Archive

April 3rd, 2003

NOMS Dean impressed by KO's achievement's in Tele-Medicine and Tele-Education

The Founding Dean of the Northern Ontario Medical School (NOMS) had an opportunity to see first hand the innovative telemedicine and distance education solutions that one of NAN's tribal councils is implementing to overcome some of the obstacles to providing quality health care and schooling in Ontario's far north. During a two-day visit over March 31 and April 1, Doctor Roger Strasser, MD and two of his staff, along with representatives of Nishnawbe Aski Nation visited Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) in Balmertown and then toured the nursing station in Deer Lake First Nation.

"The achievements of Keewaytinook Okimakanak's K-Net, Telehealth and Keewaytinook Internet High School (KiHS) initiatives are remarkable," the Founding Dean of the Northern Medical School said. "NOMS can learn much from the experiences of KO with regard to the operational platform and educational framework of the Keewaytinook Internet High School, as well, KO’s expanding telemedicine capacity within telehealth."

Geordi Kakepetum, the Executive Director of Keewaytinook Okimakanak said he was impressed with the sincerity and objectivity of Dr. Strasser and his staff. "Roger came here to listen and learn, he asked many questions and was really interested in how our KO First Nations and partners have developed local solutions to regional problems that confront all NAN communities. We look forward to working with him."

During their visit to Deer Lake First Nation the representatives of the Northern Medical School toured the nursing station and observed a real-time telehealth demonstration, which included the examination of a patient in nearby North Spirit Lake First Nation. "This is exactly the kind of experience that our medical students will require if they are going to fully appreciate the opportunities and challenges of practicing in remote and isolated communities in the North," Dr. Strasser said after the tour.

Mayor Duncan Wilson of Red Lake praised both KO and NOMS as leaders who are making a great impact on the lives of all Northerners. "KO has demonstrated how much a group of dedicated people can achieve in just ten short years, when their hearts and minds are focused on the common good. I see the medical school as another force that will improve the quality of life in the north. It’ a great day when good people like you can come together to work toward a better future for all of us."

Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic of Nishnawbe Aski Nation believes that a bridge has been built connecting the Northern Medical School with KO. "What we are seeing here today is the kind of opportunity that exists when we all work together toward a common goal. We all want better health care and better educational opportunities for our children. Working together, KO and NOMS can become a model of cooperation for all people, Native and Non-Native in the North."

Kakepetum, the Executive Director of KO, thanked his staff in Balmertown, Deer Lake and North Spirit Lake for all their hard work and cooperation in making the NOMS / NAN visit a memorable one. "Everybody pulled together just the way they always do. I’m proud of our family here." The KO Executive Director also thanked Bearskin Airlines for their consideration with regard to the flights to and from Thunder Bay and the charter to Deer Lake.

By Brian Walmark, Education Advisor, Nishnawbe Aski Nation

Late Nora Suggashie & Late Claudia Meekis Memorial Day April 9, 2003

JUST A REMINDER OF THE FIRST MEMORIAL DAY FOR THE TWO SISTERS THAT PASSED AWAY ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR ON APRIL 9, 2002.

EVERYONE WELCOME! FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING:

FOR NORA'S MEMORIAL

THERE WILL BE AN EARLY MORNING BREAKFAST AT CHARLIE SUGGASHIE'S HOUSE AT 3:21 AM AND THE MEMORIAL FEAST AND SINGING IN THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 9.

FOR CLAUDIA'S MEMORIAL

AND AN EVENING COFFEE, TEA AND DESSERT AND SINGING IN THE EVENING OF APRIL 9, 2003 AT LATE CLAUDIA MEEKIS' HOUSE, THEN THE MEMORIAL FEAST IN THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 10, 2003.

NORA SUGGASHIE DIED IN HER HOME IN THE EARLY MORNING OF APRIL 9, 2002 AT 3:21 AM

CLAUDIA MEEKIS DIED IN HER HOME IN THE EVENING OF APRIL 9, 2002 AT AROUND 6:00 PM

THEY BOTH WENT HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD ON THE SAME DAY.

THEY WERE BOTH OLDEST DAUGHTERS OF ELDER ELLAJANE MEEKIS OF DEER LAKE, ONTARIO.

LOVE YA GRANNY!

April 2nd

Innovative Teachers required for KiHS for 2003-2004 School Year

Keewaytinook Internet High School (KiHS) invites applicants for the 2003/2004 school year. We will be looking for teachers to fill positions in Science, Math, and English.

If you are looking for an innovative, cutting edge approach to education, KiHS may be the place for you. Our classrooms are located in 13 communities around Northwestern Ontario, most of which have only fly in accessability.

The teacher will live in one of the 13 partner communities and tutor/mentor students while delivering two courses throughout the year to the remaining students in the other communities, using our web-based e-learning platform.

If you are interested in applying or finding out more information, please email your resume to the following:

Five Generations of women from one family meet together in Red Lake

Kokum Brenda Beardy celebrated the birth of her first grandchild on March 27, with her mother, her grandmother and daughter. Pictures of all five generations are posted for everyone to share in this special event.

