Media.Knet.Ca

Press Release ...

Manitoba Chiefs Respond to Prentice's Threats

"Indian Affairs Minister Threatens Forensic Audits if First Nations Speak Out"

Winnipeg, MB-Grand Chief Ron Evans of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs spoke today at a press conference in response to Indian Affairs minister Jim Prentice, who wrote to the media threatening First Nations with forensic audits if they publicly and legally expressed concern over the Federal Budget.

"We thought freedom of speech was a right all Canadians enjoyed. According to this government, we were wrong," said Evans.

Evans said that the First Nations in Manitoba are appalled with the recent federal budget which not only excluded First Nations but ignored the Kelowna Accord of 2005 completely.

He pointed out that despite meeting with every level of government, and reaching agreements with governments and lawmakers, governments continually ignore their own agreements.

Evans said that "on Kelowna, not only did we all agree but Brian Mulroney, Steven Harper's advisor, is in full support of the accord. He's the one that said 'We've existed for 140 years and we have this shameful situation… and why? Very simple: we stole their land.'"

The Grand Chief announced that he called an emergency Executive Council of Chiefs yesterday and that due to the serious nature of the federal budget, the meeting was opened to all First Nation Chiefs and Councils from the 64 First Nation communities in Manitoba.

The meeting, held at Winnipeg's Radisson hotel, was called on short notice. Attendance was strong, despite the fact that many who came had to take expensive flights due to the lack of winter roads this late in the year.

At the meeting, the Chiefs of Manitoba talked about the fact that the spotlight is now on Manitoba as it was them that Prentice threatened directly in his letter to the media. "With First Nations groups across the country watching to see what will do, Manitoba Chiefs must take the lead," said Evans.

Under the direction of its Executive Council of Chiefs, Evans announced that he as Grand Chief would be implementing the following:

1. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is mounting an election strategy encouraging First Nations people to vote in all federal, provincial and civic elections. With the First Nations population growing at double the pace of the rest of the country, Evans said that "we have a voice and we will use it."
    
2. "Like every other Canadian, we spend money," said Evans, "So we will involve the businesses we support in a rally to be held at the Manitoba Legislature on April 25, 2007."
    
3. Evans pointed out that according to the Supreme Court of Canada, treaties must be respected, and that since First Nations own much of the land that provides the natural resources Manitoba depends so heavily upon, the group would begin strategizing on how to use its economic leverage effectively.
    
4. Evans also stated that he would be reaching out to the international community, pointing out that the UN index tells us that Canada ranks in the top 10, but First Nations in Canada rank 63rd.

Evans also pointed out that in Minister Prentice's letter to the media (Winnipeg Free Press, March 29, 2007), he said he would be willing to sit down and talk with AMC representatives. Evans said he invited the Minister to do so in a letter on March 22 but got no response. Evans said he will invite him once again to an AMC Special Assembly in Sioux Valley on May 8-10, 2007. Evans added that the Executive Council also directed that the AMC look at ways to make the government accountable for treaty compliance for Manitoba bands by using its own forensic auditing system.

Evans wrapped up his comments by adding that "freedom of speech and the tradition of civil disobedience are peaceful responses to the government from its people. We are lawfully doing our part. When will the government do the same?"

Nakina Sankar
Director of Corporate Communications
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
204-799-6493
nsankar@manitobachiefs.com.

Click here to view video of chiefs' presentation

Click here to read Chief Terence Nelson of Roseau River First Nation comments concerning the INAC Minister

Ontario Press release ...

McGuinty Government Boosts Investment In Aboriginal Education - New Investment Will Benefit First Nation, Métis and Inuit Students

SAULT STE MARIE, ON, April 5 - The McGuinty government is supporting First Nation, Métis and Inuit students with a new grant that makes more than $5 million available for school boards in Northern Ontario, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay announced today.

