Media.Knet.Ca

From CNEWS ....

Natives benefit in casino deal
By CHINTA PUXLEY - June 14, 2007

TORONTO (CP) - Ontario's aboriginal communities could get $2.5 billion over the next 20 years for community health care, education and infrastructure under a new proposed deal to share revenue from provincial lotteries and casinos.

Provincial negotiators say the deal, if ratified by Ontario chiefs when they put it to a vote June 18, would be the first agreement of its kind in Canada since it gives 133 aboriginal communities a cut of the province's gaming revenue.

The deal would also give First Nations representation on the board of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp., giving them a say in how the organization is run. Ontario chiefs would in turn agree to drop an ongoing lawsuit against the province regarding casino revenues.

"This is a huge deal," said former Ontario Liberal premier David Peterson, the province's chief negotiator.

"It's a big, big, big pile of money. It's a flow of money into these communities the likes of which they haven't had. It's stable. They can count on it for education, for water, for all the things that are so important in the communities."

Under the current deal, which expires in 2011, some aboriginal communities get a cut of the revenue generated by Casino Rama near Orillia, Ont., which works out to an average of $60 million a year.

Under the proposed agreement, the 133 aboriginal communities would get a cut of all the provincial cash that comes from gaming, essentially doubling their annual revenue share to about $125 million.

Communities would get $112 million immediately upon signing the deal.

"This is groundbreaking," said Peterson, who has been negotiating the deal since February 2005. "It is a brand new partnership with the aboriginal communities. . . . I think the rest of the country can look at this and say this is something we can be very proud of."

Sharing gaming revenue has been a thorny issue for governments of all stripes in Ontario. Casino Rama was originally set up as a First Nations Casino with revenue going to communities within the Ontario First Nations Limited Partnership.

A 20 per cent "win tax" - imposed on Casino Rama by the former Conservative government in 1996 - prompted several lawsuits from aboriginal communities and Ontario chiefs, claiming the government was not entitled to a cut of the casino profits.

Harvey Yesno, chair of the First Nations partnership, said chiefs are split on whether they want to continue with the lawsuit or settle for a stable source of revenue.

"This deal is not a slam dunk by any stretch," said Yesno, adding it has to be approved by a two-thirds majority. "There are some serious concerns. There is going to be a debate."

Some chiefs feel the $2.5 billion isn't that much when they look at how much the province rakes in from its lotteries and casinos, he said.

The cash communities have received from the current agreement has been put to good use and has been used to leverage even more money for community centres and health promotion, Yesno said.

Other chiefs, however, are looking for more than just money, he added.

"This is just one more source of revenue," Yesno said. "It's also about the relationship between the province and the First Nations. That's part and parcel of the whole arrangement."

David Ramsay, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs, said he knows chiefs have mixed feelings about the proposed deal because some would like aboriginals to have complete jurisdiction over gaming in Ontario.

But Ramsay said he's still hopeful the deal will be ratified since the money would make a huge difference to the province's aboriginal communities.

"It's really badly needed money and I hope there is a positive outcome," he said.

New Democrat Gilles Bisson said $2.5 billion is little more than an easy way for the province to avoid costly lawsuits.

It may sound like a lot of money, but Bisson said it doesn't make up for the cash taken over the last decade by the province through the win tax, nor does it address the desperate need of many aboriginal communities.

Over 60 northern aboriginal communities don't have potable water and most don't have adequate sewer systems or proper housing, he said.

"People need to understand that $2.5 billion over 20 years is a drop in the bucket towards the needs of those communities," he said. "This is obviously needed money but it doesn't undo the damage that's been done up until now."

AFN Media Advisory ...

Conference on the Canadian Truth Commission on Indian Residential Schools
 
OTTAWA, June 14 - Beginning tomorrow, Friday, to Monday, June 17, the University of Calgary and the Assembly of First Nations will co-host a unique and very important conference to address the historic Truth and Reconciliation Commission which begins its work this fall.