Congratulations to Emma and her mother Jen from the Keewaytinook Okimakanak team. Thanks for sharing this story with everyone.

April 1st

Information Publications about the Kuh-ke-nah Project

Three new information publications describing the work being completed within the Kuh-ke-nah Network of Smart First Nations Demonstration project are available online and in paper format. They include:

Nishnawbe Women's Leadership Forum in Sioux Lookout

Nishnawbe Women's Leadership Forum

May 13-15, 2003

Equay-wuk (Women's Group) is organizing a three day gathering of women leaders, entitled, "Nishnawbe Women's Leadership Forum".  The event will bring together women who are Chiefs and Councillors in NAN First Nation communities.  The leadership forum will consist of presentations and discussions by women leaders about their experiences in running in band council elections and their experiences as Chiefs or Councillors.

The Leadership Forum will take place May 13-15, 2003, in Sioux Lookout, Ontario at the Sunset Inn.  Invited to the forum are:  8 Chiefs, 1 Deputy Chief and 13 Councillors.

The Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Emily Faries, Chief Self Government Negotiator for the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.  Guest speakers include:  Chief Margaret Penasse-Mayer (Nipissing First Nation), and Deputy Chief Gloria Harris (Missanabie Cree First Nation).

The event will be broadcast live on Wawatay Radio on the mornings of May 13-15, 2003.

Interested persons are welcome to come and observe.

Funding for this event was made possible Thanks to the Status of Women Canada.

For more information contact:    

  • Felicia Waboose, Program Director or
  • Darlene Angeconeb, Project Coordinator.  Telephone:  807-737-2214 or 800-261-8294
  • Equay-wuk Website:    www.equaywuk.ca  

March 31st

Northern Ontario Medical School and NAN staff visit Keewaytinook Okimakanak

Dr. Roger Strasser, Carol Otte and Darcia Borg from the new Northern Ontario Medical School along with Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic and Brian Walmark from Nishnawbe Aski Nation travelled to Balmertown on March 31 to meet with Keewaytinook Okimakanak and our partners. The team along with KO staff are chartering up to Deer Lake to visit their community and the local Health Centre. Meetings with Red Lake doctors and hospital administration, along with the municipality of Red Lake is making this trip an opportunity for networking and learning about the needs of rural and remote communities.

Keewaytinook Okimakanak looks forward to partnering with NOMS in the development of a program that will see medical professionals working in the First Nations as part of their training experience.

Check out the pictures.

KiHS Steering Committee Meets to Plan for community-based high school

The KiHS Steering Committee met from March 24 - 27 at the Sunset Inn in Sioux Lookout to discuss the various issues facing KiHS. Community representatives from the 13 partner First Nations were invited to share their experiences and recommendations on a number of topics including:

  • local issues and successes;
  • student retention;
  • plans for 2003-2004 school year; and
  • the KiHS / INAC five year pilot project.

Darrin Potter, KiHS Principal worked with Marlene McKay, KiHS Vice-Principal and Charlene Walsh, KiHS Secretary to facilitate this meeting. Representatives from each of the KiHS partner First Nations included:

  • Cat Lake - Sylvia Wesley
  • North Spirit Lake - Margaret Kakegamic
  • Fort Severn - Moses Kakekaspan
  • Slate Falls - Annette Loon
  • Fort William - Pam Collins
  • Frenchman’s Head - Albert LacSeul
  • Sachigo Lake - Theodore Tait
  • Keewaywin - Chris Kakegamic
  • Webequie - Belinda Reid
  • Kejick Bay - Roy Ninegewance
  • Weagamow - Roy Sakchekapo
  • Eabametoong - Harry Papah
  • Deer Lake - Barbara Rae

The roles and responsibilities of the KiHS Steering Committee are posted for everyone to know the work that is being undertaken by this team.

March 27th

Gospel Meetings in Weagamow

On April 4, 5 and 6, A Gospel Jamboree will be held at the Gymnasium with verious guests on the list including the Red Sucker Lake Band from Red Sucker Lake, Manitoba.

For more information, please call Saul Keeash @ (807) 469-7441

___________________________________________

The New Life Pentacostal Church and the One
Name Church in Weagamow Lake, will be hosting a joint service on April 25, 26 and 27.

Guest Speakers include Clark Stevenson

Roger Stevenson of Whitewood, Sask. & Darius Ferris of Calstock, Ontario

For more info please call Pastor Samson Chikane @ (807)469-1044

Or Pastor Colin Kanate @ (807) 469-1041

Or email @ newlifecenter@knet.ca

March 26th

Gospel Meeting in Deer Lake On April 11,12,13

Pentecostal Harvest Church

Deer Lake,Ontario

Invites All!

for services taking place on

APRIL 11, 12 & 13, 2003

WITH GUEST SPEAKER: JIM FELIX

WITH MUSICIANS: CARL DAY, ALEC CAPAY,

EUGENE CAPAY, & JEREMY CAPAY

FOR MORE INFO

CONTACT PASTOR EVELYN MEEKIS AT 775-2103 0R

ROYDALE OR DORIS MEEKIS AT 775-9444