"This is part of our government's ongoing commitment to work with Aboriginal organizations and communities to build a better future for First Nation, Métis and Inuit children and youth," said Ramsay. "The funding will provide enhanced, ongoing support for Aboriginal students."

As part of the 2007-08 education investment, a new grant - the $10.5 million First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Supplement - has been introduced that will provide increased funding for school boards to offer Native Language and Native Studies courses, and support programs that assist Aboriginal students. The new supplement is in addition to $12.7 million invested in 2007 to support the implementation of the First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework.

"We have been increasing our investment in education over the past four years and we're seeing the results - class sizes are smaller, student achievement is on the rise and more students are graduating," said Wynne. "This new funding will help us create a school environment that encourages Aboriginal student engagement and achievement."

These investments are part of the Ontario government's Aboriginal Education Strategy to improve achievement for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students. The strategy was announced in January 2007 with an initial $6 million investment and the launch of the First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework, which will set the foundation for improving achievement among Aboriginal students in provincially funded schools.

The next step in the strategy will be a First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Conference in November that will bring together educators to discuss putting the framework into practice in schools and boards. The conference will introduce new resources for teachers, and provide practical tools and strategies for educators that will help them support Aboriginal students in Ontario's publicly funded schools and increase awareness about Aboriginal histories, cultures and perspectives among all students.

"Ontario is committed to improving support for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students in the publicly funded education system," said Ramsay. "We will continue to work with our partners to improve opportunities for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students."

Backgrounder
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SUPPORTING ABORIGINAL STUDENT SUCCESS

The Ontario government is dedicated to excellence in publicly funded education for all students and recognizes the need to develop specific strategies to meet the needs of Ontario's First Nation, Métis and Inuit students in provincially funded schools.

Aboriginal Education Strategy

In January 2007, the McGuinty government launched Ontario's new Aboriginal Education Strategy. The strategy will help support learning and achievement for Aboriginal students. In addition, it will help raise awareness about First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples' cultures, histories and perspectives in schools.

The new strategy is in line with the commitments made in Ontario's New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs, released in spring 2005, which envisions prosperous and healthy Aboriginal communities that will create a better future for Aboriginal children and youth.

Part of this new approach included a commitment to working together with Aboriginal organizations and communities to improve achievement among Aboriginal children and youth.

Investments in Aboriginal Education

The Ontario government's education investment for 2007-8 included the new First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Supplement. This new $10.5 million grant will:

•  Provide increased funding for Native Languages programs offered in any of the seven Native Languages recognized in the Ontario curriculum
• Provide increased support for boards to offer any of the 10 native studies courses available in the Ontario curriculum
• Offer additional funding to support programs that assist Aboriginal students.

The new supplement is in addition to $12.7 million invested in 2007 to support the implementation of the First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework. This funding is part of the government's education investment of $18.3 billion in 2007-08 - an increase of $781 million over last year. Since 2002-03, funding has increased by $3.5 billion - a 24 per cent increase, or the equivalent of an increase of over $2,000 per student.

The Ontario government has also provided:

• $2.3 million for Aboriginal Student-Focused Student Success Projects
• $650,000 annually for Alternative Secondary School Programs in Native Friendship Centres
• $50,000 to train teachers on Aboriginal perspectives in the revised elementary and secondary curriculum

First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework

The First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework will be the foundation for delivering quality education to all First Nation, Métis and Inuit students in Ontario.

The framework includes strategies for schools and school boards that will boost Aboriginal student achievement and close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.

Through regional consultations with school boards and school authorities, Aboriginal communities and organizations, and other education stakeholders, nearly 500 people provided feedback on the framework.

