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From CBC news online at
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2007/02/10/northerncree-grammys.html

Alberta native group attends Grammys - February 10, 2007 - CBC Arts online

Among the global stars of music such as Shakira and Beyoncé making their way to the Grammys in Los Angeles is a group of native singers from Alberta nominated for its third Grammy in five years.

The Northern Cree Singers have been nominated again in the traditional pow-wow music category.

The group, composed of teachers, construction workers and students, has been belting its haunting Cree lyrics and heavy drum beats for more than 20 years.

Steve Wood, the group's founder describes the experience as ...

"When I started this group, I would have never thought, I never thought [we'd be] going to the Grammy awards and to be recognized by the epitome of the industry, it is, like, wow."

Wood and his two brothers formed the group back in 1983 when they found themselves penniless at a sports meet in Idaho. Desperate to make money to get home, they borrowed a drum from a local museum and performed the songs their father had taught them.

The group has 27 albums under its belt, has gone through a few changes in members, and has performed around the world.

Northern Cree CDs are also sold at mainstream music stores. Wood points out their music is free of synthesizers — it's pure.

"There is no word for it … it's powerful, it's energetic … high tempo."

Band member Jonas Toototsis says it has been transformative in his life.

"Without it, there would be a part of me missing without that drum, because that drum does bring, I don't know what that feeling is, but you definitely feel it and whoever hears it will feel that music, too."

The group is planning to drive thousand of kilometres to the gala on Sunday night.

"It's like a dream come true," says singer Dezi Chacan. "I never thought of this coming along at all as a kid. I knew I loved to sing and travel around, but to be nominated for a Grammy, it's gonna be a wonderful experience."

...

Press Release ...

HONOR THE WATER, RESPECT THE WATER, BE THANKFUL FOR THE WATER, PROTECT THE WATER

A CALL TO ACTION

INDIGENOUS WORLD WATER DAY MARCH 22, 2007

INDIGENOUS BROTHERS AND SISTERS STRUGGLING TO DEFEND THE ANCESTRAL LANDS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Free Trade Agreements and neo-liberalism have brought about a rapid expansion in economic globalisation in recent decades. We now see how poor and indebted countries look to the exploitation of natural resources as the solution to their economic problems. The wealthy and industrialized nations continue this resource exploitation within their own countries as well as continuing the resource incursions into other people’s lands in other parts of the world. In many cases, these resources are found on the ancestral lands of Indigenous Peoples. Mining, oil, gas, corporation agriculture, and water extraction, water privatisation and pollution are at the heart of many resource conflicts on and around Indigenous Lands throughout this Western Hemisphere. In the past, we have been marginalized in the decision-making processes that end up harming our People and the land we care for.

WE ARE NOT INVISIBLE

Our Indigenous Peoples and communities have known and demonstrated that we have the knowledge and capacity to take care of the Earth and various cultural and natural resources that we have been given. Governments and corporations have sought our Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge that may be beneficial to their interests. When Indigenous and corporate interests collide, governments politically, socially, and economically isolate us into geo-political paradigms where we are forced to make decisions about the sanctioning exploitation of mineral and fossil fuel resources. In other situations, water and air pollution come from sources outside of our territories. This exploitation, privatisation and contamination upset the balance of cultural resources and sacred sites. As Indigenous Peoples and communities come to better understand the risks associated to resource exploitation, there is an increasing amount of resistance to project proposals and/or a growing demand for remediation of existing problems. This has had the effect of forcing governments and corporations to respond to our concerns.

WE HAVE THE POWER TO BRING CHANGE

INDIGENOUS WORLD WATER DAY is March 22. This is an invitation to your community to participate in an international event that will raise the Indigenous Voice in defence of Sacred Water. It consists of organizing in each community a public event according to your traditions and according to the unique forms of your people. We must illustrate to the national and international audience, and the media, that Indigenous Peoples are united to defend water in all places where it is threatened. We must demand clean up where it is polluted. We must promote laws that recognize the sacredness of water and inherent customary rights to water, by Indigenous Peoples. As these events take place in all regions of the Americas, we will remind the world of the role and responsibilities as Guardians and Protectors of Water that we, as the Original Peoples have played since the beginning of time. The world is out of balance; this is the moment to act on behalf of our Mother Earth, and the water that sustains all life.