The Truth Commission is one part of the comprehensive settlement reached between the AFN, the residential school survivors, the churches and the government of Canada to settle thousands of claims brought in the courts for sexual and physical abuse as well as for loss of language and culture which occurred over several generations of students.

News conference to be held at 10: 45 a.m. (Mountain Time) tomorrow, Fri., Jun.15/07

MacEwan Hall Ballroom (2nd floor MacEwan Hall), University of Calgary

Present will be Conference Co-chairs:
National Chief Phil Fontaine, Assembly of First Nations
Kathleen Mahoney, Professor, Faculty of Law
Bob Watts, Interim Executive Director, Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Available for comment/interviews:
Lisa Magarrell, International Centre for Transitional Justice
Rev. Bongani Finca, formerly of South African Truth Commission

Other Key Note speakers include: Minister Jim Prentice, Piers Pigou (South Africa), Dr. Sophia Macher (Peru), Mary Raftery (Ireland), Michael Enright (CBC), and others.

For further information: Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor - Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext 243, (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca;. Kim Reinhart, University of Calgary, Bus: (403) 239-8982, Cell: (403) 861-2065, cantus@shaw.ca;. Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789 ext. 229, cell (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca.

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From the conference web site at http://www.truthcommissionconference.org

On June 14 - 17, 2007, the U of C Faculty of Law and the AFN will host a national, interdisciplinary conference on this historic Truth Commission which begins its work later this year.  The conference is designed to engage and inform survivors, and the general non-Aboriginal public about the Commission’s mandate, and how they can participate. Conference delegates will discuss such topics as:

• The nature, challenges and opportunities of a truth commission;
• Lessons learned from truth commissions in other countries;
• Intergenerational and gender issues;
• The impact of media on the process;
• Involvement of Elders and Youth
• Research requirements and involvement of experts;
• Commemoration ideas and projects;
• National and community events;
• Preserving the historical record

The conference will simultaneously seek extensive input and recommendations on the various elements of the Commission and its future work, including strategies that will ensure maximum participation in the Truth Commission.

Additional links to Residential School information:

1. The Assembly of First Nations Residential Schools Unit - www.afn.ca/residentialschools/index.html
2. Indian Residential Schools Class Action Settlement – Official Court Website – www.residentialschoolssettlement.com
3. National Residential School Survivors’ Society – www.nrsss.ca
4. The Native Center at the University of Calgary - www.ucalgary.ca/nativecr
5. Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada - www.irsr-rqpi.gc.ca
6. Federal Representative – Indian Residential Schools – www.iacobucci.gc.ca/english/index.html
7. Bibliography of Residential Schools Court Cases – www.usask.ca/nativelaw/rsbib.html
8. Xwi7xwa Library – First Nations Residential Schools comprehensive internet links listing – www.library.ubc.ca/xwi7xwa/res.htm

Press Release ...

Superior Initiates Diamond Drill Program, Canopener Gold Joint Venture, Lansdowne House Area, Northwestern Ontario

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(June 14, 2007) - Superior Diamonds Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SUP) ("Superior" or the "Company") is pleased to announce commencement of a first phase diamond drill program on its 50%-owned Canopener Property, located near Lansdowne House, Northwestern Ontario. Superior's joint venture partner is Lake Shore Gold Corp.(1). This program was initiated once an agreement was reached with the Neskantaga First Nation, upon whose traditional territory the Canopener property occurs.

As previously reported, the interest in this area for gold was sparked by the recovery of anomalous numbers of total gold grains from overburden samples, including anomalous values of pristine gold grains. (Gold, being relatively soft, remains as pristine grains for only a short distance from its source.) These samples, part of a regional sampling program, were originally collected to evaluate the area for its diamond potential. When Superior analysed the results of the overburden sampling program, it identified two significant and well defined gold grain dispersal trains. In addition, there were several single samples with anomalous gold grain values that did not appear to be associated with dispersal trains.

