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Education curriculum in Ontario schools is evolving  

September 20, 2005
MEDIA RELEASE

Anishinabek Grand Chief wants expansion of First Nation perspective in Ontario's new school curriculum

NIPISSING FN - The Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief says that, while it is encouraging to see more First Nation perspectives included in Ontario's new school curriculum, the province should go further and include a significant focus on treaties and treaty rights, the history of residential schools and mandatory Native language instruction for First Nation students.

The province announced that First Nations culture and history would be taught in all classrooms across Ontario with the introduction of an improved curriculum launched this week. Ontario teachers will be required to teach a more detailed Aboriginal perspective in every grade.

"Our history and culture has been excluded from Canada's education system for far too long," said Grand Council Chief John Beaucage. "We've always been simply a token unit in social studies and Canadian history classes. Even that limited curriculum was developed by non-native historians and lacked the perspectives of the First Nations people themselves."

The province has introduced a First Nations perspective as part of revamped social studies and revised history and geography program and in senior grades it will be part of a new Canadian and world studies course.

Many said the previous curriculum overlooked First Nation subjects. After mounting criticism, native educators were brought in to re-write new curriculum guidelines with the First Nation perspective in mind.

"We all remember the Bering Strait theory and how the curriculum classified us as hunter-gatherers, Paleo-Indians or Eastern Woodland people," said Beaucage. "This is not how we see ourselves. We want to see all children learning about us as the Anishinabek Nation, whose contributions to modern society are far-reaching and consequential."

Contemporary Native people like Inuit hockey star Jordin Tootoo are now included in the Grade 6 social studies curriculum. Study units on pioneer life with references to "Aboriginals" now mention specific Nations such as the Iroquois and the Ojibway.

"We want to see the province take this a step further," said Beaucage. "An expanded First Nations studies curriculum should include a significant focus on cultural awareness, treaties and treaty rights, the history of residential schools and mandatory Native language instruction for our own children in public schools.

"First Nations educators must continue to play a lead role in the development of curriculum and teaching these lessons in our schools. I would recommend that the government continue to revise and expand on these developments by ensuring adequate resources to this curriculum development initiative and include further involvement by Anishinabek, Mushkegowuk (Cree), Haudenasaunee (Iroquois), and Metis teachers."

The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

For more information contact:
Jamie Monastyrski, Communications Officer

Union of Ontario Indians
705-497-9127 (2290), monjam@anishinabek.ca

If you care about the health of your community and you want to make a difference, you can!

Applicants should be:

• Interested in providing Aboriginal views to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and improving the numbers of Aboriginal youth applying to medical school
• An Aboriginal youth between the ages of 18 and 25
• A post-secondary student or graduate

The NOSM Aboriginal Reference Group meets quarterly, generally in Thunder Bay, Sudbury or by teleconference. This is a volunteer position. Travel is covered by NOSM in accordance with University financial policies.

Applicants must submit a covering letter and a current Curriculum Vitae/Resume along with a two page essay indicating why they are interested in the Youth Representative position, their skills and qualifications, and how the position will contribute to their own career goals. Please apply to:

Aboriginal Affairs Unit
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1
Fax: (807) 766-7363
Email: Orpah.McKenzie@normed.ca

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews will be held by telephone. For further information about the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, visit www.normed.ca 

or contact Orpah McKenzie, Director of Aboriginal Affairs at (807) 766-7311. 

The Aboriginal Reference Group of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) is seeking an Aboriginal Youth Representative for a two-year term. The Group provides advice to the School’s initiatives and accommodation of the Aboriginal worldview. The Group serves as the primary resource for the School of Medicine to fulfill its mandate concerning inclusive Aboriginal education and health.

Introducing Lac Seul First Nation's web site. www.lacseul.firstnation.ca

KORI's Brian Walmark and CRACIN's Andrew Clement and Adam Fisner of the University of Toronto are presenting a paper on the development of K-Net at the 33rd annual Telecommunications Policy Research Conference in Washington, DC

Keewaytinook Okimakanak's Kuhkenah Network (K-Net - http://knet.ca) is working with Industry Canada's FedNor and the First Nations SchoolNet programs and Health Canada to identify strategies to ensure broadband connectivity is available in every First Nation with a school or a health centre. This past week a number of First Nations along the highway 11 corridor were visited to identify contacts and building locations. A meeting on Friday with Northern Tel representatives resulted in some additional information concerning completing some of these broadband connections.