It is important to invite the press to witness your event. We must speak individually and collectively to protect the water. Together let’s make an Indigenous Movement to protect water by forming a human chain holding containers of water or other types of ceremonies and celebrations throughout the Americas on Indigenous World Water Day.

NO MORE MINE WASTE, AGRICULTURAL WASTE, HUMAN WASTE, OR INDUSTRIAL WASTE IN OUR WATER

The Indigenous Environmental Network (www.ienearth.org), along with many elders and others who care about the legacy we leave for future generations bring this invitation to you. To add your voice to an international press release or more information about the event, and to inform us about the event to be held in your community, please communicate with:

Robert Shimek toll free US and Canada 877-436-2121 (218-751-4967) email rshimek@ienearth.org. Or in Spanish Tamara@sextosol.org.

Click here to watch and listen to Akina Shirt, 13 year old Saddle Lake First Nation member, sing the Canadian National Anthem in Cree at the February 3rd, 2007, CBC Hockey Night In Canada - NHL Game - Calgary Flames vs Vancouver Canucks.

Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence

LOGO and NAME CONTEST

The Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence prides itself with providing exceptional, technical water plant operator training. Students come to our Centre for water and wastewater training programs.

We are looking for a fresh NEW look.

We would like you to design a logo for our Centre to compliment what we do here, which is watertraining.

Contest Contact Information:

Paul Otis—Program Manager
Susan Lappage—Program Assistant
Suite 209– 100 Casimir Ave
Dryden, ON P8N 3L4
Toll Free—1-866-889-1135
Fax: 807-223-8426

The Logo should be:

• SIMPLE—LIMITED DETAILS
• WATER RELATED
• NO WORDS
• FEW COLORS

In addition to a Logo, help us out with a unique new Name for our Centre.

Each class may submit one Name.

GREAT PRIZES

FAX ENTRIES TO: 807-223-8426

DEADLINE DATE: FEB 23/07

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This information is mostly for new moms ... I recently moved from Thunder Bay to Calgary. I would say that moving to Calgary has opened my eyes to all these things: importance of Breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and baby wearing.  Therefore, I just wanted to share it back to northern Ontario since these are my roots. Being a new mom has opened my eyes to so much. I realise how challenging this is and I just want to share this with other moms because these concepts are important in raising healthy strong Anishnabe children.

AFN press release ...

National Chief Responds to Minister Prentice's Dismissal of The First Nations Child Welfare Crisis

OTTAWA, Feb. 8 - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Phil Fontaine recently announced that the AFN is considering filing a Canadian Human Rights Complaint against the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) based on discriminatory funding of First Nation Child Welfare Agencies.

"It is unfortunate that the Minister will not acknowledge the true extent of the problem, and instead chooses to focus on the exact number of on-reserve First Nation children in state care. As the Minister responsible for status Indians in Canada it is disappointing that the Minister is not concerned with the total number of First Nations children in care. Whether it is 27,000 or 37,000, it is tens of thousands too many. But to set the record straight, the following is based on indisputable evidence generated by third party AND joint INAC-AFN collaborative studies:

• INAC funded a national research published report called Wen: de in 2005, based on three sample provinces where First Nation children are tracked in off-reserve agencies confirm the total number to be 27,000.
• Total conservative estimate is 27,000 First Nation children in provincial and First Nation agencies overall.
• INAC year end data confirms the on reserve total at 9,000, but the AFN's position is that all First Nations children matter, both on and off-reserve.

