Media.Knet.Ca

National Residential School Survivors' Society: Greetings, Your Majesty

SAULT STE MARIE, ONTARIO--(April 18, 2007) -

On behalf of the National Residential School Survivors Society, we implore your awareness as our Head of State. There has been enormous development with regards to the relationship of Indigenous peoples in relation to mainstream Canada. However, we wish to convey our deep disappointment and regret for the refusal of the current Federal government to issue an apology to those Indigenous children of Canada who were subjected to the Indian Residential Schools (IRS) system in Canada.

Historically, Indian Residential Schools were created to educate the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, presumably the English language, law and commerce. However, in promoting the interests of the British Empire, Indian Residential Schools became a government funded and church operated establishment which advanced a severely exploitative and maltreating assimilation policy. The echo of this depraved policy lingers still throughout the halls of our parliament from the time when Indian Affairs Deputy Superintendent Duncan Campbell Scott declared:

"I want to get rid of the Indian problem. ...Our objective is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic, and there is no Indian question."

Canada's efforts to succeed the IRS system cultivated a policy which fostered insensitive, callous and ruthless means in the name of progression and civilization. Children were forcibly removed and displaced from their homes, disconnected from their family structure and made to attend Christian institutions, whereby they were forbidden to speak or practice their own noble languages, spirituality and culture.

The intergenerational-impacts of the IRS legacy have stanchioned the intentions of D.C. Scott and were the primordial buttresses for the crown of colonialism in Canada. These impacts also created a loss of dignity, respect, and identity amongst the children and their offspring of this ghastly legacy. These losses in turn created many of the underlying dysfunctions within the people who live with this everlasting burden, their families and communities.

Recently, legal action was engaged against the Government of Canada and the appropriate Church entities which operated the schools. Former students sought out compensation and redress for these ill-fated injustices committed in the Indian Residential Schools. After a number of supporting court decisions and the onslaught of a pending National Class Action Case, a negotiated out of court settlement was achieved by all parties involved. The Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) will provide former students with individual financial compensation. More so, the IRSSA is set to impart Truth and Reconciliation and Commemoration as the world has seen with other colonial nations in the past.

Although, the most important and noticeable element absent from the Settlement Agreement is a sincere and unequivocal apology at the community, regional and national levels by Canada. In recent news, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs has stated publicly that his government sees no reason why it should issue an apology to the former IRS students for the manner in which they were treated while attending these schools and that the governments motive was to provide these Indian children with an education. It would appear that the current Federal government of Canada refuses to accept the responsibility of the historic damage inflicted upon the children who had attended the Indian Residential Schools.

In order, to assert true reconciliation and redress within our communities, families and individuals the parties involved must predispose the foundations of these injustices. The impropriety of colonialisms imposition must be countered with a compassionate reparation and execute a genuine attempt to re-build trust and respect amongst the grassroots Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of Canada. The beginning of this restoration must inhabit Canada and the Church entities' unadulterated responsibility of educating mainstream Canada of this horrendous history.

To advance the veritable spirit and intent of Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement is to ensure a sincere sense of closure and reconciliation for all who had participated in these schools. This will require an elevated form of etiquette, ethical behaviours and spiritual intervention needed to provide the direction towards redemption and closure.

One of the central components of the Settlement Agreement is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It is within this forum where truth and honesty were to be the prevailing forces that would serve as the catalyst for an environment conducive to beginning the processes of well-being and bona fide reconciliation of the Indigenous people and mainstream Canada.

Further, we value the knowledge that the times which have created our present day societies were without the identification and knowledge of equality as is today. The single minded move towards progression of a century ago did not act with the same laws and behaviours as does today. As we wish to progress the well-being of our families and communities we have relinquished the need for an apology. Intrinsically our spirituality has always encumbered and correlates with the genuine teachings of Jesus Christ which transcends cultures and predates the arrival of the Europeans. In saying this and in the spirit of our people and the integrity of our collective compassion it would be prudent to offer forgiveness from the Survivors of Indian Residential Schools to Canada, the Church entities and their descendants.

The act of forgiveness is based upon and anchored in a spiritual realm no matter the denomination of religion or culture. While an apology can serve as an opening for reconciliation, we believe that true forgiveness is the spiritual connection that will provide a lasting bond for former students, their families and communities within the context of Canada. To quote Alexander Pope, "to err is human but to forgive is divine"

We truly believe the demonstration of this sentiment would bequeath the Indigenous peoples of Canada with renewal of spirit and vigour and offer a substantial pillar in re-claiming dignity and the rectifying of this ugly chapter in Canada's history. The spiritual, social, political and economical benefit to forwarding this noble endeavour is immeasurable and will commence and perpetuate a positive future for our children, grandchildren and the generations to follow.

