Media.Knet.Ca

From the Regina Leader Post ...

School aftermath spans generations
Michelle Hugli - August 15, 2007

The deadline for the residential school settlement is only days away, but we're just getting started on realizing the full impact these schools have had on several generations of First Nations people.

To even start the process of moving forward took years of legal work. It took a painful process of reopening old and unhealed wounds by former students. It will cost billions of dollars in legal fees and settlement costs. And now, finally, we just might be starting the long journey of putting the past behind us. But it's going to take a lot more than just agreeing to the settlement to start moving on. It doesn't end here. This is just the first step.

You don't take two generations of children and strip them of their culture, language and dignity and fix it with a big fat cheque. It's going to take years of counseling, sharing experiences and attempting to reclaim languages and culture and integrating them into our lives. Money being put into healing programs and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission should help get that process started. But again, it is just a beginning.

So far, this entire process has only addressed the experiences of former students. Very little has been said about the impact the residential schools have had on the children of former students. As children of former students, we escaped the horror of attending these schools -- but we did not escape the intended consequences.

The purpose of the residential schools was to prevent my generation from learning our languages and culture, so that we could be successfully assimilated into Canadian society. It was definitely a long-term plan. The Canadian government did not want the languages and cultures passed on to future generations.

It was the most aggressive assimilation campaign Canada has ever administered. And it was so close to being a success that it will take at least another generation or two to recover. The children of former students have had to live with the impacts of our parents' and grandparents' experiences at those schools. Reclaiming our stolen languages and cultures and rebuilding our communities will take time and dedication -- and will require support and resources.

I've gone to the residential school settlement Web site. I saw the word "inter-generational" once. I called the information line to find out how this settlement may affect the children of former students in the future. I was told: "This has absolutely nothing to do with you."

But these schools have everything do with the First Nations people of my generation. We were clear targets of the assimilation policies Canada had in place when they sent our parents and grandparents to these schools.

Many of the problems facing our aboriginal youth today can be attributed to the broken cultural values in our communities. We all see and experience the impacts of these schools every day.

As the child of a former student, I'm not interested in money. No amount of money could ever replace the years I grew up yearning to understand my culture, my language, my connection to my past, my connection to my family and my place in our society.

The settlement money can help former students because it allows for easier access to healing programs and other ways to try to reclaim what's been stolen, but it can never replace the years spent growing up without my language and culture and in a home where the pain and shame inflicted within the residential schools trickled down into our everyday lives.

By only acknowledging how the schools affected former students, we deny the true purpose of the schools and the impacts we are still experiencing today. I just want people to realize that these schools have had far-reaching and devastating impacts that go far beyond what happened within the walls of the actual schools.

First Nations people have until Aug. 20 to make a decision about the residential school settlement.

Former students have three options. They can accept the settlement and request a claim form. The common-experience payment provides $10,000 for the first year of school and $3,000 for each additional year. Former students can claim more if they suffered additional sexual or psychological abuses.

Former students can also choose to opt out of the settlement, which means they will not get a payment, but can sue on their own if they choose to do so. Fewer than 5,000 former students need to opt out for the settlement to go forward.

Or, former students can do nothing and not receive a settlement payment AND lose their right to sue in the future.

While our parents and grandparents decide whether to accept the settlement or opt out, my generation is struggling to pick up the pieces. My generation is trying to find a way to reclaim our culture and values and work them into our lives and be successful in the society we live in today.

As this process continues to move forward, Canada will need to hear from my generation as well. Otherwise we'll never truly understand the devastation brought on by these schools.

- Hugli can be heard on News Talk 980 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

FIRST NATIONS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

SIOUX LOOKOUT,ONTARIO

OCTOBER 5,6,7th, 2007

12 mens hockey teams

entry fee $1,250.00

First Prize - $5,000.00 ( est. )

To register: Deposit of $500.00 required to be on tournament schedule.