FYI ... just received this invitation to subscribe to a bimonthly newsletter ... thought others might be interested in this one as well ...

The Canadian Cultural Observatory is a national information service that supports cultural development in Canada by: informing the cultural policy and research community; encouraging evidence-based policy and planning; and stimulating community debate and improved knowledge exchange.

Please accept this message as an invitation to subscribe to the Observatory's bimonthly newsletter in order to remain up to date on cultural policy research and developments.

To continue receiving our complimentary newsletter, simply subscribe by clicking on the link below:

SUBSCRIBE

SOURCE: Canadian Tourism Commission - Louise Leblanc

Culture and Tourism In Focus Tourism has been one of the most remarkable economic phenomena of the last few decades. Is culture an important element of tourism? Are culture and tourism compatible? Is it worthwhile to develop strategies focused on building a productive alliance between these sectors? Finally, how is it possible to create links between culture, tourism and sustainability? Read on, as the Canadian Cultural Observatory brings answers to these questions In Focus. Full Article

Live With Culture The Live With Culture initiative is part of the City of Toronto's Culture Plan, which aims to position the city as a global cultural capital. SOURCE: City of Toronto Montréal Adopts its First Cultural Development Policy At its last city council meeting, the City of Montréal has adopted its first cultural development policy: Politique de développement culturel. (Publication available in French only.) SOURCE: Ville de Montréal Warsaw, Poland - Metropolis of Europe - Urban Cultural Life and Inter-city Cultural Interactions for 'Cultural Diversity' in Europe Roundtable, September 23-24, 2005 SOURCE: The Warsaw Research Institute of the Pro Cultura Foundation Montréal - Franco-Québec Meeting on the Democracy of Culture, October 3-5, 2005 (Publication available in French only.) SOURCE: Culture et communications Québec London, England - The 36th International Institute of Communications Annual Conference, October 10-11, 2005 SOURCE: International Institute of Communications Trois-Rivières - Creative City Network Conference 2005 - Planning and Sustaining Creative Communities, October 12-15, 2005 SOURCE: Creative City Network Montréal - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) International Conference - Sustainable Cities: Linking Competitiveness with Social Cohesion, October 13-14, 2005 SOURCE: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Toronto - 10th International Metropolis Conference - Our Diverse Cities: Migration, Diversity and Change, October 17-21 2005 SOURCE: Metropolis Regina - International Colloquium 2005 - Resistance and Convergence: Francophone and Métis Strategies of Identity in Western Canada, October 20-23, 2005 SOURCE: Institut français, University of Regina Belfast, Northern Ireland - Creative Clusters 2005 - 3rd International Conference on Creative Industries Development, October 24-26, 2005 SOURCE: Creative Clusters Ltd. Halifax - A National Conference - Multiple Lenses: Voices from the Diaspora Located in Canada, October 26-28, 2005 SOURCE: Dalhousie University Wales, UK - 4th Mercator International Symposium on European Minority Languages, October 26-28, 2005 SOURCE: Mercator Media Edmonton - Annual Conference of the Association for Canadian Studies - A Century of Canada 1905-2005, October 28-29, 2005 SOURCE: Association for Canadian Studies St. Catharines - Two Days of Canada Conferences: Race and the Canadian Identity, November 2-3, 2005 SOURCE: Brock University, Canadian Studies Winnipeg - 79th Annual Convention of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters - The Future Summit, November 6-8, 2005 SOURCE: Canadian Association of Broadcasters