Whole-heartedly,

Michael Cachagee, Chairperson NRSSS

CONTACT INFORMATION

National Residential School Survivors' Society
Michael Cachagee
Chairperson
(866) 575-0006

From Kenora Miner and News ...

Grassy Narrows gets visit from Amnesty International

By Mike Aiken - Miner and News - Wednesday April 18, 2007

Investigators from Amnesty International visited Grassy Narrows earlier this week, where they hoped to examine the effects of industrial development on the community.

According to Canadian Press, the team also wanted to look into the ongoing opposition to logging in the Whiskey Jack Forest, because band members say half of their traditional lands have been deforested.

“The government of Ontario has made decisions impacting the community’s use of the land with little or no meaningful consultation with Grassy Narrows,” the group said in a prepared statement released over the weekend.

Community members and their supporters have protested clear cutting in the area for many years, including a permanent blockade at Slant Lake created four years ago and temporary roadblocks of local highways last summer.

For its part, the province has said there have been ongoing discussions with Treaty 3 and the First Nation on a wide range of issues, including natural resources.

During his most recent visit to Kenora, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay said staff “were in constant communications” with First Nations, as the ministry hoped to provide “certainty of supply” for the wood rights in the area.

The discussions are also related to $30-million expansion plans for Kenora Forest Products, which could provide up to 250 jobs.

Treaty 3 staff confirmed the talks were taking place, noting the minister was trying to ensure progress on the negotiations.

MNR’s area spokesman, Shawn Stevenson, was able to confirm the ongoing talks, but noted he wasn’t able to elaborate since he wasn’t at the table.

The traditional way of life at Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong First Nations -- including fishing and wild rice harvesting -- was devastated by mercury contamination between 1962 and 1970.

Clearcutting in the Whiskey Jack Forest has also affected trapping and hunting in the area.
The California-based environmental group, Rainforest Action Network, supported the work of the human rights activists.

“The presence of Amnesty International in Grassy Narrows is a wake-up call to North Americans, who think that human rights abuses on the homefront are a thing of the past,” said spokesman Brant Olson.

The environmentalists have partnered with band members on the temporary blockades, as well as protests near Weyerhaeuser headquarters in Washington state.

Tb News Source article ...

New group wants say in hydro line
Posted: 4/18/2007

A new alliance between 19 First Nation communities is primed to pitch their preference to the government for a proposed route for the Ontario-Manitoba hydro transmission line.

Since a provincial announcement in 2004 that it wants to move power generated in Northern Manitoba to southern Ontario, the Chief's steering committee has wanted to be involved in the process. Members of the alliance announced Wednesday that 19 communities have come together and have chosen two potential routes they would like the province to consider.

The First Nations Energy Alliance was formed after three years of research and consultation and their mandate is to pursue a new route for the transmission line between Manitoba and southern Ontario.

The province has put forward four possible routes for the transmission line but the Alliance wants one of their routes used that would tie in remote communities enabling them to benefit by the economic spin-off. Wabun Tribal Council executive director Shawn Batise says the alliance wants to take ownership, finance the project, build the transmission line and provide for their future generations.

"Ontario needs the power. I mean, that's a fact. It's not going to go away, and we think by taking the proactive role, and participating in that process, and owning the line, rather than having it come through our territory, through some other means of, or whatever, that'll be a greater economic benefit" Batise said.

Eabamentoong First Nation Chief Charlie Okeese says this would have many economic benefits for their communities, especially the remote communities.

"You know, these fly-in communities, isolated communities, everything's flown in, and you're at the mercy of the airlines, and the cost of living, and the fuel, they can charge whatever they want. When the fuel prices are up they just tack on the fuel surcharge, and that's what you pay."

Okeese says currently, some communities are paying about $15 for fresh milk and if the transmission line were built on their preferred route, these remote communities would have access to a road. Along with helping with expensive costs, he says this would help with potential developments including tourism, forestry and mining.

Mattawa First Nation advisor Brian Davey says the alliance wants to send a strong signal to the governments, and the industry and financial community that they're serious about building this corridor. The next step is to propose their idea to the government.