First 12 Teams paid accepted

To register: Please mail entry fee to:

First Solutions,
c/o Eno C. Anderson,
P.O. Box 414,
Sioux Lookout, ON
P8T 1A5

...for any questions...phone 1 807 738 0314...Thank you...

Visit http://districthockey.myknet.org/ for other hockey tournament updates!

Thank you.

The Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) renewed their commitment to developing and operating successful First Nation owned and managed broadband networks at the Annual Keewaywin Conference that took place in Aroland First Nation on August 14, 15 & 16, 2007.

The resolution calls for government programs and services as well as all organizations doing business in NAN First Nations to contribute to the ongoing operation of these networks, the same way they pay for these services for their own operation centres.

The Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) renewed their commitment to developing and operating successful First Nation owned and managed broadband networks at the Annual Keewaywin Conference that took place in Aroland First Nation on August 14, 15 & 16, 2007.

In February 2003, the NAN Chiefs in Assembly passed Resolution 03/49: SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NAN BROADBAND REGIONAL NETWORK FOR FIRST NATIONS which among other things directed government programs and services along with other agencies to utilize local community networks. This August resolution calls for government programs and services as well as all organizations doing business in NAN First Nations to contribute to the ongoing operation of these networks, the same way they pay for these services for their own operation centres.

The following is the draft text of the resolution that was presented to the NAN chiefs for their consideration.

SUBJECT: SUPPORT FOR THE ONGOING DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF FIRST NATION OWNED BROADBAND REGIONAL AND LOCAL NETWORKS

MOVED BY: Chief Arthur Moore, Constance Lake First Nation

SECONDED BY: Chief Pardamus Anishinabie, Sandy Lake First Nation

DECISION: Passed without revisions

WHEREAS the Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) demonstrated their support for the development of community-based broadband networks that work with Nishnawbe Aski Nation and other First Nation regional networks;

WHEREAS  universal access and quality of broadband services are integral to renewed economic, health, education, social and cultural benefits and opportunities for Nishnawbe Aski Nation First Nations, and a generally improved quality of life for Nishnawbe Aski Nation citizens and Nishnawbe Aski Nation;

WHEREAS  broadband community networks and information and communication technologies (ICTs) are a key tool in Nation building and support for healthy communities, involving all First Nations, tribal councils and regional organizations in the development and maintenance of a sustainable and shared broadband communications infrastructure for the Nishnawbe Aski people;

WHEREAS  broadband infrastructure and ICT hardware and software continue to evolve, requiring continuous upgrades, maintenance and management; and

WHEREAS  organizations and institutions delivering online services are pressuring First Nations to provide facilities, staffing, equipment and support for their programs and services, without paying for these local services; and

WHEREAS operational funding to support community-owned broadband networks, services, facilities, staffing and equipment require contributions by every organization, institution and government program to ensure the sustainability of these local resources and services;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs-in- Assembly support the development of local First Nation community networks and regional First Nation broadband networks and all levels of government are urged to support these networks by identifying strategies for developing and delivering innovative services and delivery models;

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Executive Council is mandated to ensure all federal and provincial government programs and services, as well as all institution and corporations doing business Nishnawbe Aski Nation are encouraged to work cooperatively with and employ the existing regional and community broadband networks, to ensure their sustainability; and

FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED that the federal and provincial governments must develop equitable and affordable broadband infrastructure in all Nishnawbe Aski First Nations is capable of supporting video, voice and data traffic, and must provide funding for the further development of the community and regional networks and infrastructure.

Aime Dimatteo, Executive Director from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation office in Sault Ste Marie visited Keewaytinook Okimakanak's Sioux Lookout office on Wednesday, August 15. Accompanying him were Diane Martin, NOHFC board member from Sioux Lookout and Florence Bailey, NDM staff in Sioux Lookout.

A tour of the K-Net Network Operations centre and of the different network facilities provided Mr. Dimatteo with an opportunity to learn about how the Kuhkenah Network is managed and supported.