These anomalous gold grain values are associated with shear structures that occur within the Peeagwon metavolcanic assemblage of the Wunnummin Greenstone Belt. This belt is considered under-explored for gold. The Canopener property strategically covers a significant area of these shear structures from which the individual anomalous gold grain values and gold grain dispersal trains are thought to have been derived and within which several gold showings have been previously identified.

This purpose of this first phase of diamond drilling is to gain a better understanding of the local geology and to test some of the gold showings. Nine to twelve holes are planned and drilling should be completed by mid- to late July. A program to collect 200 to 250 overburden samples is planned to follow, for completion by mid-August. The purpose of this program is to: a) determine if there are other gold grain dispersal trains on the Canopener property, and b) determine if the single samples with anomalous gold grain values are part of other gold grain dispersal trains. Once the data from the first phase of diamond drilling and overburden sampling has been compiled and interpreted, Superior is anticipating a more extensive diamond drill program in early 2008.

About Superior Diamonds

Superior Diamonds is a junior Canadian exploration company, primarily searching for diamonds in the under-explored and highly prospective regions of the Canadian Shield within the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Over a period of just three years, Superior's highly skilled team has defined four promising target areas through grass roots exploration, and is now focused on prioritizing these targets for drilling. To diversify risk and balance its portfolio, the Company has adopted a strategy to explore for other commodities where it has a proven track record of expertise, including uranium. The Company is a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SUP.

Superior Diamonds is owned 13.0% by Southwestern Resources Corp. and 10.8% by FNX Mining Company Inc.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

(1) For details, see Superior's news release dated January 15, 2007, available at www.superiordiamonds.ca.

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information, please contact

Superior Diamonds Inc.
John G. Paterson
President
(604) 806-0667
(604) 688-5175 (FAX)

or

Superior Diamonds Inc.
Thomas F. Morris
VP Exploration
(705) 525-0992
(705) 525-7701 (FAX)
Email: info@superiordiamonds.ca.
Website: www.superiordiamonds.ca

Honouring the mothers and their new babies was the theme for the Wednesday evening gathering at the Kejick Bay Health Centre in Lac Seul First Nation. Keewaytinook Okimakanak Telemedicine in partnership with the Lac Seul First Nation leadership and community members hosted this special event for the Chiefs of Ontario.

Delegates attending the Chiefs of Ontario assembly in Pelican Falls First Nations High School in Sioux Lookout travelled out to Kejick Bay after their long day of meetings. They loaded onto boats for a short boat ride over to Makwa Lodge. A feast of walleye, prepared by Lac Seul band members and Makwa Lodge staff, was shared with all the guests. From there, the guests travelled by boat over to the Kejick Bay Health Centre where they were given a tour of the new Health Centre.

Then the main event of the evening took place with the guests connecting via video conference with the parents and their new baby boy (Lenny) who were in the Mishkeegogamg Health Centre. The entire session was webcast and archived so everyone can watch it at http://streaming.knet.ca/Lac_Seul_Demo.wmv.

Stories are told across the north about the changes that took place in the northern communities when mothers began to leave their homes to deliver their babies in far away communities. There are still times when mothers and their families do stay in their community to deliver their babies. With the use of telemedicine, these two new babies, their families and their communities were able to celebrate these new lives and new beginnings at home.

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From WawatayNews.ca ...

Weather forces videoconference births - The miracle of birth occurs no matter what.
June 14, 2007: Volume 34 #12

On May 19, in two separate communities, two mothers-to-be found this out first hand.

In Kejick Bay on Lac Seul First Nation, rough weather prevented Kennifer Bottle from getting to Meno Ya Win Health Centre in Sioux Lookout as she went into labour just before 2 a.m.

Later that morning, around 9 a.m, a mother in Mishkeegogamang went into premature labour. There was no time to get her to the nearest hospital in Sioux Lookout.
The baby had to be delivered there and then.

With no other option, the delivery of the babies would have to happen in the respective communities. With the aid of modern technology and a little human ingenuity, it was all made possible.

Back in Kejick Bay, Bottle was unable to be airlifted out of the community and it would be next to impossible to have her transferred by boat because of rough waters caused by inclement weather.