"The Ministry of Energy is very much involved in this. So, we have to meet with them, and indicate our intentions, and what the purpose of the alliance is, and where we stand on certain matters, and hopefully enter into a dialogue, and also acquire the support of the NAN executive, and we don't believe we're going to have any problem getting their political support and moving forward on this particular route."

NAN press release

NAN leadership sign political agreement for bilateral with Ontario

            THUNDER BAY, ON, April 18 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy together with members of the Northern Table NAN Chiefs steering committee signed a letter of political agreement with Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay to continue exploratory discussions with the Government of Ontario this morning at Queen's Park.

            "NAN leadership has high expectations that the Northern Table will assist in developing a meaningful relationship with the Government of Ontario reflective of our understanding of treaties 9 and 5 signed 100 years ago," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. "Our intent is through changes in policy and legislation to allow active participation by First Nation people in the economy, revenue-sharing, and proper implementation of Aboriginal and Treaty rights as outlined in the Canadian Constitution and recent Supreme Court rulings, this forum will provide a good basis for a better future for the people of Nishnawbe Aski."

            The letter commits NAN Chiefs and the Government of Ontario to a 90 day interim period to finalize exploratory discussions related to revenue-sharing, Ontario Parks Act, Ontario Mining Act, impact benefits agreements, and land use planning.

            The Northern Table was originally announced March 2006 with the intent to provide a forum to address the unique challenges specific to NAN First Nation communities, while addressing the gap in socioeconomic status between the residents of NAN territory (an area covering two-thirds of Ontario) and non-Aboriginal Ontarians.

            Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political organization representing 49 First Nation communities in the territory of James Bay Treaty 9 and Ontario portion of Treaty 5 - an area covering two-thirds of the province.

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

PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO ALL YOUR CONTACTS. 

Thanks to all ticket buyers on the 50" Plasma TV.  The winner was Hubert Moe of Hudson. 
 
Our next fundraising event will be the Pancake and Sausage Breakfast at the Spelling Bee to be held at Queen Elizabeth High School Room 19 on Sunday, April 22, 2007 starting at 8 am.   This event is open to the public. 

Adults $8.00 12 and under $5.00.  A variety of lunch items will also be sold. (see the poster below)

SAFE GRAD FLEA MARKET - Saturday, MAY 5TH AT QUEEN ELIZABETH

Sioux Moutain Parents will have a table to fundraise for the Toronto Trip.  If you have items to donate please contact me or Chris Larsh or Ruth Coughlin at the school. 
 
Tickets will be out soon for the Annual Boat and motor draw.  Tickets will be sold at Johnny's and various business outlets.
 
Thank you for supporting our fundraising efforts!

Do you have a talent?  Are you in between the ages of 12-18? Smoke-free?

Do you have a talent you can show off? Can you sing? dance? do impressions? tell some jokes? you can do anything.

The last Audition date is on Wednesday April 25th at 6-9pm at 511 E. Victoria Ave. Regional Multicultural Youth Center right beside Armonies and across from Victoriaville. HURRY because Finale is on April 27th at D.F.C. High School

GRANDE PRIZE: iPod Nano

There are also a second prize

LU and NAN are partnering to conduct a SSHRC funded research project entitled "Climate change and community well-being in Northern Ontario". Other funded projects involving Northern Ontario include:

• "Capacity building in Fort Albany First Nation: traditional territories environmental impact assessment and community-based monitoring as related to resource development in the Mushkegowuk Territory"
• "Subjective well being and Northern Canadian social workers"

SSHRC press release ...

Northern Research at the Forefront for SSHRC - New grants will invigorate northern social and environmental research

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(April 17, 2007) - With the advent of International Polar Year (IPY), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) has announced close to $700,000 in grants to support research on Canada's North by academic experts working in collaboration with community and government partners.

The diverse projects will add a human perspective to IPY-sponsored research by examining past and present conditions in Northern communities as well as their potential for social and economic development. Topics range from the impact of Northern issues on foreign policy, to Inuit cultural history, to the economics of sport tourism. Several projects will focus on environmental issues, including Northern perspectives on climate change, social impacts of resource development in the Mackenzie Valley, and management of the Hudson Bay beluga population.

"SSHRC-supported research will improve our knowledge of the history and cultures of the North and its peoples and help chart a path for the future of Arctic and Northern communities," said Chad Gaffield, president of SSHRC. "This new research will enable a better understanding of the unique communities and environment of the North."

