Media.Knet.Ca

Meetings on Tuesday, Aug 28, with representatives from Hydro One Telecom in the morning and then with Smart Systems for Health Agency (SSHA - www.ssha.on.ca) in the afternoon helped to identify a strategy for Ontario First Nations to begin exploring ways to access SSHA secure health applications.

Penny Carpenter, K-Net's Business Manager and Brian Beaton, K-Net Coordinator, met with the people involved in setting up these network connections and who help decide how and when these connections will be established. Carl Seibel, FedNor's Telecom Officer, joined both meeting via telephone.

If you require any information concerning K-Net's work with SSHA, please contact Penny Carpenter at the K-Net office.

25th Annual Native Art Contest

Peace Hills Trust takes pride in encouraging Native artists to develop, preserve and express their culture through their art contest.

Prizes include:

Adult Categories

• 1st $2,500
• 2nd $1,500
• 3rd $1,000

Youth Categories

• 1st $150
• 2nd $100
• 3rd $75

Information ...

The entry deadline is Friday, September 7th, 2007.

For more information, please call (780) 421-1606 or 1-800-661-6549.

Visit www.peacehills.com/upload/docs/pad.pdf to download an entry form.

From Toronto Star ...

Hydro plan generates controversy
Ian Urquhart - Aug 31, 2007

In the current debate over Ontario's future choices for electricity, coal and nuclear are often demonized while hydroelectric power is portrayed as saintly.

After all, hydro is clean and green, with zero greenhouse gas emissions and a relatively low cost.

Not surprisingly then, the government's electricity planning agency – the Ontario Power Authority – included significant additions to the province's hydro capacity as part of its latest plan to keep the lights on in the province over the next 20 years.

The plan, released this week, is the third attempt by the power authority to provide a road map for the province to wean itself off coal without increasing reliance on nuclear power. The two previous plans were found wanting by the government, especially in the areas of conservation and "renewable" energy (primarily hydro and wind).

So in an effort to be more environmentally sound, the power authority's new plan includes almost 3,000 more megawatts from hydroelectric power, which is about the equivalent of a nuclear plant.

But environmental soundness is in the eye of the beholder. Back in the 1970s, for instance, major hydroelectric initiatives like the James Bay projects in Quebec were vehemently opposed by environmentalists on the grounds that the dams would flood vast plots of land and disrupt flora and fauna.

In 1972, the Sierra Club produced a book on the Quebec projects called The Plot to Drown the North Woods describing them as "a brutal assault on nature." Flash forward to today, when the Ontario Power Authority envisions new hydro dams on several northeastern Ontario rivers, including the Albany.

Located north of the 51st parallel, the Albany runs 980 kilometres through Precambrian shield in a series of falls and rapids from Lake St. Joseph to James Bay. The flooding that would result from a dam on the river would be even worse than on the Quebec side of James Bay as the vertical drop is not nearly as big.

Nevertheless, wouldn't environmentalists support such projects today, given that more hydroelectricity would enable the province to close the coal-fired power plants or opt for fewer nuclear reactors?

No, according to Keith Stewart of World Wildlife Fund Canada. He said the environmental groups have discussed this trade-off among themselves and decided they still have to oppose major new hydroelectric dams.

There is another problem with hydroelectric projects in northeastern Ontario: the land belongs to aboriginal peoples.

The Albany, for example, runs through the Eabametoong First Nation at Fort Hope and the Marten Falls First Nation at Ogoki.

I contacted Chief Sol Atlookan of the Eabametoong First Nation yesterday. He said it was the first he had heard of a proposal for a hydro dam on the Albany and expressed concern that it would show up in a government plan without prior consultation.

Brian Hay of the power authority said he had spoken to other representatives of First Nations in the Albany River area but conceded: "There's still a lot of consultation to be done."

Hay also described the Albany project as more of "a high-level concept" than a concrete proposal.

In other words, it has a lot of hurdles left to clear.

Energy Minister Dwight Duncan acknowledged this in an interview. "But we have to look at every available opportunity," he added.

Fair enough, but these new hydroelectric projects may prove to be more in the category of pipe dreams than opportunities.

From CBC News ...

NDP Leader Jack Layton says Ottawa needs to deal with social issues in North
Canadian Press - August 31, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE (CP) - Prime Minister Stephen Harper needs to take more steps to deal with economic, social and environmental concerns in Canada's north, says NDP Leader Jack Layton.

