Archive

March 1st, 2003

Sandy Lake Men's 2nd Annual Invitational Hockey Tournament

Well people,  we are having our Annual Men's Hockey Tournament in Sandy Lake for April 23, 24, 25 & 26, 2003. All Cash Prizes are guaranteed, so you can take your money to the bank. Things worked out great at our last tournament, so let's see all the players coming to catch the big prize ... remember it is guaranteed!!

So all the hockey players are welcomed to participate. Hope to see you there. Everyone is Welcomed!!

Sandy Lake Men's 2nd Annual Invitational Hockey Tournament

April 23, 24, 25, & 26, 2003

Entry Fee: $ 1, 000.00

Cash Prizes Guaranteed
Championship : $10, 000.00
Finalist : $ 5, 000.00
Consolation : $ 3, 000.00
Runners Up : $ 1, 000.00

TEAM and PLAYER RULES:
1.  No Imports
2.  Open Ice Contact
3.  12 Team Format A & B Pool Round Robin
4.  Certified Referees Will Be Provided
5.  20 Player Limit On Roster
6.  Must Have Consent Form If Under17 Yrs
7.  Must Have 50% Deposit By April 10/03 To Secure Spot
8.  Rules & Regulation Will Be Given Out Upon Arrival
9.  Individual Awards (cash prizes) & Medallions
10.Bring Your Own Sleeping Bags
11.Accommodations Will Be Provided

For More Information Call  Sandy Lake Recreation Office:   807-774-5445 or 807-774-1076

February 25th

KO Staff Demonstrate Broadband at NAN Chiefs' Meeting

Keewaytinook Okimakanak set up an information and display booth at the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs' conference (http://www.nan.on.ca) at the Travelodge (Airlane) Hotel in Thunder Bay. Members of the KO Smart team shared stories and information about the work that is taking place as part of the Kuh-ke-nah Network of Smart First Nations Demonstration Project.

As well, we webcast different parts of the NAN Chiefs' meeting on the internet over the three days. Everyone was welcomed to join the Chiefs' Meeting along with some special meetings that we hosted over the three days with different guests. Check out http://smart.firstnation.ca to see what happened at the Airlane Hotel during this event. Everyone was invited to actively participate in this on-line event from wherever they had access to the internet.

Pictures from the different meetings and happenings show the following:

  • the Community Access Program Workshop (Valhalla Inn);
  • the Matawa FN Management Broadband Business Planning Session (Matawa office complex);
  • the KO information booth at the NAN Chiefs' meeting (Airlane Hotel);
  • meeting with Industry Canada CAP Director and Ontario Region Director (Airlane Hotel);
  • KO Chiefs' meeting (Valhalla Inn);
  • NAN Youth Council video conference session with KO First Nation youth (Airlane Hotel);
  • Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come presentation to NAN youth (Airlane Hotel);
  • Tour of Fort William First Nation KiHS classroom;
  • Video conference meeting with Industry Canada Director General of IHAB, Office of Learning Technology, NAN and KO FN e-centres.

Several other meetings took place throughout the week. KO staff met with Bell Canada reps, Ministry of Education rep, Superior Wireless, Expertech, FedNor, different First Nation community leaders and Lakehead University.

The NAN Chiefs in Assembly passed Resolution 03/49: SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NAN BROADBAND REGIONAL NETWORK FOR FIRST NATIONS which among other things directs government programs and services along with other agencies to utilize local community networks.

Others from across Canada were invited to join the live chat session about the meetings and the on-line discussion forum available for their thoughts and comments. We demonstrated and highlighted how broadband connectivity and broadband applications are positively affecting the Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nations.

Everyone's support and involvement was welcomed. Be sure to check out the other events that are now archived at the same web site. Leave your comments and ideas about these events and the information available so we can continue to develop this on-line virtual conference resource. Watch for the upcoming on-line events that we will be webcasting. Share this on-line resource with others who might appreciate learning about these opportunities and information.

Thanks for your continued support and interest in our work ...