With no resident nurse in the community, family friend and former community health representative, Bertha Bottle, was called in to help with the situation. Rita Brisket, a prenatal educator, was also informed and she alerted two visiting Northern Ontario School of Medicine students and Const. Phillipe LaPorte of the Lac Seul Police Service.

The crew, along with parents, Bottle and Lewis Wesley, made their way to Obishikokaang Community Health Station where they contacted physicians at the emergency department of Meno Ya Win Health Centre.

After much difficulty explaining the situation to doctors over the telephone, it was decided it would be best to use the videoconferencing system through Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) Telemedicine Network.

Stephanie Kejick, community telemedicine co-ordinator, was called in at 2:00 a.m. to set up of the system.

“After realizing the reality of the situation, I became a bit nervous,” Kejick explained of arriving at the scene to assist with the videoconferencing hook up.

The nervousness didn’t go away as Kejick had difficulties hooking up the system. As a result, everyone had to move to another room where the system was working properly.

Once connected, the doctors in Sioux Lookout provided directions to the crew in preparing the room for delivery.

The room they were now in was too small so furniture had to be removed so there was room to operate.

“Half the team moved the furniture into the hall as the other half prepped the equipment and mother for the move,” Kejick said.

In Mishkeegogamang, Darlene Panacheese had just driven through bad weather and arrived home at 3 a.m. from Dryden, Ont. At 9 a.m., she got the call about the mother in labour.

Still half asleep and in her pajamas, Panacheese went to work setting up the telemedicine videoconferencing station.

As in Lac Seul, the nurses in Mishkeegogamang had trouble getting directions from the doctors on call in Sioux Lookout.

Again, it was decided to use the telemedicine system.

Afraid the workstation would fail her Panacheese went to work. Once set up, the doctor was able to assess the situation and provide direction to the two nurses.

At 11:18 a.m., Lenny Wassakeesic was born.

“It was amazing to see the doctor and nurses working together in delivering the baby,” Panacheese said of how the team communicated using videoconferencing.

However, earlier that morning, another baby boy took the honour being the first baby to be delivered using Keewaytinook Okimakanak’s Telemedicine Network.

At 3:48 a.m., Kraven Armadeus J. Wesley was born, weighing 5 pounds 1 ounce.

“After mother gave birth, I was so happy that baby and mother were fine and thankful there were no complications,” Kejick said.

In Mishkeegogamang, the reaction from the nurses was the same as the delivery of the baby went smooth.

“It was a very positive uplifting experience,” nurse Lorena Clace said afterwards.

Brent Wesley — brentw@wawatay.on.ca

From CBC online ...

Land claims deal should ease tensions: Prentice
June 13, 2007

The federal government's proposed plan to improve the native land claims system and settle hundreds of long-standing disputes should help ensure an aboriginal national day of action later this month is peaceful, Federal Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice says.

Prentice hailed the Conservative government's plan Wednesday as a "major breakthrough" that would reduce anger among First Nations communities and expedite the resolution of more than 800 outstanding land claims across Canada, which take an average of 13 years to process.

But he also warned that any confrontation or blockade on June 29 would be "counter-productive" and "erode the good will that exists toward aboriginal programs and services."

"We want to see peaceful demonstrations that day and we don't want to see any of the illegal actions that would disrupt the lives of innocent people," Prentice told CBC News Wednesday.

First Nations leaders say the day of action is designed to draw attention to outstanding land claims, and to the racism and poverty faced by their communities.

But Chief Terry Nelson of the Roseau River First Nation in Manitoba has threatened to block railway lines running through his community on the day of action.

Prentice said the response he has heard so far from First Nations leaders across the country has been supportive, but added he can understand why the announcement would arouse suspicion.

"Frankly, it's because there's been a backlog of claims over the last 20 years," Prentice said. "First Nations have been very positive about what they've heard, but they want the system to work."