Along with the tour, discussions included:

• an update on the recently NOHFC funded $2.8 million local community infrastructure development initiative and satellite bandwidth purchase; and
• the Keewaytinook Okimakanak proposal to establish a cellular/mobile phone pilot project service in Keewaywin and North Caribou Lake First Nations.

From the Ottawa Citizen ...

Expert questions independence of plan to address native claims
Juliet O'Neill - CanWest News Service - August 15, 2007

OTTAWA - The federal government's promise of an independent and speedy process to clear a backlog of unfulfilled and breached Indian treaty obligations may not be so independent or speedy after all, says a longtime advocate of reforms.

Rolland Pangowish said Wednesday that the government plan for "specific claims" legislation contains potentially fatal flaws that will leave the main promises of independence and speed unfulfilled. As it stands, the plan is "not the significant transformation" the government has claimed.

Pangowish co-chaired the 1997-98 First Nations-Canada Task Force on Specific Claims Policy Reform, directed the Assembly of First Nations lands and treaties unit 1990-2003, and is currently technical adviser to Ontario First Nations chiefs on claims.

He says that while the government may have left the impression a proposed independent tribunal is going to take charge of the claims process, clear a backlog of 800 claims for land or compensation and get cracking on new incoming claims, the reality appears quite different.

The government will remain "judge and jury" of itself, deciding whether to accept, reject or negotiate a claim, and the tribunal only kicks in later - as many as three years later - if negotiations fail, a claim is rejected or all parties agree to a referral to the tribunal.
The fate of the 800 or so claims already in the system has not been made clear by the government, he said.

The legislation is being developed by an eight-member team, equally portioned among government and First Nations representatives, as Chuck Strahl replaces Jim Prentice as minister of Indian and northern affairs. A bill is supposed to be drafted for the fall session of Parliament.

"The long-standing objective of First Nations to eliminate the government's conflict of interest in judging claims against itself by establishing an independent claims body is not achieved," Pangowish wrote in a recent analysis for the chiefs of the plan announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in June.

A truly independent process would establish an arm's-length body to receive claims, decide on their validity and determine whether the government is legally obligated to provide land or compensation, he said.

As it now stands, the government decides all that. Public servants at Indian and Northern Affairs and lawyers at the Justice Department screen the claims and assess whether the government has a legal obligation to fulfil, whether to accept, reject or negotiate.

It is at this stage that the existing claims are bogged down - 30 per cent of them for six to 10 years and some for more than 20 years, partly because more resources and personnel are required.

Pangowish says the little there is in the government plan to address that.

The government says all new claims will receive a preliminary assessment within six months and similar claims will be bundled to speed decisions. It doesn't take legislation to improve internal management of claims, Pangowish noted.

He questioned whether a government-appointed tribunal, open to political patronage appointments, will be perceived as independent.

"In fact the appointment of judges hostile to First Nation rights is highly likely when governments opposed to First Nation aspirations are in office," he wrote.

The "specific claims" process involves cases where the federal government failed to provide land owed under historic treaties, or took land or other assets without providing agreed compensation. This process differs from the comprehensive treaty process under which First Nations and governments negotiate terms and conditions of land title and jurisdiction.

CMHC press release ...

Ontario's First On-reserve Housing Trust Agreement Signed Today by CMHC and Wikwemikong Indian Band
 
OTTAWA, Aug. 15 - Ontario's first trust agreement under Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) On-Reserve Homeownership Loan Insurance Pilot was signed today by the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve and CMHC, on behalf of the Government of Canada.

This agreement provides enhanced access to homeownership loan insurance to First Nation members of the Manitoulin Island reserve.

"Today's agreement will improve the availability of market housing for this First Nation community. It will expand access to homeownership financing by further facilitating the flow of private-sector lending for housing purposes," said the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Minister Responsible for CMHC. "This agreement will help expand the benefits of market housing to the Wikwemikong and can serve as a model for other First Nations communities across the country who are looking for new ways to help their members enjoy greater access to homeownership."