Wrapping up a tour that included stops in Iqaluit, Pangnirtung and Cambridge Bay, Layton said Friday the Harper government is taking the wrong approach to Arctic sovereignty.

"Let's not put so much emphasis on the military approach to sovereignty in the North, let's put emphasis on the people of the North," Layton said in a telephone interview from Yellowknife.

Layton said Canada's best claim to sovereignty is the fact that Inuit communities have been established across the North for thousands of years.

During his tour, Layton met with Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik, as well as community leaders and social agencies in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. He said he is supporting a vision created by the three northern premiers in May to tackle climate change and deal with the social ills of the North.

Layton said he will also be pushing for a resource-revenue sharing agreement with the territories once Parliament reconvenes in September.
 
"There's vast dollars flowing into the coffers in Ottawa, and yet the people of the North are living with living costs and circumstances that really require some of that revenue to be diverted back."

He said more scientific studies of the Arctic are needed so that Canada will meet a 2013 deadline to make submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, which could allow the country to extend its economic claims farther than 320 kilometres from its shore.

Layton added that the government needs to make living in the North more affordable by increasing the northern tax credit, and to consult with communities on new military and commercial developments.

NAAF press release ...

Achievement Foundation’s Aboriginal Youth Career Fair Scheduled for October in Montreal

TORONTO--(Marketwire - Aug. 27, 2007) - A high energy and engaging one-day career fair for Aboriginal high school students is being brought to the Palais des Congres in Montreal on October 30, 2007, by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.

Roberta Jamieson, the Foundation's president and CEO, notes the career fairs are designed to encourage and promote education and training for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students.

"Our youth are Canada's fastest-growing demographic group at a time when Canada is facing severe labour shortages. The Foundation's career fairs are powerful motivators and information providers of the many career and educational possibilities available to them so they can realize their potential."

David Gill, of the Mashteuiiatsh First Nation at Lac St-Jean, 2006 Commonwealth Games competitor and Olympic hopeful will co-host the career fair, presenting a role model of achievement and realization of potential..

"First Nation youth have incredible potential. The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is a spring-board. I want to help bring this potential out through my association with the Foundation and want to show the world what we are capable of," Gill says.

One of the events will feature Gemini-nominated television producer and noted actress Jennifer Podemski, seen most recently on Moose TV. The talented and captivating rap performer, Samien, an Anishinabe rap singer from Pikogan First Nation at Abitibi, joined by CerAmony, a Cree, progressive rock group from the James Bay area, will perform during the lunch session and closing ceremonies.

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is a registered charity that encourages and empowers young First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people to advance their educational and career aspirations. It is the biggest non-governmental provider of scholarships to First Nation, Metis and Inuit youth, disbursing more than $2.8-million annually to First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across the country. In addition, the Foundation recognizes and celebrates Aboriginal career accomplishment through the annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, a dazzling showcase of entertainment that is broadcast nationally on Global and APTN.

The career fairs are part of the Foundation's "Blueprint for the Future" program now in its 11th year. The fairs have encouraged more than 28,000 First Nations, Inuit and Metis youth to further their education and career plans. They present information on a wide range of fields in an interactive and exciting forum where youth (age 13 to 18) have a chance to meet and speak with Aboriginal and other business leaders from across the country. The youth also visit a trade fair area with public sector and private sector based organizations providing information on the organizations themselves, engage students, and discuss available careers, programs, internships and scholarships. The day concludes with a Town Hall session where students can ask questions of leaders and youth achievers taking part in the day-long fair.

/For further information: Scott Cavan, Dir. Communications
416.926.0775 ext: 237
416.903.4331 cell/

Health Canada Press Release ...

Federal Government Announces Historic Health Care Agreement with Northern Ontario First Nations
August 30, 2007

MOOSONEE - The Honourable Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health, announced today a new plan to resolve the duplication of health care services and health care gaps for First Nations in the Northern Ontario Weeneebayko region.

Traditionally, federal and provincial governments have both offered health care services to First Nations communities in this James Bay region, resulting in a duplication of health care delivery, health services gaps, and not providing all communities with the quality, timely health care they need and deserve.

The new agreement, which the Federal Government will be signing with the Province of Ontario and communities in the Weeneebayko area, is called the Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement.