"The Minister went on to state that funding for First Nations Child and Family Services is not capped at 2% but increases annually by 11%. There are two budget components for any given child welfare agency, operational and maintenance," pointed out the National Chief. "The operational budget is the component that would enable the agencies to raise the quality of protection and engage in prevention services, this budget has been capped at 2% for the past decade."

"To equate the departmental maintenance budget increases of 11% annually as a good thing, is like saying the fact that the increasing numbers of First Nations children coming into care is a good thing. I would hope that Minister Prentice agrees with this point as evidenced by the following quotes from his own departmental website:

"The current Program also lacks the authority to provide adoption subsidies and supports and less costly placement options such as kinship care, which are more effective for the child."

"The reimbursement regime for high cost placements out of the parental home combined with the lack of resources for least disruptive measures/prevention services is contributing to escalating program costs."

"At the end of the day, we must remember one thing, no matter what the exact number of our children in care is, these current high levels are unacceptable," concluded the National Chief.

"The Minister may acknowledge 9,000 and choose to ignore those in off reserve agencies. However it is the responsibility of First Nations to address the health and well being of every single First Nations child, no matter where they reside."

A fact sheet with more detailed information has been contributed by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, a partner of the Assembly of First Nations

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

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The Evidence Supporting Human Rights Case in Child Welfare
Summary Sheet

Prepared by Cindy Blackstock of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
February 7, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------
Position: Number of First Nations children in care on and off the reserve

Source(s):
- Wen:de: We are Coming to Light of Day pp. 42-43
- INAC Year End Data
- Blackstock (2003)
- Ferris Manning and Zands
- Minister Prentice (2007)

Quotes/Comments:
In Wen de, an analysis of provincial child welfare data found there were 9771 First Nations children in care in three sample provinces alone. This lines up with the estimate of 27000 on and off reserve across Canada. The estimate that there were between 22,500 and 28,000 First Nations children in care was
first published by Ferris-Manning and Zandstra and separately
by Blackstock in 2003 have remained unchallenged. "I've looked at the stats over the last 10 years - the number of kids in apprehension has increased by 65 per cent," Prentice told CBC News Monday. CBC News (2007)

Position: It is important to support the work of First Nation child welfare agencies.

Source(s):
- United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (2003) Article 26
- Joint National Policy Review on First Nations welfare (McDonald and Ladd 2000)
- McKenzie B (2002)
- Wen de Report

Quotes/Comments:
Article 26 "It(The UNCRC) is equally encouraged by establishment of Nations child and family service agencies providing culturally sensitive services to children and families within their communities"Note: there are numerous citations supporting FN CFSA work I have included just a couple here but more could be provided if needed"

Position: Inadequacy of Federal child welfare funding.

Sources(s):
- Minister Prentice (2007)
Quotes/Comments:
Prentice said he know the system (child welfare) needs work and his department is try to figure out what to. CBC News Feb 6, 2007

Source(s):
- BC Children and Youth Review (AKA the Hughes Commission) (2006)
Quotes/Comments:
Recommendation 14 "... replace Directive 20-1 with a new approach that is more supportive of measures that protect the integrity of the family.

Sources(s):
-Amnesty International (2006)
Quotes/Comments:
"In 2000, the federal government acknowledged that chronic under- funding of child and family services in Indigenous communities means that Indigenous communities were often denied access to services that could provide for Indigenous children's welfare while keeping them within their families and communities."

Source(s):
INAC First Nations Child and Family Services National Program Manual(2005)
Quotes/Comments:
"the majority of the(NPR) recommendations, however, have not beenimplemented." "for example when the formula was conceived in the early 1980s computers were not used to the same extent that they are today. As well there was less emphasis on prevention than there is now. These changes have put more pressure on Recipients with little resources to adapt to current trends."