CMHC's On-Reserve Homeownership Loan Insurance Pilot supports the Government of Canada's commitment to work with Aboriginal peoples on a comprehensive and transformative approach that will allow them to meet their housing needs over the long term.

"Our community believes that this agreement broadens our housing options. This pilot project allows qualifying Band members to apply for independent financing so that they can realize their housing goals," said Chief Robert Corbiere.

Wikwemikong has been taking advantage of various CMHC programs for more than 15 years to help address their housing needs. For example, they have built more than 300 units of assisted housing, and they are breaking ground on a 30-unit assisted housing apartment building - the largest multi-unit project ever under CMHC's On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program in Ontario. They have successfully used training programs on mold remediation to address problems on the reserve and shared that knowledge with other bands to help them manage their mold issues.

The Pilot product is just one of a number of tools available to help First Nations pursue market housing objectives. Earlier this year, Canada's New Government announced the First Nations Market Housing Fund to provide additional financing options to First Nation communities. These are two ways in which this government is working to provide First Nations on-reserve with the same housing opportunities and responsibilities as other Canadians.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada's national housing agency for more than 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.

Additional information about the operation of the On-Reserve Homeownership Loan Insurance Pilot is available on CMHC's website at http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/ab/onre/onre_009.cfm

For further information: Kristen Scheel, CMHC Media Relations, (613) 748-4632

NAN press release ...

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief urges new INAC Minister to follow through on recent commitments to NAN territory

     THUNDER BAY, ON, Aug. 15 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy congratulates new Indian and Northern Affairs Minister (INAC) Chuck Strahl, urging him to follow through on recent commitments by former Minister Jim Prentice to deal with unique challenges of Ontario's remote First Nation communities.

     "The Hon. Jim Prentice has recently paid more attention to the unique conditions of some of our 49 First Nation communities," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy, adding Prentice accompanied him on a trip to Fort Albany and Kashechewan just last week. "It's important now that Minister Strahl continues this commitment to not only specific NAN communities ie: Pikangikum and Kashechewan, but across NAN territory."

     Former Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Charles Straul was appointed to the Indian and Northern Affairs Ministry during Prime Minister Stephen Harper's much anticipated cabinet shuffle Tuesday.

     "I'm hopeful Minister Strahl will be receptive to NAN leadership and our work toward addressing our many challenges to improve the quality of life for our people and communities," said Beardy. "I invite him to meet with NAN leadership to hear first hand the unique challenges faced in our communities and to establish a relationship based on the need to improve conditions for First Nations across the North."

     Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political Aboriginal organization representing
49 First Nation communities across two-thirds of Ontario. 34 of these communities are accessible via airplane only.

-30-

/For further information: Jenna Young, Director of Communications, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4952 OR (807) 628-3953 (mobile)/

++++++++++

AFN press release ...

AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine looking forward to working with new federal Minister of Indian Affairs announced today by the Prime Minister

     OTTAWA, Aug. 14 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine said he is looking forward to working with the new federal Cabinet announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Among other changes, the new Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development is the honourable Chuck Strahl, who replaces former Minister Jim Prentice.

     "We welcome the honourable Chuck Strahl as the new Minister of Indian Affairs and view this as an opportunity to embark on new initiatives aimed at a better future for all Canadians," said National Chief Fontaine. "The success of the Minister of Indian Affairs is very much dependent on a positive relationship with First Nations and we are ready to work on a positive agenda aimed at lifting First Nations out of poverty. This requires a focus on two key elements: our people and our lands. We must invest in education and training for First Nations as the key improving the lives of our people, and ensuring Canada has a skilled workforce to meet the coming labour shortage. As well, lands are central to the ability of First Nations to build their economies. We must ensure our people achieve a fair share in the benefits and riches of their traditional lands, and we can do so through win-win approaches like resource revenue sharing."

