First Nation woman to lead the Kenora NDP into next federal election
On March 11, the Kenora NDP riding nominated Tani Cameron, from Ochiichagwe’babigo’ining First Nation near Kenora, as their candidate in the next federal election. She will be running against Roger Valley for the Liberals and Greg Rickford for the Conservatives.
From Wawatay News ... February 7
Tania Cameron seeking Kenora NDP nomination
An Ochiichagwe’babigo’ining First Nation woman has started the process of trying to represent the Kenora riding in the next federal election.
Tania Cameron, a councillor and band administrator in her home community, filed her nominaton papers for candidacy in the New Democratic Party Jan. 26
“I’ve always been interested in politics … and in following policies I’ve seen the NDP supports working families and Aboriginal issues,” Cameron, a mother of three, said. “I have reintroduced myself to the party’s policy and am confident that it speaks to all segments of our riding.”
The recent Aboriginal self-government program graduate of Red River College has thought long and hard about running, although the election has yet to be called.
“We’ve talked about it as a family,” Cameron said. “It was a big decision for the family but they’ve been supportive. This is something I’ve wanted to do.”
Cameron, 32, hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the party and believes that is what is needed for the NDP to win the riding. “I strongly believe I am representative of the diversity and opportunity this is reflective of the Kenora riding,” Cameron said. “I’m hoping the riding is ready for an Aboriginal candidate. I’ve heard from some people there may be (problems in a few areas). It’s something I’m hoping to overcome.” –JT
2007.02.07
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From Toronto Star - November 26, 2006
Turning the tide of despair
Suicide ... Now, role models like Tania Cameron are trying to find solutions to this curse of the reserve
...
In 2001, Tania Cameron, a 26-year-old from the Dalles reserve near Kenora who was program manager of KCA's Aboriginal Healing and Wellness, set out to do something about the glaring shortage of mental health and addiction services for the communities around Kenora. She successfully negotiated a deal with Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to create the KCA mental health and addiction advisory. It enabled her to hire Dr. Ozzie Seunath, who now leads a team of six mental health and addictions workers for the 14 reserves around Kenora, which have a combined population of about 14,000. ...
Part of the solution, he says, is more opportunity for employment and better role models. Tania Cameron is just such a role model. Now 31, an elected councillor on her reserve and the busy mother of two, Cameron organized Kenora's first Suicide Prevention Day in September 2005. It was held on the Kenora waterfront, but didn't attract many non-Aboriginals. A lot of people came in from the reserves. "There was this large circle of tee lights, reflecting off the water." Cameron says. "It just breaks your heart to think of them as so many peoples' lives. Their lights were blown out, you know. I try to place my mind where these kids were. It was a place of no hope." ....
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For more information about Tania Cameron, visit her home page at http://www.taniacameron.com/