Source(s):
- INAC (2003) Evidence to Sub committee on children and youth at risk Mr. Smith, Acting DM INAC
Quotes/Comments:
"Having said that, let me assure you that INAC does not minimize the role it plays in child and familyservices, nor the effect our policy has on the lives of Indian children living on reserve. As recently stated by my minister, INAC's current one-size-fits-all first nations child and family services policy, developed in the late 1980s, has simply not kept up with provincial development in this area."

Source(s):
- Saskatchewan Government Community Resources and (2004)
- Wen de Reports
- Joint National Policy Review on First Nations Child and Family Services (McDonald and Ladd, 2000)
Quotes/Comments:
"The department continues Employment to press INAC on a funding approach for FNCFS agencies that would support equivalent child welfare services on and off reserve"

Position: Jordan's Principle to Jurisdiction Disputes as recommended in Wen de.

Sources(s):
- Wen de: Report
- Lavallee (2005)
Quotes/Comments:
Over 200 including Canadian Paediatric Society, National Youth in Care Network, UNICEF Canada, Canadian Child Care Federation, Laidlaw Foundation, Family Services Canada, International Social Services Canada,

Position: Neglect as Key Reason Why FN over represented in care

Sources(s):
- Wen de Reports
- Trocme, Knoke and Blackstock (2004)
- Trocmé, N.., Fallon, B., MacLaurin, B., & Shangreaux, C. (2005)
- Trocmé, N. MacLaurin, B., Fallon., B., Knoke, D., Pitman,L. & McCormack,.M. (2006)

Quotes/Opinions:
Two cycles of the Canadian Incidence Study on Reported Child Abuse and Neglect confirm that the leading reason why First Nations children come to the attention of child welfare is neglect fueled by poverty, poorhousing and care giver substance misuse.

Position: Link of Neglect to Poverty

Sources(s):
- Trocmé, N.., Fallon, B., MacLaurin, B.,& Shangreaux, C. (2005)
- Trocmé, N. MacLaurin, B., Fallon., B., Knoke, D., Pitman,L. & McCormack,.M. (2006)
Quotes/Opinions:
Secondary data analysis of the Canadian Incidence Study on Reported Child and Abuse and Neglect find that poverty is a key contributing factor to the over representation of First Nations children substantiated for neglect. Other factors are poor housing (correlated with poverty) and caregiver substance misuse. Both reports recommended additional investments in prevention services and long term sustainable community development to reduce poverty

Source(s):
- United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Committee Cultural Rights(2006)Reviewing Canada's 5th and 6th periodic reports

Quotes/Opinions:
Article 56 " the recommends the State Party (Canada) gather disaggregated statistical data inrelation to the relinquishment to foster care of children belonging to low income families, single mother led families, Aboriginal families and African Canadian families in order to accurately assess the extent of the problem.....in accordance with the provisions of Article 10 of the Covenant on the protection of families, the federal, provincial and territorial governments undertake all measures including through financial support, where necessary, to avoid such relinquishment"