"This agreement demonstrates once again our government's commitment to improving health care services for First Nations people,” said Minister Clement. "First Nations in the region will be able to take a greater role in managing health care services in their communities."

Once the agreement is underway, the Federal Government will be investing $12 million per year towards ensuring the new focused and collaborative objectives are achieved. By integrating federal and provincial health services under a community-controlled organization, local residents will see real and positive change in health care delivery focused on community needs.

The new agreement will allow parties to collaborate on a more effective way to deliver health care services, including:

• Agreeing to cost-share certain health care services to create greater economies of scale;
• Amalgamating the federal Weeneebayko General Hospital with the provincial James Bay General Hospital;
• Providing capital funding for new projects;
• Improving primary health services through effective integration with hospital services under the direction of a single provider.

As this agreement evolves over time it will address patient needs, demographics, performance standards and other factors concerning health care in order to provide residents in the Weeneebayko area with an efficient and effective health care system.

-30-

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media Enquiries:
Erik Waddell
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709

ABORIGINAL TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SOURCE WATER PROTECTION
FINAL REPORT

August 2007

Prepared by the Chiefs of Ontario
for
Environment Canada

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

As provincial legislation pertaining to water is being proposed and federal strategies are being implemented, First Nations are voicing concern about not only their lack of input in these initiatives, but also the virtual absence of any cultural reference therein. The Chiefs of Ontario, in collaboration with Environment Canada, embarked on a project to capture some of the First Nations’ traditional views on taking care of water, and how this knowledge can fit with current government source water protection plans. This report is an informative compilation of the Elders’ and Traditional Knowledge Holders’ views of the appropriate role of Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge in Source Water Protection. In addition, this report contains some of the concerns and questions regarding the implementation of Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge in Source Water Protection regimes in Ontario raised by policy makers and people responsible for water stewardship. Finally, the report contains some suggestion on the ways in which the challenges of integrating ATK in Source Water Protection can be addressed.

Purpose

First Nations communities have identified the need to include Aboriginal traditional knowledge (ATK) in source water protection planning and environmental planning. Environment Canada and First Nations in Ontario are interested in understanding better the role that ATK will play in Source Water Protection (SWP) in the province at the community and watershed level.

In 2001, the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) commissioned a report, Water Quality in the Province of Ontario: An Aboriginal Knowledge Perspective, which provided an overview of “what water means to Aboriginal people in Ontario” (McGregor and Whitaker, 2001). It presented the traditional perspectives of a small group of selected Elders and Aboriginal knowledge holders from various Aboriginal cultural groups. This report was incorporated into COO’s submission to the Walkerton Inquiry (Kamanga, 2001). The submission overall emphasized that including ATK in Ontario’s decision making on source water protection is imperative.

Click here to download the entire report (PDF - 142Kb)

From Durham Region News ...

Hockey gear brings hope to First Nations kids - Oshawa sends truckload of equipment north
By Jillian Follert - Aug 30, 2007

OSHAWA -- It may look like bags of skates and jerseys, but to Grand Chief Stan Beardy, the hockey equipment overflowing from Oshawa MPP Jerry Ouellette's office is a lifesaver.
On Wednesday afternoon, Grand Chief Beardy, of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, met with the local MPP and representatives from the hockey community, to thank Oshawa for donating truckloads of gear to the youth in his far-flung northern communities.

"For you, it might not mean that much to collect some hockey equipment," Grand Chief Beardy said. "But the difference you're making is life and death."

Youth suicide is a horrifying trend in the 50 First Nation communities represented by the Grand Chief.

In the past year alone, 28 young people between the ages of 12 and 25 have taken their own lives.

But there is hope, and sports programs are proving to be part of the solution.

"Sports programs, like hockey, give the kids hope and direction," explained Mr. Ouellette.

Two years ago, the Grand Chief issued a plea for help at Queens Park, and the Oshawa MPP responded by setting up a donation program for hockey equipment.

The call went out to local hockey leagues and sports stores, and generated an overwhelming response. The first truckload made its way north last fall, and another is set to leave this week courtesy of Rockbrune Brothers Movers.

Organizations that helped collect donations include the Oshawa Lady Generals Hockey Association, Oshawa Minor Hockey Association, Crow Sports, Oshawa Church Hockey League and Neighbourhood Association Sports Committee.

Grand Chief Beardy said people living in southern Ontario often don't realize how difficult it is youth in his communities to do things others take for granted, like play hockey.

