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What should be done to stop people from fighting and killing each other from this subject called "Gay". Many young people should know how it feels to be alone because their friends have turned them down and they have felt many loniness and no one in our own community knows how bad it hurts... I think everyone should treat everyone with repect... As for me, as a 17 year old, I find it so stupid when people mistreat each other. We're in CANADA for crying out loud. Everyone needs to treat each other with kindness....

The Quequish-Roundhead-Petawanick family welcomes new babies! 2 beautiful baby girls! Penelope Renee Victoria & Kimberly Saralyn Storm Roundhead... And there are more that I cannot begin to name!

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the appointment of James K. Bartleman as the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. A distinguished career diplomat, Mr. Bartleman is also a member of the Minjikanig First Nation of Ontario and the first Aboriginal to be named Lieutenant-Governor of the province. James Bartleman is one of Canada's most accomplished diplomats, with a record of serving in some of the most highly sensitive foreign affairs positions in the Canadian government. A member of the Minjikanig First Nation of Ontario, he has achieved the highest rank in the Foreign Service of any Canadian Aboriginal and is the first Aboriginal to be named Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. At the time of this appointment, Mr. Bartleman was Head of the Canadian Mission to the European Union. From 1994-98, he was Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister and Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Foreign and Defence Policy. Mr. Bartleman has also served as Director General, Bureau of Intelligence and Director General, Economic Intelligence Bureau at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. From 1998-99, Mr. Bartleman was High Commissioner to South Africa. From 1999-2000 he was High Commissioner to Australia. In 1990, he served in Brussels as Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the Canadian Joint Delegation to the North Atlantic Council. From 1981-83, he was Ambassador to Cuba. From 1986-90, he was Ambassador to Israel. In 1999, Mr. Bartleman received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award in the category of Public Service. Mr. Bartleman was born in Orillia, Ontario, and received his elementary and secondary education in Port Carling, Muskoka. He earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in History from the University of Western Ontario in 1963. He is married to Marie-Jeanne Bartleman and they have three children. PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555

Residents of Weagamow Lake, were quite happy with this year's activities. Which kicked off on December 1st till January 2nd. Everyone in the reserve participated in such events such as, radio games (also televised), sliding, and the skidoo train which drew half of the community. Kids watched along the streets of Weagamow as the Santa Claus parade began... Every year when Santa comes to Weagamow, he get's slimmer and slimmer .... (I wonder what he does?) For more about this years games and events be sure to check out the Wawatay news in the coming weeks.

The Chiefs of Keewaytinook Okimakanak held their regular Board meeting in Winnipeg the week of December 17. A Christmas feast was held and presents were given to each of the chiefs from the KO staff (beautiful vests with their First Nation's crest hand sewn by Linda Kay Peters). See the pictures of the KO Board meeting and Xmas feast. Guest presentations were given at the meeting by the following resource people: * Nishnawbe Aski Nation leadership (Grand Chief Stan Beardy, Deputy Grand Chiefs Raymond Ferris and Goyce Kakegamic) * Nishnawbe Aski Nation staff (David Paul Achneepineskum - Executive Director, Maggie Chisel - Health Planner, Mike Morris, Far North Fire Management Program Coordinator) * FedNor (Carl Seibel and Mitch Diabo) * SLAAMB (Bob Bruyere) KO Staff presentations / updates included: * Telehealth and Health - Orpah McKenzie and John Rowlandson * Economic Development - David Neegan * Public Works - Peter Campbell and Barry Strachan * Finance - Penny Carpenter * Education - Jim Teskey * Smart Project - Brian Beaton

Keewaywin Staff had their christmas party last night. It was a pretty good turnout, considering that most of the staff were already on Holidays. The evening started out quiet. We had the Chief say a few words and a prayer was said to start off the evening. A couple of people talked about Christmas and what it means to them and there was some comparing about what Christmas is about from the old days and what it is now. The councillors also talked about their childhood days when they were waiting for their gifts. Back then they got rabbits or other food for presents. Pop was only a nickle back then, or there wasn't even pop then. It was a good time and jokes and riddles were also passed around. The present opening was great and a buffet style spread was on the table with lots of goodies. for pictures click on Keewaywin Band Office Xmas Party Photos

The Creator has blessed our family with the most beautiful little Oji-Cree baby Girl. Lynaya Blue Jewell Mason dropped from Heaven, December 12, 2001 at exactly 9:59 p. m. She was 9 pounds and 7 ounces with a head full of hair. After being carefully looked over by mom and dad, they declared she looked just like her Kokum! Please don't call her "mini kokum" like proud cousin James does. Lynaya Blue will live in Keewaywin with her parents and extended family. She will spend her first Christmas in Deer Lake where her other grandmother lives. I am so jealous but it's my turn next Christmasl. She will not be sent to residential school at the age of six. Her father Blue Mason will probably teach her computer lingo before teaching her Oji-Cree. I have the strongest suspicion Grandpa Allan Kakepetum will teach her "Oji-Cree". (the good version, not the bad version) Grandma Nancy Kakepetum will teach her how to book her Bearskin flights out of Keewaywin. Grandpa Rennie Kakepetum will teach her how to operate the 8-tract digital recorder so, when she is older, she can record all his original music in his own home. Grandpa Lawrence Mason will always be on hand for her mental health and teach her how to dress appropriately. Uncle Kevin will teach her to play the guitar and give her lots of love. Most of all, her mother Kim and father Blue are very happy to have their little girl home for Christmas. I am not worried about her because Lynaya Blue has a lot of love from extended family in Keewaywin. That is what family is all about. I am a very proud Kokum. I want to extend a very Merry Christmas to everyone and have a Happy New Year. MiiQuetch!! ps. sorry I don't have any pictures yet.

Deer Lake is alive with the evidence of Christmas spirit everywhere. From Christmas concerts at the school and church, the annual Christmas parade to the Christmas Light Contest, Deer Lake is the place to be for Christmas. The David Meekis Memorial School held it's Christmas Concert on December 17 and featured music, drama and even a little bit of cross-cultural education. The Grade 9's performed the Mummer's Song which is a Newfoundland tradition where everyone dresses up in silly costumes and sings and dances. Joanne Parks, a teacher at the school, said, "I just wanted to share a little of my culture as well." All of the classes worked hard on their presentations which made for an enjoyable time for everyone who came out. The parade was a great success with a number of different organizations participating. The Harvest Pentecostal Church had it's Sunday School Christmas Concert, and like the school concert had a packed house. Banquets have been in full swing with the band, the school and the staff of the local Northern store each having one recently. With all of these events and others planned over the holidays--is it any wonder why I think that Deer Lake is the place to be for Christmas? Check out pictures of the Concert and some of the other events.

The Aboriginal Harvest Church , which is located at the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School came on the last day to have Lunch with the Students. Many students and staff came and showed up for this last day of school. Everyone around had their face shining with a Big Smile, on their face. Pizza, Little Oranges, drinks to go along with that, Pop. Students await for the holidays as each one tell each other, What they have plans for this Christmas. The next Exams start in just awhile and after that the Students are asked to go to the Gym for a Meeting. All flights en route to our Northern Communities will be on Sunday, starting at 7:00 Am, And throughout the day. (Correction) The Miskegokamang Students will be leaving this Afternoon, And will not be on Sunday. Sorry for the Error that I wrote.

Keewaywin has put their radio station back on air. The equipment for the radio station is situated in the boardroom of the Keewaywin Band Office. Keewaywin can tune in at 107.9 FM.