The Northern Research Development program was designed to help develop and revitalize Canadian research in and on the North. Since the program's creation in 2003, SSHRC has invested $3.2 million to support research on Northern communities, history, social dynamics and languages.

Seventeen new projects received grants. They involve university researchers from a dozen universities across Canada, as well as partners from federal, provincial and territorial government agencies, professional associations, and Aboriginal governments and organizations.

"The North is vast, the issues affecting it are complex, and its importance not well understood," said Gaffield. "We are pleased to contribute to a growing national and international research effort that acknowledges the cultural, ecological, and geopolitical importance of this vast region."

Visit the SSHRC website (www.sshrc.ca) for a list of successful candidates.

Note to editors: SSHRC is an independent federal government agency that funds university-based research and graduate training through national peer-reviewed competitions. SSHRC also partners with public and private sector organizations to focus research and aid the development of better policies and practices in key areas of Canada's social, cultural and economic life.

CONTACT INFORMATION

SSHRC
Ian McLeod
Media Relations Advisor
613-947-4629 Cell: 613-294-6203
ian.mcleod@sshrc.ca.

From the list of successfully funded projects ...

Applicant: Raynald Lemelin, Lakehead University

Co-applicants:
Margaret Johnston, Lakehead University
Norman McIntyre, Lakehead University
Rhonda Koster, Lakehead University

Partner: Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Thunder Bay ON

Title: Climate change and community well-being in Northern Ontario
Value: $39,900
Duration: 2 years/2 ans

Applicant: Leonard Tsuji, University of Waterloo
Co-applicant: Graham Whitelaw, University of Waterloo

Title: Capacity building in Fort Albany First Nation: traditional territories environmental impact assessment and community-based monitoring as related to resource development in the Mushkegowuk Territory
Value:$40,000
Duration: 2 years/2 ans

ASC press release ...

Aboriginal Sport Circle Announces Regional Awards Recipients

April 17, 2007

AKWESASNE, Ontario - The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is pleased to announce the National finalists for the 2006 Tom Longboat and National Aboriginal Coaching awards.

The ASC accepts nominations from the sport and recreation community to honour outstanding Aboriginal athletes and coaches each year. These prestigious awards honour the accomplishments of amateur athletes and coaches of Aboriginal ancestry for 2006.

“To honour and recognize the excellent achievements of Aboriginal athletes and coaches from coast-to-coast is important to our people,” said Rod Jacobs, Manager of Aboriginal Sport Development at the ASC. “Celebrating the successes of deserving sport leaders is a priority of the Aboriginal Sport Circle.”

Winners of the awards demonstrate excellence in sport through athletic and coaching achievements and are embedded in community development through leadership and mentorship. Athletes and coaches continue to develop holistically by giving back to their communities and ensuring youth have exposure to sports, recreation and physical activities.

This is the 100th anniversary of legendary marathon runner Tom Longboat’s amazing Boston Marathon victory in 1907.

The National Selection Process is underway and will conclude on April 19, 2007.

The 2006 Tom Longboat and National Aboriginal Coaching Award winners will be announced at the 2007 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan at the Aboriginal Sports Excellence Awards Banquet. This will take place on Thursday, May 3, 2007, 6:30 pm local time.

2006 Regional Male Tom Longboat Award finalists

2006 Regional Female Tom Longboat Award finalists

2006 Regional Male Aboriginal Coaching Award finalists

2006 Regional Female Aboriginal Coaching Award finalists

The Aboriginal Sport Circle is Canada’s voice for Aboriginal sport and recreation, which brings together the interests of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Aboriginal Sport Circle was created through a national consensus-building process, in response to the need for more accessible and equitable sport and recreation opportunities for Aboriginal peoples.

For Additional Information:

Marcia Trudeau
Community and Communications Coordinator
Aboriginal Sport Circle
275 MacLaren Street
Ottawa, ON
K2P 0L9
(613) 236-9624 - tel, ext. 223
(613) 938-9181 - fax

AFN press release ...

AFN National Chief acknowledges 25th Anniversary of section 35 of Canada's 1982 Constitution as a victory for First Peoples but a vision yet to be realized

35. (1) The existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed.
- The Constitution Act, 1982 (Part II, Rights of the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada)

            OTTAWA, April 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine today commented on the 25th anniversary of section 35 of Canada's 1982 Constitution Act.