Grade 2 Primary Teacher Required in Wunnumin Lake

We are currently looking for a Grade 2 teacher to start as soon as possible, salary based on experience.  If you want to know more information please contact the persons mentioned below.  Please send your resume to :  

Lydia Lois Beardy Memorial School
Box 108
Wunnumin Lake, ON
P0V 2Z0

Ph: (807) 442-2575   Fax: (807) 442-2640
Attention:  Mary Angees, Principal, 
              or
Heather Mathews, Education Director 
Ph: (807) 442-2559/2555/2565   Fax: (807) 442-2627

February 22nd

Results from the Big Trout Lake Men's Hockey Tournament 2003

Big Trout Lake recently held a Men's Hockey Tournament from February 11 to 15 , 2003 at the KI arena. There were 9 hockey teams participating. There were lots of good hockey action during the 5 days and lots cheering from the fans.

Kasabonika Flames won the Consolation game over Weagamow Lake in overtime with the final score of 5-4.

Bearskin Lake Mavericks won the Champoinship game over Sandy Lake River Hawks with the final score of 5-0.

Overall the tournament went well. Hopefully we'll be there again next year!!

Employment Opportunity - Tikinagan - Red Lake Office

Tikinagan Child and Family Services
New Hire/Trainee - Red Lake, Ontario

POSITION SUMMARY

The contract position of New Hire/Trainee is responsible for participating in the New Workers Training Program delivered by Tikinagan Child and Family Services as sanctioned by the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies. The Trainee will be assigned to red Lake Tikinagan Unit and will be given pre-course reading material and field assignment activities appropriate to training topics with purpose being to enhance learning throughout the training.

All New Hire/Trainees must graduate from the New Workers Training Program in order to become an authorized frontline worker winthin the agency. Once aurthorized, the Trainee may be recruited in Child Protection Services within in the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Post secondary education or experience in social services is an asset.
  • Fluency in Ojibway or Oji-Cree preferred; English is essential
  • Commitment to Tikinagan's vision, goals and principles
  • Empathy toward children and their families
  • Experience and understanding of Native cultural issues and of the geographic realities and social conditions within northern remote Native communities
  • No open child welfare files; not a foster parent
  • Commitment to working with community members
  • Respected member in the community
  • Good communications skills, verbal and written
  • Problem solving and decision making skills
  • Professional integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Possessing a valid Ontario driver's license is preferred
  • Must provide and pass a criminal record check prior to employment
  • Be willing and able to travel
  • Computer training and experience an asset

SUBMIT AN UPDATED RESUME AND A COVERING LETTER TO:

The Hiring Committee
Tikinagan Child and Family Services
P.O. Box 627, 65 King Street
Sioux Lookout, Ontario
P8T 1B1

CLOSING DATE:           February 28, 2003

February 19th

Mushkegowuk Chiefs Offer Support to Grassy Narrows First Nation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 19, 2003

Mushkegowuk Chiefs Offer Support to Grassy Narrows First Nation

(MOOSE FACTORY, ON) In response to a call for action, the Mushkegowuk Chiefs are eager to show support to Grassy Narrows First Nation on issues related to forestry. The Chiefs vow to continue supporting the blockades by the First Nations in Aroland, Ginoogaming and Hornepayne along with members of Constance Lake.

Grand Chief Ernest Beck said, "We must show the Ontario government that we are serious about Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and the government’s unwillingness to discuss these issues is intolerable."

This is another example of the Ontario government’s lack of consideration and support for First Nations initiatives. A private member’s bill, supported by the Mushkegowuk Council, was presented to parliament in December on revenue sharing and was defeated by the Conservative government. The Mushkegowuk Chiefs urge all First Nations to support the Grassy Narrows First Nation. Deputy Grand Chief Mike Carpenter said, "It is obvious that the Ontario government is not willing to work with us. We have no choice but to band together as First Nation people and support one another’s causes."

- 30 -

For further inquiries, please call Grand Chief Ernest Beck at 705-658-4222.

Finally, a chance for NAN Youth to be heard!

