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September 13, 2002, at 9 a.m., Minister of Indian Affairs Robert Nault and his team including Frank Beardy (Special Representative for Infrastructure & Economic Development), Arun Dighe (Assistant Regional Director, Northern Ontario) and Patti Skillen (Special Advisor to the Minister, Ontario Region) arrived in Deer Lake. They were greeted and welcomed by our Chief Royal Meekis. From there they went to the Band Office where a meeting was held. During the meeting, Band staff prepared a meal for the special visitors and for the community members. At approximately 10 a.m., buses loaded with school children, teachers arrived to meet with the Minister. They brought signs, banners and posters they made at the school. The signs welcomed the Minister into the community and thanked him for the new school. Some time passed before the meeting was over and the Minister was able to come out of the Band office. The school children and teachers formed a big circle where Minister Nault and his group went around greeting everyone with handshakes. Minister Nault made the announcement that everyone was waiting for: “We have made a commitment to build a new school in Deer Lake. The school material will be hauled through the winter road. Construction will start in the spring, 2003 and it will take approximately one year to build it. So go to school, stay in school and listen to your teachers.” After that speech, Nault took a tour around the community. He visited the nursing station, KiHS and other places. On the tour, the Minister saw and heard lots about the community expectations and developments. He told Oscar Meekis, Deer Lake e-Centre Manager, "I really like what I am seeing here" as he watched the KiHS students doing their Grade 9 and 10 courses (see the Honourable Robert Nault's visiting the Deer Lake KiHS classroom). Back at the Band office, people prepared meals for them and the rest of the community members joined in the celebrations. The Minister and his group departed about noon on their way to another community. See the pictures of the minister's visit to Deer Lake.

On Tuesday, September 10, Keewaytinook Okimakanak presented information about the Kuh-ke-nah project at the international, on-line “ICT, Social Enterprise and Sustainable Development” virtual conference.

The Powerpoint Presentation Archives from the virtual conference are now available for viewing at http://www.hcln.net/socent/ppt/archives.htm. Over the next few days, the conference coordinator, David Wortley will be digitizing the audio presentations to create full multimedia versions accessible by broadband users (the KO presentation is up for those with broadband connections at http://www.hcln.net/socent/multimedia/KNet_files/default.htm - be sure to click on PLAY on the left hand side after it loads)

David combines a number of traditional and contemporary ICT tools to broadcast and distribution information about ICT developments from around the world. Archives of other on-line conferences facilitated by David can be found at http://www.hcln.net/hfm/archives/index.htm

In distributing follow up information about the “ICT, Social Enterprise and Sustainable Development” virtual conference, David writes:

The presentations on September 10th were very interesting and varied. I have grouped them together in the following summaries :-

1. IMPACT OF THE INTERNET ON SOCIETY, COMMERCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Three of the presentations examined the global impact of the internet on society and sustainability. All 3 presentations identified the fact that we are at a very critical time in the history of mankind. My presentation on the theme of Societal fission or fusion drew an analogy with the processes involved in nuclear reaction to make the point that with ICT we have unleashed a powerful force on society which we need to understand how to harness for the benefit of mankind, otherwise we may not be able to control its potential for destruction.

Earl Mardle of Technology Empowerment Network (TEN) spoke of similar potent forces and draw an analogy between the early stages of the life of the internet and the birth of the universe - powerful energy and great unpredictability. He went on to describe how TEN is creating a network to help harness these forces to the benefit of mankind.

Thomas Schauer's presentation focused on how ICT may have opened a Pandora's box of increasing consumption in a world of finite resources. He has done some excellent research on the impact of technology on bio-diversity and it seems clear that further research is necessary if we are to understand how to control the forces we have unleashed.

It is interesting to note that all 3 presenters developed a common strand but come from different backgrounds - commercial, NGO and academic.

2. COMMUNITY LEARNING NETWORKS

The presentations from Brian Beaton of K-Net in Canada and Leone Wheeler in Australia were on the theme of community networks.

The K-Net project for the First Nations in Canada is a wonderful example of how a community can shape their future through the creative use of ICT. In particular, they have a very good model for bringing access to remote rural communities through a mixture of broadband, wireless and satellite technologies.

The Victoria Regional Learning Network is a more traditional community ICT program built around lifelong learning and community ICT centres. The project highlighted the sustainability problems projects of this type across the world seem to encounter when revenue funding runs out.

