, will apply to all former students (whether they have a lawyer or not), and will entitle all former students to receive a lump-sum compensation.

You do not need to hire a lawyer in order to ‘qualify’ for the lump-sum payment, if such a payment will be awarded. The AFN strongly recommends that individuals who have not yet hired a lawyer, wait to do so until the issues relating to the settlement are finalized.

If and when a settlement is reached, the AFN will provide all communities and survivor groups with information about whether a lawyer should be hired, and about legal fees. The AFN is working hard to ensure that if a settlement is reached, it would result in fair fees and equal treatment to all former students.

Many of you have already hired a lawyer. It is important to understand that as a client, you are the boss, and you have the final say on all matters that relate to your case. Your lawyer must act in your best interest, and must inform you, on an ongoing basis what your options are, so you can make the correct decisions.

We thank you for your support and patience as we proceed through negotiations for a fair and just resolution of the Indian Residential School legacy.

___________________________________________________________________ Assembly of First Nations - 473 Albert Street, 8th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 5B4 | www.afn.ca