High school programs translated on website

In addition, information about new programs in Ontario's high schools is now available online in five Aboriginal languages - Algonquin, Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, Mohawk and Swampy Cree. The website (www.ontario.ca/6ways) is also available in English, French and 24 other languages.

www.edu.gov.on.ca
www.ontario.ca/progress

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For further information: Michelle Despault, Minister's Office, Ministry of Education, (416) 212-3747; Patricia MacNeil, Communications Branch, (416) 325-2676; Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister's Office, Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs, (416) 327-0654; Public Inquiries: (416) 325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514; TTY: 1-800-263-2892

Press release ...

imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival Call for Submissions

imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
October 17-21, 2007
Toronto, Canada

Call for Submissions
Deadline June 1, 2007

The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is an international festival that celebrates the latest works by Indigenous peoples on the forefront of innovation in film, video, radio, and new media. We are currently seeking features, shorts, documentaries, dramas, comedies, animation by international and Canadian Indigenous filmmakers and producers. We invite all genres and lengths and encourage submissions from first-time and emerging directors.

We are also seeking radio programming and new media works made by Indigenous producers and artists. Radio and new media submissions are presented at a Mediatheque centre during the festival.

• Click here to download the film + video submission form
   
• Click here to download the radio submission form
   
• Click here to download the new media submission form
   
• Click here for the 2006 imagineNATIVE website

CBC.ca news story ...

National chief says day of action should build bridges, not blockades
April 5, 2007 - Canadian Press: SUE BAILEY

OTTAWA (CP) - Canada's top native leader is calling for cool heads and peaceful demonstrations - not blockades - as frustrated chiefs plan a national day of action for June 29.

The point is to draw public support rather than alienate it, says Phil Fontaine, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). "This day is intended to bring focus to the issues facing our communities and to generate greater awareness, understanding and support for the need to act.

"Through peaceful demonstrations across the country, we will reach out to Canadians by putting our issues and our solutions front and centre," he said Thursday in a statement.

It comes as some chiefs are calling for the swift, if contentious, impact of blocked rail lines. Such tactics can backfire.

"Let's face it: if you irritate Canadians, they're not going to listen to your message," says Bryan Hendry, a spokesman for Fontaine.

"To be absolutely clear, the AFN is advocating peaceful demonstrations," he said in an interview. "We're telling people we don't want any blockades. They're not the answer."
 
Still, AFN chiefs voted last December for the national day of action as part of a resolution moved by Terrance Nelson, chief of the Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation in Manitoba. The resolution clearly calls for a 24-hour railway blockade (from 4 p.m. next June 29 to 4 p.m. June 30) "to reaffirm the need for the Canadian government to establish a reasonable time-frame for settlement of Indigenous rights."

The document also cites letters written by Canadian National and Canadian Pacific railway officials, "asking Canada to settle matters with Indigenous people so as to maintain the viability of their businesses."

Nelson has called for an emergency meeting of chiefs to discuss railway blockades this summer.

Fontaine's appeal for calm comes on the heels of a rhetorical sparring match between the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice.

The exchange erupted as furious chiefs, including Fontaine, blasted what some have called the Conservative "stone soup budget" - so named because it all but excludes new funds to fight native poverty.

Manitoba Grand Chief Ron Evans responded by threatening to stall provincial hydro dams and other government projects. In turn, Prentice threatened funding cuts and forensic audits if tax dollars are used "in planning illegal and disruptive blockades."

The Indian Affairs minister cites spending in the budget for native housing, children and families, education and training.

Chiefs say it's not nearly enough to "put the wheels on Kelowna" as Prentice promised to do after the Conservatives nixed the $5-billion Kelowna accord reached by the former Liberal government, native leaders and the premiers.

A day of rail blockades to protest native poverty last summer was averted. Canadian National Railway agreed to write to Ottawa, urging quicker action to settle land claims.

The federal budget last month says the Conservatives will work with chiefs to "move forward an action plan" in the next year to speed up specific claims. No timelines for actual compensation were given.

Native chiefs blame unfulfilled treaties and frequent exclusion from the harvesting of lucrative natural resources as prime causes of poverty.