He cited the 150-year dispute at the centre of a continuing First Nations occupations in the southern Ontario community of Caledonia as an example of some of the long-standing claims that have fuelled aboriginal frustration.

Fontaine hails 'historic' proposal; others express doubts
The proposed bill allocates $250 million a year for 10 years to land claim settlements and calls for the creation of a new independent tribunal that will make final decisions about disputes.

The bill, announced Tuesday by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, will be tabled in the fall after a summer of discussions with native leaders from across Canada.

It calls for the transformation of the existing Indian Specific Claims Commission into a mediation body. The independent commission currently investigates disputes and makes recommendations, but has no power to make rulings.

At Harper's side Tuesday, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine praised the government's "historic" proposal, saying it gives hope for First Nations people who have fought for decades for fair and just resolution on land claims.

But some regional First Nations representatives said Wednesday the bill is just a drop in the bucket.

Barry Bonspille, adviser to the Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council in Kanesatake, Que., said he can't believe Fontaine agreed to support the land claims proposal.

"To have the national chief support it gives credence to the Conservatives' point of view that they can handle things better than the Liberals," Bonspille told CBC News.

"Maybe they can, but certainly not with $250 million towards land claims [a year.]"

Related CBC Resources ...

• Harper promises bill to 'revolutionize' land claims process
• YOUR VIEW: Share your thoughts
• IN DEPTH: Aboriginal Canadians
  

MAURICE LAW BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS AND THE NATIVE LAW CENTRE OF CANADA UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN

ABORIGINAL & TREATY RIGHTS ADVOCACY CONFERENCE
Calgary, Alberta July 31-August 1, 2007

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATION AND LITIGATION

Learn about recent legal developments in Aboriginal and treaty rights and gain insights into effective strategies for the resolution of land claims and litigation

•  Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and the Evolution of Claims Policy in Canada
• Negotiation or Litigation: Confrontational Issues Surrounding Land Claims Process
• Camp Ipperwash: Case Study on Resolution
• Treaty Land Entitlement and Agricultural Benefit Claims
• Reserve Land Surrenders and The Crown’s Fiduciary Duties
• Expropriation and Railway Claims
• Oil and Gas
• Duty to Consult
• Morris & Olsen [SCC – Dec 21, 2006]: Limited application of Provincial regulation on Treaty rights
• Métis Rights and Issues
• Mastering Principles of Compensation and Restitution to Maximize Settlements
• First Nation Issues and Land Management
• Settlement Trusts and Land Acquisition Strategies: “Putting Your Money to Work”
• Other Business Projects on Indian Reserves
  (agenda may slightly change without notice)

REGISTER NOW!

Deadline for Early Bird rate of $750 is July 1st

For A registration form and more information please contact:
Conference Coordinator
Betty Recollet (403) 589-7734
Email: recollet@telus.net 
Conference websites: www.mauricelaw.com  and www.deerfootinn.com 

Conference Hotel/Site:

Deerfoot Inn & Casino
11500-35 St. SW
Calgary, AB T2Z 3W4
Toll Free: 877-236-5225

BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW

Deadline to book rooms at the special conference rate of $159/night is July 3, 2007

Driving Directions:

Proceed West on Airport Rd NE
Turn Left on Barlow Trail NE
Turn Left onto Airport Trail NE
Merge onto Deerfoot Trail South
Drive and exit onto Barlow Trail N
(exit 240)
Turn left onto 114 Ave SE
Turn left onto 35 Street SE
End at Deerfoot Inn & Casino

Press Release ...

Saskatchewan Proclaims Aboriginal History Month
June 11, 2007

The Province of Saskatchewan has proclaimed June 2007 as Aboriginal History Month in recognition of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people's contributions to Canada.

"Aboriginal people have made, and continue to make, innumerable contributions to Saskatchewan and Canadian history, culture and society," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to pay tribute to First Nations, Métis and Inuit people and their achievements by designating June 2007 as Aboriginal History Month."