            "Twenty-five years ago today, Aboriginal peoples secured an important victory at the Constitutional table. The victory is section 35 of Canada's 1982 Constitution Act, which recognizes the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of the First Peoples of Canada. Section 35 is important because it recognizes that Aboriginal peoples have different rights from other Canadians by virtue of being the First Peoples of this land, who never surrendered or gave up those rights to any government. It recognizes that our rights are "inherent" - they are within us, not gifts from government to ignore or deny at their whim. And it recognizes that Canada must honour and respect these rights.

            Aboriginal and Treaty rights are a reality and are part of our country's legal and political landscape. And yet, a quarter of a century later, First Nations continue to challenge the federal government to honour the spirit, intent, and content that section 35 promised. Federal policy and legislation has failed to respond appropriately to section 35.

            The federal "inherent right" policy, for example, attempts to define, prescribe and limit for us what our rights are. As a result, negotiations are based on a limited and narrow definition. The federal government's land claims policy moves at a glacial pace and is further compromised by a conflict of interest in which the federal government is judge and jury in claims brought against it. It is failing First Nations and costing Canadians hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

            In general, federal negotiating policies are not designed to create success. They are designed to create 'wins' for the federal government by limiting the scope of First Nations rights and First Nations governments. We have seen in recent weeks the concerns by First Nations in BC over the Treaty process. Many have expressed serious concerns about the limited, narrow scope of the discussions.

            None of this is good for First Nations or Canada. It creates frustration for the political leadership. It creates conflict on the ground within our own communities and with non-Aboriginal Canadians.

            There is hope, however, in this situation.

            This generation has the opportunity to right the wrong of the last twenty-five years. We can work together to give life to the promise of section 35. As the Supreme Court wrote in the Sparrow decision, 'Section 35 calls for a just settlement with aboriginal peoples.'

            The problem to date has been the failure of any government to truly recognize our jurisdiction over our own lands and our own peoples. First Nations are only asking what other Canadians take for granted: that our rights be respected and implemented.

            Giving life to section 35 means sitting down as partners and talking about the new structures we need to revitalize First Nations governments - getting out from under the colonial Indian Act and the archaic mandate and practices of the Department of Indian Affairs. We need new fiscal arrangements that enable First Nations to truly invest in their people, their communities and their future.

            A new approach is urgently required to deal with the outstanding, legitimate land claims of First Nations. Land is central to our economic, political and cultural freedom. None of this means turning back the clock or putting a stop to all economic activity. It means fair settlements that allow First Nations to enjoy - on their own or with industry and government - the benefits of the riches in our traditional territories.

            First Nations have a plan for action. And, there is no excuse not to act. It is cheaper to fix the problems than it is to maintain the status quo. First Nations want to end dependency and work towards self-sufficiency. We are seeking tools, not hand-outs. We want to work in partnership with all governments to improve the lives of our people. In honouring its obligations to First Nations, the government will be helping First Nations to help themselves.

            Section 35 represents a promise, and a vision. But, because the promise goes unfulfilled, the vision cannot be realized. Our greatest legacy to future generations will be to secure this vision and promise for all Canadians. Fulfilling this vision will help fulfill Canada's potential. As a result, Canada will be a strong and productive country that is seen as a leader in respecting and recognizing human rights and Aboriginal rights of Indigenous Peoples.

            Today, we celebrate the achievements of our forebears who secured the recognition of our rights. And in looking forward, we extend a hand to all the peoples of this nation to work with us to breathe life into the spirit and intent embodied in the words of section 35."

            Phil Fontaine
            National Chief

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

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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, (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca/

The Northern Development Councils (NDCs) invite you to a videoconference dialogue on Growing and Strengthening Northern Business. All are welcome! 

April 19, 2007 9:30 to 11:00 CST at a video conferencing site  in your community (for those who register)!

Northern Development Councils (NDC) are advisory councils that provide advice about provincial policies and programs to the Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Rick Bartolucci. Come and meet your representative for the far north, Russell Wesley.

The NDCs would like your input to prepare recommendations to the Minsiter in the areas of aboriginal business, community infrastructure, transportation systems, health care, improvements to existing resource sectors, new technology, research and education and others.

Please register for this video conference by contacting
Terry Moreau (fx) 807.768.4817 (ph) 877.737.5638 X1266 tmoreau@knet.ca

If you are unable to attend a dialogue session in your area, and would like to contribute, please complete the ONLINE SURVEY before April 22, 2007.

For more information visit the following websites:

KO Online Economic Development Workshops

Northern Development Councils