Proposal Accepted: 10th International Metropolis Conference - Toronto, Ontario October 17-21, 2005 The Canadian Cultural Observatory is pleased to co-host with Canadian Heritage partners, Cities and Shared Citizenship: Developing Indicators of Cultural Diversity, a workshop at the 10th International Metropolis Conference in Toronto, October 17-21, 2005. Full Article || Related Connectivity and ICT Integration in First Nations Schools The Information and Communications Technologies in Schools Survey (ICTSS) was designed to build a comprehensive database on the state of ICT infrastructure and access in elementary and secondary schools across Canada, including First Nations schools. SOURCE: Statistics Canada Full Article || Related The Government of Canada Upholds CRTC Decisions The Government of Canada is upholding the CRTC decisions that permit Canadian Satellite Radio and SIRIUS Canada to operate satellite radio subscription services, and CHUM-Astral to operate a terrestrial subscription radio service. SOURCE: Canadian Heritage Full Article || Related Preparing Alberta Students for the Next Century - New Social Studies Curriculum Focuses on Citizenship and Identity Alberta's new Social Studies curriculum focuses on citizenship and identity by including different perspectives, such as Francophone and Aboriginal culture and history, while Canadian and world history, local government, economics, agriculture and global issues continue to be important. SOURCE: Government of Alberta Full Article || Related Canada-New Brunswick Agreement to Support French Language Services The multi-year agreement on the Provision of French-Language Services seeks to support the development and delivery of services offered in French, and to enhance the vitality of New Brunswick's Acadian and francophone community. SOURCE: Government of New Brunswick Full Article || Related New Board Selected for the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain Takes Office Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Eric Robinson welcomed new members and congratulated returning members to the board of the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain. The Centre serves as the hub for the artistic and cultural life of Manitoba's francophones. SOURCE: Government of Manitoba Full Article || Related Filmmakers Funding Awarded to Five Yukon Projects The Film & Sound Commission has awarded a total of $15,000 to five Yukon productions, including three film scripts, through the Yukon Filmmakers Fund. Projects funded this term include Kiss That Alaska Highway Before I Die, Borderlands, Winter Stories, The Colourful 2% and Frolf. SOURCE: Yukon Government Full Article || Related RAND Study Finds Visual Arts Picture Isn't As Rosy As It First Appears A RAND Corporation report issued recently suggests that the visual arts picture isn't as rosy as it first appears, despite record museum attendance, booming commercial popularity, soaring prices for artists' work and well-publicized museum expansions. SOURCE: Center for Arts and Culture Full Article || Related   Monica Gattinger, University of Ottawa As a member of the Initiative to Study the Social Effects of Culture (ISSEC) Culturescope Group, Monica posts papers and comments on others to advance this research project. Full Article     The 411 Initiative For Change The 411 Initiative For Change works on development projects aiming for long-term social impacts through bridging the arts, culture and heritage to social development. Full Article

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The Canadian Cultural Observatory is funded in part by the Canadian Culture Online Strategy. The Observatory is a collaborative initiative of the Department of Canadian Heritage whose programs and policies aim at Creating Canada Together.
	Copyright © 2005 Culturescope.ca

To all Fort Severn lady band members,

If you are interested in joining a ladies' broomball team for the 2005-2006 season.

Please contact,

Marie Carson, mariecarson@knet.ca
or
Valerie Kakekaspan, valeriekakekaspan@knet.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute established by Nishnawbe Aski Nation offers post-secondary education and training programs.  We offer choice, accessibility, flexibility, opportunities and support services for our students.  The Institute is an independent institution and currently offers courses in business, social services, website development and early childhood education.

The Institute is inviting applications for a Finance and Administrative Officer.  Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Finance and Administrative Officer will ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, develop and maintain finance and administration budgets, maintain an internal control structure that ensures the integrity of information and maintain other documentation related to the overall operations of Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute.  The incumbent will also perform general bookkeeping and administrative services to assist the Executive Director and Program Coordinators, and to support the operation of the general office of the Institute.

Candidates for this position should:

• Possess a diploma or degree in Business Management, Accounting or in any related field;
• Have a minimum of 3 years experience in financial management and office administration;
• Be a highly motivated energetic self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills;
• Be proficient with computer accounting systems, database management, and word processing;
• Possess strong analytical , communications and problem solving skills;
• Hold a valid driver's license;
• Fluency in either Ojibway or Cree would be an asset.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and a resume, with three references, to:

Executive Director

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute

107 Johnson Avenue, 2nd Floor

Thunder Bay, ON P7B 2V9

Fax: (807) 345-2924

For further information about this position, please contact:

Valerie Nabigon

Administrative Assistant

(807) 346-2780 or info@oshki.ca

Closing date for applications is Monday, September 19, 2005 at 12:00 pm.

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

September 8, 2005 - MEDIA RELEASE

Robinson Treaty promises broken for 155 years

NIPISSING FIRST NATION -- It has been over a century and a half since First Nations signed the Robinson Treaties, but Anishinabek people continue to struggle for rights to land and resources promised in those treaties.

First Nations in two regions of Ontario are commemorating the 155th anniversary of the signing of two historic and important treaties this week. The Robinson-Superior Treaty was signed on September 7, 1850 while the Robinson-Huron Treaty was signed two days later on September 9, 1850.