Aboriginal History Month is an initiative of the Regina Aboriginal Professionals Association (RAPA), a non-profit organization with a mission to develop a network of people committed to fostering opportunities for Aboriginal people in education, employment and economic development initiatives within Regina. Aboriginal History Month is also being designated by the City of Regina.

"Raising the social conscience of our communities, bringing positive energy, positive thoughts and sharing our knowledge so that our youth can embrace their Aboriginal heritage to exude confidence are all major reasons for RAPA to lead this provincial and national campaign," RAPA President Joely BigEagle said. "We will continue our campaign to have the month of June designated as Aboriginal History Month by the federal government, and invite all Saskatchewan First Nations, educational institutions and businesses to organize or partner with RAPA for June Aboriginal events."

"It's quite fitting that this initiative originates in Saskatchewan in light of the enormous contributions Saskatchewan Aboriginal people make to areas like politics, the arts and sports," Sonntag said. "The Province is proud to be among the first in Canada to support this exciting initiative."

For more information about RAPA's events and its efforts gain national support for Aboriginal History Month, visit www.rapanetwork.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Shelley Fayant
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-798-4071
Email: sfayant@fnmr.gov.sk.ca.

Joely BigEagle
Regina Aboriginal Professionals Association
Regina
Phone: 306-781-6354
Cell: 306-737-5703

AFN Press Release ...

National Chief Phil Fontaine Applauds today's Announcement by Prime Minister to Resolve Backlog of Specific Land Claims

     OTTAWA, June 12 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine said today's announcement by the Prime Minister is a positive response to what our people have advocated for decades, and it is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of our people.

     "This is a historic announcement, and a day to applaud the federal government on its commitment to resolving the growing land claims backlog," said National Chief Phil Fontaine, in reaction to Prime Minister Harper's announcement on a proposed new process to resolve specific land claims.

     "First Nations have been calling for a fair, independent, binding, and just approach to resolving specific land claims for decades now. In the coming days and over the summer, the AFN will be working with government to draft new Specific Claims legislation that will hopefully speed up the backlog of hundreds of unresolved treaty claims that have been the source of so much frustration among our people," said National Chief Fontaine. "The government's commitment to our full engagement in implementing this important initiative will be critical to its success."

     "I want to point out that while today's announcement is a significant step in the right direction, it is only one piece in a much larger puzzle that also requires immediate action," stressed National Chief Fontaine. "Too many of our people and our communities are mired in poverty and despair. We must address these conditions.

     "Land is part of the answer to building strong First Nations economies and strong First Nations citizens. This requires that we have the ability to take control of the decisions that affect our lives so we can reduce dependency and foster self-sufficiency. In doing so, we will build a stronger Canada for all Canadians.

     "We invite everyone to join us on June 29 in our National Day of Action, education, and awareness," added the National Chief. "We invite you to walk with us, talk with us, learn more about First Nations, and take action to make poverty history."

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/For further information: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789, ext. 229, cell: (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789, ext. 243, cell: (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca; Rene Pollett, Communications Specialist, (613) 241-6789, ext. 314, cell: (613) 295-2149, rpollett@afn.ca/

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From CBC News online ...

New law expected to speed land claims
June 11, 2007

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to announce plans Tuesday to speed land claims, as native groups prepare for a national day of action on June 29.
 
Sources say Harper will propose a plan that follows the recommendations of the Senate standing committee on aboriginal peoples. The committee examined ways to streamline the settlement process, which now takes an average of 13 years.

One of the things it recommended was increased funding to speed the process. Sources with the Assembly of First Nations say Harper could put as much as $250 million a year toward settling the claims — more money than the assembly had hoped for.

Also expected is legislation, to be co-written with the national AFN, outlining how to settle the outstanding claims.

A new, independent agency is expected to be established to settle some of the claims.

Currently, the Indian Claims Commission investigates treaty violations, but it cannot make binding rulings. Critics have long called for an independent land claims process with more money and staff to settle cases.

There are more than 800 outstanding specific land claims in Canada, according to the commission, which has a staff of 51 people and had an annual budget of $6.9 million in the fiscal year 2005-2006.