© The Canadian Press, 2007

From Winnipeg Free Press -

First aboriginal female judge appointed in Manitoba
Thu Apr 5 16:47:00 CDT 2007
 
A lawyer from northern Manitoba has become the first aboriginal woman to be appointed a judge in this province.
Doreen Redhead was appointed to the provincial court of Manitoba, effective immediately. A swearing in ceremony will be scheduled as soon as possible.

Redhead graduated from the University of Manitoba Law School in 1996. She has practiced law on behalf of the Fox Lake First Nation in Gillam, and the Keewatin Tribal Council in Thompson.

“It’s a huge step forward for women and for First Nations people,” said Attorney General Dave Chomiak. “It was actually very moving for me this morning to phone her and tell her what an honour it was for me to do that.”

Chomiak said having a female aboriginal judge gives the courts a better reflection of the population of Manitoba.

Redhead was selected by Chomiak from a list of candidates recommended by an independent judicial nominating committee, chaired by chief provincial court judge Raymond E. Wyant. Representatives of the Law Society of Manitoba and the Canadian Bar Association were also on the committee.

Press Release ...

Children's Aid Societies are Addressing the Auditor General's Recommendations

TORONTO, April 4, 2007 – Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies have developed policies and measures to address each of the 20 recommendations made by Ontario’s Auditor General in his first-ever value-for-money audit of four of the province’s 53 Children’s Aid Societies, the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) announced today.

“Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies have acted in a responsible and accountable manner to address the Auditor’s recommendations,” said Dennis Nolan, President of the OACAS. “Our member agencies are working hard to change their administration practices without compromising the quality of service offered to thousands of vulnerable families and children.”

When the report was released last fall, Children’s Aid Societies (CASs) formed working groups to review each recommendation and develop solutions. CASs are currently updating their policies in the areas of purchasing, procurement, fleet management, travel and hospitality expenses. These policies are being implemented concurrently with other directives, standards, guidelines and reporting requirements from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services as part of the Transformation Agenda.

“The field has worked hard to identify and disseminate best practices for delivery of high-quality child welfare services, for prudent management of resources, and for public accountability,” said Jeanette Lewis, Executive Director of the OACAS. “However, too many layers of administration and standards may compromise the amount of time workers spend trying to help children and families.”

The Transformation Agenda is a massive change in child welfare service delivery, supported throughout the children’s service system in Ontario. Major changes are being implemented beginning in April 2007 in the areas of differential response (a more child-family-centered approach: the right service at the right time), better permanency planning (including kinship and foster care, adoption, custody arrangements), and alternatives to court processes (mediation, talking circles). This approach will be supported by research, information systems and an outcomes approach to accountability. The Transformation Agenda also includes special Aboriginal provisions for Aboriginal and First Nations children to be served by their own communities.

“Our member agencies are embracing these changes, but need public support and confidence in the work they do to protect our children,” said Lewis. “Child protection workers play a vital role in our society. Much like police officers, firefighters and doctors, they protect and save lives by helping vulnerable children.”

Children’s Aid Societies rely on professionals and members of the community to report child abuse or neglect. It is important that the public trusts CASs and have faith in their ability to help children and families – this could be hard to achieve in the face of frequent and inaccurate messaging and lack of support.

About Children’s Aid Societies

CASs provide critical services and are legislated to exclusively perform certain functions under the provisions of Section 15 of the Child and Family Services Act (CFSA). Their mandate includes the following: to investigate allegations that children are in need of protection; to protect children; to provide guidance for protecting children and for the prevention of circumstances requiring the protection of children; and to provide care for children assigned to its care under this Act.

The legislation, regulations, directives and standards prescribe very specific and detailed requirements for what CASs must do for children and families, how they must provide services, including French language services, and the timelines in which critical services must be provided. The Ministry of Children and Youth Services oversees CASs’ operations in detail and Local Boards of Directors have oversight responsibility for agencies to ensure that services provided are tailored to the community’s needs.