"There are many important and outstanding issues related to the Treaties. Our right to hunt and fish has been restricted by constant government harassment and interference, and annuities have not increased to reflect the resource development on traditional lands," said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage.

"Most importantly, the Government of Canada has not respected the government-to-government relationship established under the treaties, so our jurisdiction and the authority of First Nation government has been undermined," added Beaucage.

Interest in Indian lands along the north shores of Lake Superior and Lake Huron began in the 1840's as many mining companies began to send prospectors, surveyors and engineers into the region. As mining companies successfully obtained licences to extract resources, many First Nations people in the region began to complain to the Crown that their claims to the land were being ignored.

The Robinson Treaties marked the beginning of an emphasis on a "cash-for-land" treaty approach by the Crown, which was to have far-reaching effects on First Nations, who regarded money just as they had regarded the trade goods offered in previous treaties - as gifts in exchange for their agreement to share the use of their traditional territories with settler populations.

To assist in the settlement and commercial development of the region, Lord Elgin, Governor General of Canada, ensured that treaty commissioner - and former fur trader -- William Benjamin Robinson was given a budget of 7500 pounds Sterling (approx. $30,000 Cdn in 1850) to purchase as much land as possible. He was successful in obtaining title to approximately 50,000 square miles (32 million acres) of Indian territory for approximately 66 cents for every square mile, or 640 acres.

Chief Michael "Eagle" Dokis of Lake Nipissing said after attending the treaty negotiations, "When Mr. Robinson came to the Indians to make a Treaty for their lands, they were not willing to give up their lands and would not sign a Treaty. He then told them they need not be afraid to give up their rights because Government would never do anything to make them suffer, he said you know yourselves where you have the best lands and there is where you have your reserves for yourselves and your children and their children ever after."

Every Chief's consent to the terms of the treaties was indicated by his "mark" - usually a totem or clan symbol - on the official document. The First Nations leaders could neither read nor write English and relied totally on the honesty of the treaty commissioner about what they were agreeing to.

The Robinson-Superior Treaty was negotiated with the Chippewas of the Sault Ste. Marie area and gave the Crown, "the shoreline of Lake Superior, including islands from Batchewana Bay to the Pigeon River, inland as far as the height of land." The Treaty stipulated an upfront payment of $8,000 (all amounts Cdn) and an annual payment of $200 each year thereafter. This is an area of over 20,000 square miles, stretching approximately from present day Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, in the east, past Thunder Bay, Ontario, in the west.

Two days after William Robinson had negotiated the Robinson-Superior Treaty, he negotiated with Chief Shinguacouse and the Lake Huron Chippewa Indians for the Lake Huron shoreline, "including the islands, from Matchedash Bay to Batchewana Bay and inland as far as the height of the land."

An agreement was made to surrender territory, except for the reserves, for $8000 and an annual payment of $240 for over 30,000 square miles.

In addition to the cash, each Robinson Treaty included a list of reserved lands, indicating size and location of each reserve assigned to each Chief. The Huron Treaty included 21 such reserves but Superior only listed three.

The Robinson Treaties also guaranteed to First Nations the "full and free privilege to hunt over the territory now ceded by them and to fish in the waters thereof as they have heretofore been in the habit of doing."

However, said Beaucage, "First Nations continue to be subject to harassment by provincial Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers in the field, and there are instances of First Nations people being prosecuted under provincial legislation despite these treaty rights."

"The government of Canada does not honour our treaties in the spirit they were entered into," said the Anishinabek Nation leader.

The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

For more information contact:
Jamie Monastyrski, Communications Officer
Union of Ontario Indians
705-497-9127 (2290)
monjam@anishinabek.ca

While in Sioux Lookout today, the honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of State for Public Health and the honourable Roger Valley, MP for Kenora riding, met with Keewaytinook Okimakanak Health Director Robert Thomas and K-Net's Network Manager Dan Pellerin. In attendance at the meeting was Gavin Brown, FNIHB Regional Director and Mike Lovett, Sioux Lookout Zone Director. Discussions focussed on KO's Telehealth Sustainability and Expansion proposal to Health Canada.

Identifying strategies to ensure the current First Nations Telehealth initiative continues after the Aboriginal Health Transition program is completed in March 2006 is now everyone's priority.