The Assembly of First Nations has said it would take about 130 years to resolve the outstanding claims at the current pace of negotiations.

The assembly has called for a national day of action on June 29 to draw attention to outstanding land claims, and to the racism and poverty faced by First Nations communities.

While Phil Fontaine, the head of the AFN, has always said he prefers peaceful diplomacy, Chief Terry Nelson of the Roseau River First Nation in Manitoba has threatened to block railway lines running through his community on the day of action.

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From the Globe and Mail ...

Harper aims to speed land claim settlements
SUE BAILEY - Canadian Press
June 11, 2007

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to announce plans to speed land claims as native groups prepare for a potentially tense day of action June 29.

Sources say Mr. Harper will propose a bill Tuesday to streamline the settlement process, a discredited system that now takes an average of 13 years.

But real results could be months away, if they come at all.

The legislation, to be co-written with the national Assembly of First Nations, won't be introduced in the Commons until the fall. It would have to pass a fractious and unstable Parliament before committing any new money for specific land-claims research or compensation.

Mr. Harper is also expected to support giving more power to the Indian Claims Commission, which investigates treaty violations but can't make binding rulings. And native leaders will be watching to what extent the bill may cap settlement amounts or impose deadlines for filing claims.

Critics have long called for a truly independent land claims process with more money and staff to settle cases. Ottawa has until now acted as defendant, judge and jury in disputes that have overstretched bureaucratic and native resources.

Native frustration has flared over the past year, prompting fiery barricades and sometimes ugly conflict. Demonstrations, including rail blockades, are planned June 29 by leaders who have taken a wait-and-see attitude toward federal promises of action. The federal government has itself estimated that it owes native bands billions of dollars for breached or unfulfilled treaties.

“Deferring payment of this liability, while land development continues and interest compounds, can only increase the ultimate financial cost of settlements,” Michael Coyle, a law professor at University of Western Ontario, testified last fall before a Senate committee studying the process.

Mr. Harper should support an independent body that can enforce timelines in often protracted negotiations, Prof. Coyle said Monday in an interview Monday. That arm's-length arbiter must also be able to legally rule on impasses arising over the validity of a claim or how much is owed.

“I'm pleased they're going to be working with the Assembly of First Nations,” Prof. Coyle added. “It will have a much better chance of succeeding if first nations have had a real role to play in developing the process.”

Basic funding for settlements is set at about $159-million this fiscal year. An exhaustive Senate committee report this year urged the minority Conservative government to commit at least $250-million annually. The alternative, it warned, is the eruption of more nasty clashes such as the one that pitted native against non-native in Caledonia, Ont., last year over a housing development.

Frustration is once again building in the Southwestern Ontario community as complex talks drag on.

Farther east, a rail blockade in April by a splinter group of Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte paralyzed passenger and freight traffic between Toronto and Montreal. The protest, near Deseronto, Ont., wreaked commuter havoc for just over a day until it was peacefully ended.

Demonstrators blamed the snail's pace of compensation talks and the use of a quarry on disputed land. They have promised more economic disruption.

There are more than 800 unsolved claims in a growing “inventory” of cases across much of Canada, federal officials say. Of those, just 120 have made it to the active negotiation stage.

The number of bottlenecked claims is actually much larger, NDP aboriginal affairs critic Jean Crowder says.

“If they don't have any resources to [start assessing them], they're not counting them in the backlog.”

Mr. Crowder sees the timing of Tuesday's announcement as a tepid bid to defuse the potential for angry confrontation on June 29.

“I think the government has such a poor track record on Indian and northern affairs that it has to put forward something that looks like a win.”

Liberal native affairs critic Anita Neville said the Conservative government has achieved one thing: “They've united aboriginal leadership across the country – against this government.

“It's been a very sad 16 months for aboriginal people,” she said of the gutting of the $5-billion Kelowna accord to lift native living standards.

Keewaytinook Okimakanak is setting up an information display at the Chiefs of Ontario meeting being held this week at Pelican Falls First Nations High School in Sioux Lookout.