NAN is conducting a survey that will be used to help understand the ideas and concerns of today's youth. This survey and the information gathered from it, will be used to create a magazine that will be sent to NAN's Chiefs and Elders in various communities. For more information or to receive a copy of the survey please e-mail either, Tianna Collins or Rhain Mainville at nanyouthsurvey@knet.ca

KiHS Staff Presenting at Dreamcatching 2003 Conference

Two KiHS staff are travelling to Montreal to conduct four 2.5 hour workshops with teachers attending this year's Dream Catching 2003: Professional Math and Science Workshops for Teachers of Aboriginal Students Conference. The workshop session lead by Marlene McKay, KiHS Vice Principal and Jeremy Snihur, teacher in Cat Lake First Nation, is providing participants with an orientation to KiHS, the classrooms, the teachers, the students and the communities. As well, workshop participants are going on-line and using the various tools available to KiHS students to complete their high school courses.

The conference is hosted by Concordia University's Native Access to Engineering Program. Marlene and Jeremy's workshop description is:

"Attendees of this workshop will receive an introduction to Keewaytinook Internet High School (KiHS) as an instructor and as a student. We will discuss various IT teaching strategies when working with First Nations students. Those attending this workshop will participate in completing activities in Math and Science/Technology for secondary students with the main focus of using the Internet as a learning tool. The workshop will also provide attendees with Internet resources in the area of Math and Science/Technology for secondary students."

The presentation includes a slide show presentation about the students, the communities, the classrooms, the teachers and KiHS

February 18th

NAN's Community Champions for Broadband Workshop

Community Champions for Broadband Workshop

February 19-20, 2003
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Travelodge Airlane – Salon C

Purpose:

The goal of the Community Champions for Broadband Workshop is to bring together ‘community champions’ from across the NAN region to collaborate and work together to:

Work out issues and identify best practices in developing an effective Broadband Pilot Program Application
  • Work out issues and identify best practices in developing an effective Broadband Pilot Program Business Plan
  • Presenters/Facilitators:

    David Paul Achneepineskum, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
    Gordon Kakegamic, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Telecommunications)
    Terry Wilson, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Lands and Resources)
    Brenda Iserhoff and Joe Wheesk, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Harvesting)
    Melanie Goodchild, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Youth)
    Lawrence Baxter, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Social Services)
    Michael Fox, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
    Edward Hoshizaki, Edward Hoshizaki Development Consulting
    Mel Stewart, Stewart Communications
    Eleonore Rupprecht, Industry Canada, Broadband Pilot Program Office (Ontario Region)
    Carl Seibel, FedNor
    Helen Aitkens, Telecommons Development Group
    Donna Williams, Keewaytinook Okimakanak (Telehealth)
    Jim Teskey, Keewaytinook Okimakanak (Education)
    Brian Beaton, Keewaytinook Okimakanak (K-Net Services)
    Dan Pellerin, Keewaytinook Okimakanak (K-Net Services)
    Keewaywin Smart Community Team, Keewaywin First Nation

    Delegates:

    Ernie Buswa, Windigo First Nations Council
    Audrey Allaire, Wabun Tribal Council
    John Cole, Matawa First Nations Management
    Paul Capon, Matawa First Nations Management
    Gilbert Etherington, Mushkegowuk Council
    Steve Beardy, Muskrat Dam First Nation
    Debra Tait, Sachigo Lake First Nation
    Laureen Kaminiwaish, Sachigo Lake First Nation
    Archie Wabasse, Wunnumin Lake First Nation
    Jeff Loon, Mishkeegogamang First Nation
    Tom Wassaykeesic, Mishkeegogamang First Nation
    Kennedy Fiddler, Sandy Lake First Nation
    Curtis Drake, Sandy Lake First Nation
    Sam Hunter, Weenusk First Nation
    Allan Jolly, Mocreebec Council of the Cree Nation

    Agenda:
    Day One - Wednesday, February 19, 2003

    08:00 - 08:30 Meet & Greet - Morning Coffee and Refreshments
    08:30 - 08:45 Welcome - Introductions and Review of Agenda, Gordon Kakegamic
    08:45 - 09:00 Opening Remarks - David Paul Achneepineskum, Executive Director, Nishnawbe Aski Nation

    Session 1 - Broadband for Rural and Northern Development
    09:00 - 09:20 Presentation (Teleconference) - Eleonore Rupprecht, Industry Canada - Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program (BRAND)
    09:20 - 10:30 Discussion on Issues Related to the BRAND Application and Business Plan
    Eleonore Rupprecht, Industry Canada and Carl Seibel, FedNor