Thirty-six of his 50 communities are 'fly-in', which means residents must pay for a $1,000 flight to the nearest service centre, to purchase things like sports gear.

The only things sold in the individual communities, are basic staples stocked at the general stores.

"What you're doing is very touching for me," the Grand Chief said, wiping a tear from his eye. "My people have a lot of hopelessness... but you are making a difference."

For information on donating hockey or other sports equipment to this project, contact MPP Ouellette's office at 905-723-2411.

Ontario Parks press release ...

Ontario releases plan for Woodland Caribou Signature Site

The Ontario government is releasing the final management plan for the Woodland Caribou Signature Site in northwestern Ontario, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay said today.

“The plan protects the site’s unique features, including rare woodland caribou, while allowing for appropriate recreational uses as part of the economic strategy for the area,” Ramsay said.

The final management plan provides a vision and directions for the Woodland Caribou Signature Site area. Located in the Canadian Shield, north of Kenora, west of Red Lake and Ear Falls and south of Pikangikum, the site covers 537,000 hectares of boreal forest. It comprises the Eagle-Snowshoe Conservation Reserve and Woodland Caribou Forest Reserve, the Pipestone Bay-McIntosh Enhanced Management Area and Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and its recommended additions.

The plan was developed over five years with input and advice from an advisory committee, a First Nations Working Group, regional and municipal representatives and the public. The plan protects the area and enhances the management of the ecological and economic health of the signature site area and its communities, now and for future generations.

The site has many outstanding cultural, recreational, and environmental features, including prehistoric artifacts and pictographs. With over 2,000 kilometres of canoe routes, an excellent sports fishery and many rare species of plants and animals, it is a popular destination for backcountry camping, wildlife viewing and remote tourism at high-quality operations. Other existing uses include trapping, rice harvesting and Aboriginal subsistence harvesting.

The Municipality of Red Lake was a significant contributor from the early stages of the planning process. “As a member of the advisory committee, I was pleased to have been involved in such an important initiative,” said Mayor Phil Vinet. “The municipality and surrounding region can now begin realizing the benefits of living next to this world-class adventure destination.”

The plan supports the development of an inter-provincial wilderness area with the Province of Manitoba. It also supports the Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site initiative, a joint effort of the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba and four First Nation partners to have 42,000 square kilometres of land in eastern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site.

The final plans are available on the Environmental Registry at http://ontario.ca/environmentalregistry, Registry Number PB02E6023. Copies are also available at ministry district offices in Kenora and Red Lake, at the Woodland Caribou Provincial Park office, or at www.OntarioParks.com.

From CBC News online ...

Gaps in records could cause problems under residential schools deal
August 29, 2007

Former students of Indian residential schools hoping to get a compensation cheque may not receive as much money as they expect because records proving they attended the schools may not exist.

Ray Mason, co-chair of Spirit Wind, a support group for former students in Peguis, Man., says he attended residential school for 12 years, but the federal government has records for only two.

As other students file claims, Mason worries they too will find their records incomplete.

While he plans to fight for compensation for his full 12 years of attendance, he is concerned that elderly residential school survivors will simply take whatever is offered.

"Say if somebody went to school for seven years and the government can only find three or four years of you there, they would get tired of waiting and a lot of the elders will say, 'Well, just give me my money that's owing to me and let's get it over with,'" he told CBC News.

"So that's why I get a little nervous."

The difference between two years at a residential school and a dozen translates into tens of thousands of dollars under the agreement, which applies to about 80,000 native people.

The "common experience payment" section of the agreement sees aboriginal people who lived in residential schools receiving $10,000 for their first year of attendance in the schools and $3,000 for every subsequent year.

Ottawa trying to fill in blanks
CBC News has obtained documents, some going back to the 1940s, showing governments ordered files destroyed because of a paper shortage, and years later because of a lack of storage space.

"At the time, many of the Indian residential school attendance records were seen as invoices, so the significance of the documents historically was not recognized until more recently," says David Russell, director of national research and analysis for Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada.

Russell says his department is working hard to fill in the gaps in records.

"We're looking at provincial and territorial archives, as well as existing ministries of education, churches, community archives, certain band offices that took over administration of the buildings in the 1970s," he said.

"We're looking at every available source."

Former residential school students can begin filing their applications for compensation under the program on Sept. 20.