Media.Knet.Ca

The following three press releases highlight how some Nishnawbe Aski Nation First Nations are working with forestry and mining companies to develop resources on their traditional lands. The extraction of these resources must be carefully and respectfully done with the First Nation leadership to protect the lands and the waterways for their future generations.

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First Nation and Forestry Company Find Success Where Least Expected

Click on the above link to listen to Chief Donnie Morris of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) describe what is happening to him, his council and community members as a result of his struggle to protect their traditional lands.

Like the communities in Arctic described in the following article, remote and rural First Nations across Canada face exactly the same paternalistic and colonial attitudes ...

From the Globe and Mail

In the Arctic, you can't go back to the future

MARY SIMON - March 26, 2008

Stephen Harper visited Yellowknife this month for the Arctic Winter Games, his fifth trip to the North since becoming Prime Minister in 2006.

The following two articles highlight the importance of the land for the people of KI ...

From the Thunder Bay Source

Hampton visits, NAN Chief calls for help from UN

Web Posted: 3/28/2008 6:21:58 PM 

NDP leader Howard Hampton was in the city Friday visiting Chief Donny Morris and the other Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug band members in an effort to urge the Ontario government to provide some assistance.

Key recommendations affecting First Nations were left out of the Rosehart Report as the story below indicates. Along with the "Duty to Consult" and "Resource Revenue Sharing", there were no recommendations concerning improving telecommunication services and electrical grid development, although these items were also "mentioned" in the report.

From the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal

Sandy Lake First Nation election results from voting on March 28 

Chief:               Adam Fiddler

Deputy Chief:  Bart Meekis

Councillors:

Head Councillor: Robert Kakegamic

RESULTS OF KEEWAYWIN FIRST NATION GENERAL ELECTION  - MARCH 28, 2008.

The following is the Chief and Council Elect for Keewaywin First Nation:

Chief  - Joe Meekis

Head Councilor - Jason Kakegamic

Councilor - Eddie Meekis

Councilor  - Josias Kakegumick

Councilor - Lawrence Mason

Ontario press release ...

New Aboriginal Focussed Hospital for Sioux Lookout - Meno Ya Win Health Centre Will Improve Access to Health Care in Northwestern Ontario

    THUNDER BAY, ON, March 28 /CNW/ - Ontario has given the official go ahead to Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) to move its new hospital construction project forward. Calls for construction contract bids will soon get underway.

Hydro One launches new grants program for recreation facilities in Ontario

Funding program from HydroOne for sports and recreational facilities

http://www.hydroone.com/en/community/powerplay/

For details about the Ontario Budget 2008 visit http://ontariobudget.ca/english/ 

Chiefs of Ontario Press Release