In 2005/006 Children’s Aid Societies completed 82,346 investigations and cared for 29,385 children.

About the OACAS

OACAS is a membership organization representing 52 of the 53 Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario. The Association has served its members, the community, the public and the government in a variety of ways since 1912. These services have included the promotion of child welfare issues, member services, government liaison and policy development, research and special projects, quality assurance in child welfare practice and training for all protection workers throughout the province.

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For more information:
Marcelo Gomez -Wiuckstern
Communications Manager
Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies
(416) 987-9648
www.oacas.org

Click here to see the AUDITOR GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTION PLAN

The Sioux Lookout Aboriginal Area Management Board (SLAAMB - http://slaamb.on.ca) is establishing a new three year Centre for Aboriginal Apprenticeship Research project in Sioux Lookout. The cente is seeking three candidates to fill the new positions that appear in this week's Sioux Bulletin. The three positions include:

• Project Manager/Employment Counsellor
• Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor
• e-Learning Coordinator

The job advertisements follow ...

Project Manager/Employment Counsellor

Reporting to the CAAR Management Team, the Project Manager/Employment Counsellor leads the CAAR project team. S/he works with the team members (Coach Mentor and e-Learning Coordinator) to plan, implement and document the apprenticeship development services and supports developed for the Centre for Aboriginal Apprenticeship Research project.

The Project Manager/Employment Counsellor designs and implements outreach strategies to engage potential and eligible apprentices from remote First Nations to participate in the project. In addition, working/liaising with the MTCU representative, s/he provides assistance, counseling and information to project participants and community members on all aspects of career advancement and, in particular, on apprenticeship development. S/he works proactively with participants to identify and overcome barriers to achieving success in the apprenticeship/upgrading/employment path they are following. S/he liaises with employers and potential employers to increase employment and good employer/employee relations including the design and delivery of cultural sensitivity and other relevant training modules.

The Project Manager/Employment Counsellor reports quarterly to the Management Committee and over sees the financial and administrative requirements of the project.

Employment Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in social services or management or equivalent experience. A minimum of five years in employment and/or career counseling with proven project management experience. Experience in trades and/or trade experience knowledge an asset. Excellent communication skills are required to liaise with community participants, project team members, First Nation communities, and other partners. The Project Manager/Employment Counsellor exhibits excellent judgment and demonstrates problem solving, consultative, persuasive and conflict resolution skills. Well-developed computer skills, telecommunications, and a demonstrated knowledge of human resources development programs and strategies. Report-writing techniques are required to document activities, produce required documentation and inform senior management of issues and progress.

Ability to speak Oji-Cree, Ojibway or Cree is an asset.

MUST be willing to travel to the First Nation remote communities.

SALARY – negotiable up to $ 54,000/annual D.O.E.

+++++++++++

Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor

Reporting to the Project Manager, the Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor is part of the Project Team. The Project Team works together to plan, implement and document the apprentice and training support and services developed throughout the project.

The Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor designs and implements outreach strategies to engage potential and eligible apprentices from remote First Nations to participate in the project. In addition, working/liaising with the MTCU representative, s/he provides assistance, counseling and information to project participants and community members on all aspects of career advancement and, in particular, on apprenticeship development. S/he works proactively with participants to identify and overcome barriers to achieving success in the apprenticeship/upgrading/employment path they are following.

The Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor provides one-on-one support, information and assistance to project participants both in the community and while on the job site. Working in an online or distance environment and face-to-face, the Mentor is the content helper for apprentices, pre-apprentices and students: clarifying problems, identifying solutions, and providing training and support.

Using the resources of the MTCU, the Coach Mentor is responsible for developing and delivering appropriate learning interfaces for participants, e.g. online chat to verify progress of participants; delivering video seminars on topics geared to small groups; information bulletins on available work, upcoming courses and fact sheets; and a variety of life skills and pre-employment workshops and seminars.