3. USE OF ICT FOR EMPOWERMENT OF DISADVANTAGED GROUPS

The digital divide is a frequently used term which was at the heart of five of the presentations. Sue Webb of Women Connect perhaps expressed the true nature of the digital divide when she talked about the social divide between men and women and it seemed clear from all of these four presentations that ICT can empower disadvantaged groups, provided society has a commitment to tackle these social divides.

Sue Webb's presentation was on Women and ICT and it drew attention to the role that women can play in shaping a better society through their application of ICT. Sue stressed the need to develop ICT applications that are "women friendly" if we are to harness the true potential of women.

Barbara Fillip's presentation covered her model for e-learning in developing nations. She describes its success in bringing education in a practical way to these countries, but also draws attention to the need to make these facilities sustainable. Like many social entrepreneurs (myself included) she currently subsidises her social enterprise with commercial work. More research is needed into the phenomena of social enterprise and the need to connect risks to rewards if these activities are to be sustained.

Marc Cowgill's presentation was on ICT and Mental Health Empowerment. He describes the value of ICT to people with mental health issues with his mental health empowerment project. When the full multimedia version of the presentation is available, you must listen to the professional way in which Marc makes his presentation.

Richard Blows of Quest-Net described their model for making information more accessible to disadvantaged groups. The commercial sector is very familiar with "information overload" and Quest-Net is a portal site and services portfolio designed for "information-underload"

Simon Stevens is a social entrepreneur who happens be disabled. He spoke about Disability and Wealth Creation - the Interdependency model. Simon's presentation was a shining example of good communication practice. His presentation slides delivered his message with the greatest eloquence and he made the point that disabled people should have more control within the industries that depend on them. It made me even more aware of the need to harness the potential in every human being, whatever their background or ability.

My thanks go out to all the presenters for their efforts - please watch out for the full multimedia versions of the presentations over the next few days.

Regards

David Wortley
Mass Mitec
Creative Collaborative Communications
Tel: +44(0)1858 410366
EMail: dwortley@massmitec.co.uk

At 1:00pm Sandy Lake Community members and elders gathered at the gravel pit with the chief and council to reflected on what happened last September 11th. Some elders talked, others prayed. There were two flags flapping proudly in the air, a Canadian and an American flag. The community members lined up to touch the flags out of repect and as a form of a memorial for the people who perished in the 9/11 attack. Afterwards, we all stood in a circle to have a final prayer. It was a moment that was for the American people asking for God to stand with them, to comfort them. Then the people stayed for a weiner roast and shared stories and shared each others' company. As I was sitting there observing what was taking place a sense of God was there. He is everywhere, he is the all powerful, he is the one that will take care of this situation and his law and judgement are final. A thought came to my mind that we should always pray for the widows and the children that are left fatherless or motherless. That is also what is written in the bible. I was moved that our community being small still made time for a memorial of the 911 attack.

The Government of Canada's Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program is a new initiative created to assist communities that are currently without high-speed data services access. With a specific focus on First Nations, rural, remote, and northern, this is the first step toward the Government of Canada's commitment to high-speed connectivity for all Canadian communities by 2005. For more information, visit www.broadband.gc.ca. The Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program is an important part of Canada's Innovation Strategy. Broadband connectivity supports innovation at the local level, empowering Canadians to become more skilled and their communities to become more competitive. The program will demonstrate the benefits of broadband access in areas such as health care and education, and in unleashing communities' economic potential. Deadline for the first round of applications is OCTOBER 31, 2002

Weagamow Lake is holding our annual family awarness week, a time to gather with your family and have fun playing different activities and dancing. Annual Hunting week, where the Chief and Council will be giving out cash prizes has an entry fee of $300.00 per boat.