The KO team will be providing the Chiefs of Ontario First Nations with information and demonstrations about the different programs and services being supported in their communities. These include:

• Kuhkenah Network (K-Net) - video conferencing services, network development, youth employment, First Nations SchoolNet, webcasting, etc
• Keewaytinook Okimakanak Telemedicine (KOTM) - telehealth services, health education, etc
• Keewaytinook Okimakanak Water Plant Operator Training
• Keewaytinook Internet High School
• Keewaytinook Okimakanak Research Institute
• other tribal council programs and services (Public Works, Health, Finance, Economic Development, etc)

The highlight of the week will be a Fish Fry at Lac Seul First Nation's Makwa Lodge that will include a tour of the new Health Centre at Kejick Bay, a telemedicine demonstration along with a ceremony to honour the new telebaby and those involved in the birthing process that took place on June 19 (click here to see the KNEWS story).

Tours of K-Net along with meetings and discussions will be supported throughout the week. Cal Kenny, K-Net's Multi-media Coordinator, will be inviting community leaders and guests to share their stories about their community networks and their dreams for connections in their communities. Watch for pictures and webcasts from the meeting space ...

Everyone is invited to stop by the Keewaytinook Okimakanak display that will be located in the school library, just down the hall from the meeting area.

Press Release ...

Lieutenant Governor and Governor General visit First Nation communities in Ontario's North

    TORONTO, June 8 /CNW/ - In an unprecedented joint vice-regal visit to Ontario's North, His Honour the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, accompanied by Grand Chief Stan Beardy of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, will visit two First Nations communities, Wunnumin Lake and Mishkeegogamang, on Tuesday 12 June.

    These visits will highlight partnerships forged by the Lieutenant Governor between the people of Ontario and aboriginal communities, to bring hope to Native children and youth and to show them that others care. Specifically, the day will showcase the Lieutenant Governor's four literacy initiatives. In two book drives, in 2004 and 2007, 1.4 million books were provided to establish libraries in First Nation communities across northern Ontario, northern Quebec and Nunavut. In 2005 his School Twinning Program built lasting bridges by linking nearly 150 aboriginal schools in Ontario and Nunavut with non-aboriginal schools across Ontario. In 2006 he established 36 Aboriginal Literacy Summer Camps in 28 northern fly-in First Nations communities, and launched Club Amick to provide books and newsletters to 5000 aboriginal children in Ontario's North.

VISIT TO WUNNUMIN LAKE FIRST NATION - Tuesday 12 June 2007/9:00 AM

    His Honour and Her Excellency, together with Grand Chief Stan Beardy, will take part in a literacy event and present books collected in His Honour's recent book drive to the Lydia L. Beardy Memorial School. The morning will also include visits to the day care, seniors' home, and nursing station, culminating in a community ceremony and feast and a performance of the Wunnumin legend, a tale of how the community came to be.

VISIT TO MISHKEEGOGAMANG OJIBWAY NATION - Tuesday 12 June 2007/3:00 PM

    His Honour and Her Excellency, accompanied by Grand Chief Beardy, will tour the community and visit Missabay School, before taking part in a ceremony and celebration attended by all 134 Chiefs of First Nation communities in Ontario, followed by a community feast and square dance.

    Both communities have received thousands of books collected in His Honour's book drives. Lydia L. Beardy Memorial School in Wunnumin Lake is twinned with Terrace Bay Public School in Terrace Bay. Missabay School in Mishkeegogamang is twinned with East Lambton Elementary School in Watford. Wunnumin Lake is the site of an Aboriginal Literacy Summer Camp which will run for five years, and all local children aged five to ten are members of Club Amick.

For further information: Nanda Casucci-Byrne, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Tel. (416) 325-7780, www.lt.gov.on.ca; Jenna Young, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Tel. (807) 625-4952, www.nan.on.ca; Isabelle Serrurier, Rideau Hall Press Office, Tel. (613) 998-7280, www.gg.ca