The Mentor liaises between the employee and employer to clarify job responsibilities, expectations and behaviour norms. S/he ensures project participants are properly oriented to new jobs and training programs and meets with individuals frequently and regularly online or in person. The Mentor and worker co-identify the appropriate strategy or tool to assist the employee in their successful integration to the workplace and/or training program.

In addition, the Employment Counsellor/Mentor acts as a “coach” who encourages people to achieve their goals and helps them believe they are capable of achieving success through the development of self-esteem, skills and job-related confidence.

Counsellor/Mentors are also advocates for project participants, working with them to remove barriers that may impede success.

Employment Counsellor/Coach Mentor Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in a related field such as social services, education or psychology or equivalent experience. A minimum of five years in employment and/or career counseling or in a helping profession. Experience in trades and/or trade experience knowledge an asset. Ability to speak Oji-Cree or Ojibway an asset. Demonstrated ability to animate and co-manage community-based initiatives and strong oral and written communications skills. Must
have knowledge and proven experience in use and basic understanding of computer hardware and software and interest in learning online pedagogical techniques. Ability to speak Oji-Cree, Ojibway or Cree is an asset. MUST be willing to travel to the First Nation remote communities.

SALARY – negotiable up to $ 44,500/annual D.O.E.

++++++++++++++

e-Learning Coordinator

Reporting to the Project Manager the e-Learning Coordinator is part of the CAAR Project Team. The Project Team works together to plan, implement and document the apprentice/employment support services model they develop throughout the project.

In consultation with the Project Team, the e-Learning Coordinator identifies relevant information – pre-employment/apprenticeship seminars, life skills issues and problems, upcoming course opportunities, testimonials and success stories, Elders’ guidance and advice, employment forms, protocols and templates, etc - and produces them in appropriate web-based platforms to be posted online. The Coordinator also produces online content for the SLAAMB Apprenticeship website as well as assisting the members of the CAAR Team with a variety of production and computer services.

The e-Learning Coordinator is also responsible for identifying, designing and coordinating video learning sessions for the preemployment phase of the project. Included in these are public information and briefings, course material, employment seminars, sessions with experts and with members of the CAAR team.

e-Learning Coordinator Employment Requirements

Web development/programming background with experience in planning and managing web projects, organizing resources, and building web-based applications. Experience in curriculum and course design in an e-Learning environment. Comfortable with production tools and a good understanding of website components, including architecture, design, programming, and usability. Able to manage a variety of tasks and concurrent projects. Must exhibit strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills and have a positive attitude. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to speak Oji-Cree, Ojibway or Cree is an asset.

SALARY – negotiable up to $ 44,500/annual D.O.E.

Contract position up to 3 years.
Location: Sioux Lookout, Ontario

Please submit resume with a cover letter and three most recent references must be attached to:
Bob Bruyere, Coordinator
Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Manage Board (SLAAMB)
P.O. Box 56, Sioux Lookout, ON. P8T 1A1
807 – 737 – 4047
Fax: 807 – 737 - 4048
Mark envelope “ Private and Confidential”.
Closing date: Friday, April 13, 2006

Only Those Individuals Selected For An Interview Will Be Contacted!!

Federal gov't press release ...

Government Supports Wawatay Native Communications Society and Equay-Wuk Women's Group

SIOUX LOOKOUT, Ontario, April 3, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today announced funding of $48,898 for the Wawatay Native Communications Society and $24,999 for the Equay-Wuk Women's Group.

"Canada's New Government is pleased to participate in projects that allow First Nations people to promote their cultural traditions," said Minister Oda. "These initiatives will help increase knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and assist women in becoming leaders in their community."

"The Wawatay First Nations Cultural Multimedia Production Project will enable members of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, especially young people, to learn more about their peers in other communities throughout Northern Ontario," said Minister Clement. "Both projects announced today will benefit not only First Nations communities, but also the economy of Northern Ontario."