    Session 2 - Infrastructure and Network Models
    10:45 - 11:15 Presentation
    Edward Hoshizaki, Edward Hoshizaki Development Consulting
    Dan Pellerin, K-Net Services
    11:15 - 12:00 Discussion on Issues

    Session 3 - Applications
    01:00 - 01:30 Health - Donna Williams, Keewaytinook Okimakanak
    01:30 - 02:00 Education - Jim Teskey, Keewaytinook Okimakanak
    02:00 - 02:30 Business (Commerce) - Michael Fox, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
    02:30 - 03:00 Appliances (Videoconferencing, IP Telephony) - Dan Pellerin, K-Net Services
    03:15 - 03:45 Lands and Resources - Terry Wilson, Joe Wheesk and Brenda Iserhoff, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
    03:45 - 04:15 Social Services - Lawrence Baxter, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
    04:15 - 04:45 Youth - Melanie Goodchild, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
    04:45 - 05:00 End of Day One - Gordon Kakegamic

    Day Two - Thursday, February 20, 2003

    08:30 - 09:00 Review - Gordon Kakegamic
    Session 3 - Applications (Cont.)
    09:00 - 10:30 Portal (Connect Ontario) - Gordon Kakegamic, Nishnawbe Aski Nation

    Session 4 - Community Engagement
    10:45 - 11:15 Presentation (Videoconference) - Helen Aitkens, Telecommons Development Group
    11:15 - 12:30 Discussion (Videoconference) - Brian Beaton, K-Net Services and the Keewaywin Smart Community Team
    Discussion on Issues and Best Practices

    Session 5 - The Business Plan
    01:30 - 03:00 Planning for Content - Edward Hoshizaki, Edward Hoshizaki Development Consulting

    Session 6 - Moving Forward
    03:15 - 04:15 NAN Directions for Broadband - Mel Stewart, Stewart Communications
    04:15 - 04:45 NAN Telecommunications Conference - Gordon Kakegamic, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
    04:45 - 05:00 End of Workshop - Gordon Kakegamic

    KiHS Planning Workshop in Winnipeg

    The KiHS teachers and administration attended a plenary workshop in Winnipeg last week.

    The focus of these sessions was to work on developing the virtual high school into an even more dynamic and successful program in the 13 communities in its partnership agreements. Those in attendance participated to come up with concrete suggestions and a plan to address some of the issues facing Aboriginal Education as brought up by the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs in his National Working Group on Education Report (http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nr/prs/j-a2003/2-02248_e.html) released last week.

    The week started with a keynote address by Richard Morris, director of Education at Lac Seul First Nation. He gave the staff a good background on some of the issues relating to Aboriginal Students and why we face certain challenges. He gave a very informative briefing of some of the experiences related to the residential school system and how we need to approach things with that knowledge. The session ended with a question and answer period. The staff found the session very valuable and went away with insight that will be a benefit to their community classroom.

    The week continued with sessions that were presented by the staff. The sessions started with a short discussion of the issue and how it was a challenge in our communities. Then we broke into groups of three and brain stormed ways that we could address these issues and challenges. After the brainstorming the large group reformed and evaluated the suggestions. We ended up with a list of ideas that could work at making the deliverables, that KiHS has determined necessary for the program, a reality. The information that came from these sessions is very valuable to the program and should provide an improved delivery.

    Some of the topics discussed were:

    • Student Attendance
    • Parental and Community Involvement
    • Student Enrollment and Recruitment
    • KiHS and Local School Relationship
    • Communication within KiHS
    • Student Achievement
    • Teacher-Student Rapport and its influence on Student Achievement
    • Interactive Lessons
    • Course Development/Aboriginal Culture and Curriculum
    • Ministry of Education Expectations of Private Schools
    • Staff Retention
    • Role of the Classroom Assistant
    • Mentor Roles

    Each of these topics generated suggestions that will be used by KiHS to further develop its program and delivery. The aim of KiHS is to provide the students, who choose to remain at home to earn Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits, a rich and varied experience that will be invaluable to their future success.

    The future looks bright at KiHS and we want our students to shine.