     The National Chief noted that this approach was widely endorsed by provincial premiers and territorial leaders at the recent Council of the Federation meeting. The National Chief will also present detailed proposals on these initiatives as part of the upcoming federal Pre-Budget Submissions process.

     "It is increasingly clear that the future of First Nations and the future of Canada are closely intertwined," the National Chief said. "We want to continue to have a productive relationship that delivers on the legal obligations that the federal government has with First Nations. This means engaging with all Ministers and members of the government that have an impact on First Nations, including Ministers for Health, Justice, Heritage, Finance and many others. Working together for a better quality of life for First Nations will benefit all of us. The provinces and territories are on side and we need the federal government to join us in this national undertaking. We congratulate all members of the new federal Cabinet and look forward to working with them and the Prime Minister on a better future for all Canadians."

     "I want to acknowledge the efforts of the previous Minister, Jim Prentice," National Chief Fontaine said. "Working together we were able to finalize the historic settlement for survivors of Indian Residential Schools, as well as setting out a process to establish a new approach to resolving specific land claims. We look forward to working with the new Minister and the government towards a successful conclusion on both of these important matters."

     The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations in Canada.

-30-

/For further information: Rene Pollett, Communications Specialist, (613) 241-6789, ext. 314, cell.: (613) 295-2149, rpollett@afn.ca/

Job Readiness Skills Training Program

Sponsored by Equay-wuk (Women's Group)

Equay-wuk is offering a 22 week Job Readiness Skills Training Program starting September 4, 2007 to February 1, 2008.

APPLY TODAY!

Course Outline

• Employment Skills
• Personal Life Management Skills
• Computer Skills
• Electronic Communication
• Office Procedures
• Job Shadows
• Job Placement
• Academic Upgrading

Participant Eligibility

• Aboriginal with Status (from Sioux Lookout District)
• 19 years or older
• Unemployed
• Aboriginal with Status Treaty #3
• Aboriginal meeting OGI criteria
• EI eligibility

Mail, fax or drop off your resume or letter of interest to:

Hiring Committee

Job Readiness Skills Training Program

Equay-wuk (Women's Group)

16 Fourth Avenue

P.O. Box 1781

Sioux Lookout, ON     P8T 1C4

Toll Free: 1-800-261-8294

Phone: (807) 737-2214

Fax: (807) 737-2699

Application Deadline:  August 24, 2007 at 3:00 pm

Hello:

My name is Kelli Fraser and I am the communications officer at a national charity called “The Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada”…otherwise known more simply as “SEVEC”!

For 70 years we’ve offered exchange programs for students within Canada to travel to another province or territory for one week to learn about another culture and language. All exchanges are for groups of students between the ages of 12-17 years old.

We currently have openings for groups of Aboriginal students accompanied by one adult to participate in our Aboriginal Exchange Program this school year.

The group can go on exchange anytime during the school year, but applications should be received on our Website by October 1st. If you know of any groups interested in this, please let them know. The adult taking care of the group can apply right online at www.sevec.ca. It’s not necessary to know exact names of students at this point, we just need to know approximately how many students you think you will take on exchange and what you’d like to get out of the exchange.

Another important point: SEVEC, through government funding, pays for the students’ travel. We also have bursaries to help cover other costs.

You can apply just as a group or if you know another group in Canada with whom you’d like to do a 1-week exchange you can apply together.

For more info, visit www.sevec.ca or call me (Kelli) at 1-800.38.SEVEC at extension 205.

I am also sending you an e-mail ad (see below) that you can forward to any groups you know who might want to go on an exchange.

Thanks and best wishes,

Kelli Fraser
Communications Officer / Agente des communications
SEVEC
Celebrating 70 Years of Exchanges! Célébrons 70 ans d’échanges!
( 613.72.SEVEC (613.727.3832) X 205 / 1 800 38.SEVEC   7 613.727.3831   www.sevec.ca