"Wawatay has been blending First Nations traditions with modern communications technology for more than 30 years," said Bryan Phelan, Publisher of Wawatay News. "This project brings our cultural content fully into the digital age, and makes it more accessible to a younger, wider audience."

The funds for the Wawatay Native Communications Society will be used for equipment and training for First Nations staff to create digital cultural content for Northern Ontario First Nations' website portals and for the regional Wawatay website hub.

The Equay-Wuk Women's Group will use its funds to help Aboriginal women increase their participation in First Nations governance structures in three communities in Northwestern Ontario including Mishkeegogamang, Neskantanga, and Wunnumin First Nations.

The Wataway Native Communications Society provides content for print media, radio, and television and also produces Wataway News Online. It broadcasts in Cree and Oji-Cree to 45 Aboriginal communities and is heard throughout Canada via satellite. It also provides weekly national programming through the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).

The Equay-Wuk Women's Group has extensive experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating community projects, and its particular strength involves Aboriginal women in the management of their communities, especially in the field of Aboriginal self-government.

Canada's New Government is providing this financial assistance through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Canadian Culture Online strategy and the Aboriginal Women's Community Initiative.

Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788

Erik Waddell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
613 957-0200

Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101

Ontario Hospital Association Presents:

OHA Region 1 NW Sub Region Aboriginal Health Care Conference - Building Collaborative Partnerships for Health Prosperity

September 25, 26 & 27, 2007

Valhalla Inn, 1 Valhalla Road, Thunder Bay

Over the past few years, there has been an improved awareness and understanding of the importance of blending traditional healings and contemporary medicine into the provision of health care for Aboriginal peoples. Collaboration and a community approach is necessary to face both cultural and geographical challenges.

This in-depth, multi-stakeholder conference will highlight opportunities and success stories of integration and coordination among providers of health care in the north.

Building on sucess of last year's program, Working Together in Harmony & Balance to Improve Health Services, this year's event will highlight:

• HR Planning and Skills Development
• Cultural Sensitivity Training for Caregivers
• Governance Models
• Updates on Current Policy Directions
• Blending Traditional Healings and Contemporary Medicine
• Live Telemedicine Demonstration
• Patient and Child Safety
• Storytelling Circles hosted by Native Elders

In attendance will be health care providers from hispitals and health agencies across the province. The conference will feature a Poster Display showcasing innovation and best practices in Aboriginal health care.

To receive updates about this conference or to be mailed a brochure, please email rmoonah@oha.com

For registration and further information please visit our web site at www.oha.com/conferences

Thunder Bay, Ontario – Tuesday, April 03, 2007  Wasaya Group Inc. hosted a Reception and Press Event today at the Travelodge Airlane to make three important announcements.

1.      Pledges in the amount of $505,000 from Wasaya Group Inc., Wasaya Airways LP, Wasaya WeeCheeWayWin, and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation (K.I.) to Sioux Lookout’s Meno Ya Win Health Foundation. The money will go towards a CT Scanner for the new Regional Health Centre in honour of the late Grace Tesky, a community member of K.I.

2.        Wasaya Group Inc. and its ownership communities signed a wholesale agreement with TruServ Canada Inc., Pratts Wholesale Ltd., and Triple 4 Advertising Ltd., for First Nations Stores.

3.      Wasaya Airways LP welcomed Keewaywin First Nation as the 10th ownership community to join the 100% First Nation owned partnership.

About Wasaya Group Inc.Wasaya Group Inc. is a partnership of nine northern First Nations. It was originally founded as a First Nation business enterprise in 1989 and is comprised of Bearskin Lake First Nation, Kasabonika Lake First Nation, Kingfisher Lake First Nation, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, Nibinamik First Nation, Wapekeka First Nation, Wunnumin Lake First Nation, Muskrat Dam First Nation and Pikangikum First Nation.