Keewaytinook Okimakanak is partnering with 16 Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities to deliver a Community Broadband Network Technicians employment and training project. The fifteen week, Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board funded project is employing a local technician from 16 First Nations. Each technician will work with the different organizations to help them prepare for the introduction of broadband infrastructure and services in their community. Starting September 9, 2002, an on-line training support program is being introduced to each of the project participants as a pilot e-learning environment. The new K-Net e-learning tool is adapted from the similar on-line tool developed for the Keewaytinook Internet High School. Training content and support is being provided by K-Net Services staff. First Nation workers include: Leroy McKoop, leroymckoop@knet.ca, Bearskin Lake FN Harlon Wesley, harlon.wesley@knet.ca, Cat Lake FN Jeremy Sawanas, jeremysawanas@knet.ca, Deer Lake FN Angus Miles, angusmiles@knet.ca, Fort Severn FN Gerald Anderson, geraldanderson@knet.ca, Kasabonika FN Blue Mason, bluemason@knet.ca, Keewaywin FN Gary Albany, garyalbany@knet.ca, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwog FN Margaret Lawson, margaretlawson@knet.ca, McDowell Lake FN Sean Kakegamic, seankakegamic@knet.ca, Muskrat Dam FN Martina Kanakakeesic, martinakanakakeesic@knet.ca, North Caribou FN Paul Campbell, paulcampbell@knet.ca, North Spirit Lake FN Gabriel Wassaykeesic, gabrielwassaykeesic@knet.ca, Poplar Hill FN Sarah Tait, sarahtait@knet.ca, Sachigo Lake FN Michael Meekis, michaelmeekis@knet.ca, Sandy Lake FN Lana Bighead, lanabighead@knet.ca, Slate Falls FN Crystal Barkman, crystalbarkman@knet.ca, Wapekeka FN This training project and the development of the e-learning training tool is part of the services funding under the Aboriginal Smart Communities Demonstration Project, a partnership between Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nations with funding support from Industry Canada's Smart Communities Program, FedNor, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHF), INAC, HRDC - OLT, Health Canada's CHIPP project and SLAAMB.

Representatives from the different tribal councils from across NAN met on Thursday, Sept 5 to discuss strategies for working together to assist NAN First Nations to get connected to broadband infrastructure. Participants included representatives from the NAN office (Gordon Kakegamic - meeting coordinator, Ed Hoshizaki), Matawa (John Cole), Wabun (Darlene Lafontaine), Mushkegowuk (Bill Louttit), Mocreebec (Allan Jolly), Windigo (Ernie Buswa), IFNA (Tim Bergman) and Keewaytinook Okimakanak (Dan Pellerin, Brian Beaton). Updates on connectivity developments across the region were discussed along with some of the opportunities (Industry Canada's new Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program and needs (partnerships and sustainability) for the NAN territory to become the most connected region in Canada. See the pictures from the meeting.

First Annual Native Women's Broomball Classic October 11 - 14, 2002 Fort William First Nation Arena Thunder Bay, Ontario Registered Teams include: Chisasibi, Quebec Waswanipi, Quebec Mistissini, Quebec Michikan Lake Starz Keewaywin Pink Ladies Big Trout Lake Blazers Neskantaga Lady Hawks Eabametoong Northern Lights Muskrat Dam Saints Moose Factory Islanders D.F.C. Thunder Hawks Pelican Falls Timberwolves Fort William Wolverines Fort Albany Swampy Queens Nibinamik Stars Team Webequie Deer Lake Mishkeegogamang Cat Lake Sandy Lake For more information Phone: 807-625-0327 or Fax: 807-625-9303 Website: www.eteamz.com/broomball Email: seventhgeneration@shaw.ca

The Doors of the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School in Thunder Bay opened its doors to allow students to further their education. As of August 27, at least 250+ students have enrolled and are slowly reviewing the basic reality of living in a urben world. Students and staff at the DFCHS have recently been told at least another 50 or so students are yet to be returning to attend school in DFC. Check out some Pictures of students at DFC in the coming weeks on Wawatay News. *If you would like to see your friends picture there i'll walk around search for them and boom, send it to the newspaper and then u can keep and cherish it forever... And hey, it's free... Just email me at JamesBenson@knet.ca

This is to remind every NAN territory member that September 18th is approaching quickly for the observance of NAN Day of Prayer as designated by the Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation. The purpose of this solemn event is to pray for all our people who have been affected by suicide and to embrace life as given by our Creator. The Day of Prayer will commence with a Wawatay radio address by Grand Chief Stan Beardy at approximately 9:00am central standard time. Followed by messages and prayers by Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic, youth and area ministers/pastors. All churches within their respective communities have been encouraged to plan joint evening prayer services/events for that day. For more information please call your local band office or church, or Nishnawbe Aski Nation at 1-800-465-9952