---------------------------------------------------------------References

• Amnesty International (2006) The human rights of indigenous peoples must be protected. Ottawa: Amnesty International Canada. Retrieved 07 February 2007 http://www.amnesty.ca/themes/canada_hr_ip.php
• Blackstock, C. (2003). First Nations child and family services: restoring peace and harmony in First Nations communities. In K. Kufeldt and B. McKenzie (Eds.) Child welfare: connecting research policy and practice (pp. 331-343). Waterloo: Wilfrid Laurier University Press.
• Blackstock, C., & Trocmé, N. (2005). Community based child welfare for Aboriginal children. In M. Ungar (Ed) Handbook for working with children and youth: pathways to resilience across cultures and contexts (pp.105-120). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
• Blackstock, C., Trocmé, N., & Bennett, M. (2004). Child welfare response to Aboriginal and caucasian children in Canada: A comparative analysis. Violence Against Women, 10 (8), 901-916.
• Blackstock, C., Prakash, T., Loxley, J., & Wien, F. (2005). Wen:de - we are coming to the light of day. Ottawa: First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.
• CBC News (2007) Foster Care System Needs Improvement: Prentice. Retrieved 07 February 2007 at http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2007/02/06/foster-care.html?ref=rss
• Ferris-Manning, C., & Zandstra, M. (2003). Children in Care in Canada: Summary of current issues and trends and recommendations for future research. Unpublished paper prepared for the Child Welfare League of Canada for submission to the National Children's Alliance.
• Hughes, Ted.(2006) BC Children and Youth Review. Retrieved 07 Feb 2007 at http://www.childyouthreview.ca/down/BC_Children_and_Youth_Review_Report_FINAL_April_4.pdf
• Indian Affairs and Northern Development (2005). First Nations child and family services national program manual. Ottawa: INAC social policy and programs branch. Retrieved 07 Feb 2007 at http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/R2-332-2004E.pdf
• Lavalee, T. (2005) Federally funded First Nation Children with complex medical needs. Paediatrics and Child Health 10(9), 527-529. Oakville: Pulsus Group Inc.
• Loxley, J., De Riviere, L., Prakash, T., Blackstock, C., Wien, F., & Thomas Prokop, S. (2005). Wen: de: the journey continues. Ottawa: First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.
• McDonald, R. & Ladd, P. (2000). Joint national policy review of First Nations child and family services joint national policy review. Ottawa: Assembly of First Nations.
• McKenzie, B. (2002). Block funding child maintenance in First Nations child and family services: A policy review. Unpublished paper prepared for Montreal: Kahnawake Shakotiia'takenhas Community Services.
  Sub Committee on Children and Youth At Risk, 37th Parliament Second Session (October 2003). Evidence of Mr. Michael Smith Acting Deputy Minister INAC. Retrieved 07 February 2007 at http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/cmte/CommitteePublication.aspx?SourceId=63966
• Saskatchewan Government Community Resources and Employment (2004) One year progress report on the recommendations of the Baby Andy review- July 2004. Retrieved 07 Feb 2007 at http://www.dcre.gov.sk.ca/publications/pdfs/BabyAndy_Progress_Report.pdf
• Trocmé, N.., Fallon, B., MacLaurin, B., & Shangreaux, C. (2005). The experience of First Nations children coming into the child welfare system in Canada: the Canadian Incidence Study on reported child abuse and neglect. In First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (Ed.), Wen:de: coming to the light of day (pp.60-86). Ottawa: First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.
• Trocmé, N., Knoke, D., & Blackstock, C. (2004). Pathways to the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in Canada's Child Welfare System, Social Service Review, December 2004, 577-600.
• Trocmé, N. MacLaurin, B., Fallon., B., Knoke, D., Pitman,L. & McCormack,.M. (2006). Mesnmik Wasatek: Understanding the overrepresentation of First Nation children in Canada's child welfare system: An analysis of the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS-2003). Ottawa: First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.
• United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (2006). Concluding observations of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Canada 4th and 5th periodic reports. United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: Geneva, Switzerland.
• United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (2003). Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: Canada. United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: Geneva, Switzerland.

For further information: Bryan Henry, AFN A/Communications Director, (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.

Click here to check out the Native American Music Awards web site 

Press release ...

Submission Deadline: 2007 Native American Music Awards

February 7, 2007

The submission deadline for the Native American Music Awards is next week. In order to submit, you first have to become one of their members. The details:

DEADLINE: February 15, 2007

2007 Membership Application 
2007 Nomination Submission Form (Click on Link -PDF file)

The Ninth Annual Native American Music Awards is tentatively scheduled for September 15, 2007

Each year the annual Awards show program features over one dozen mesmerizing and dynamic performances by some of today’s leading Native American artists along with awards presentations in over 30 categories including; Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame.

Press release ...

Angus Calls For Action On Suicide Crisis In Kashechewan

Charlie Angus says a spate of suicide attempts in Kashechewan is a shocking indictment of the failure of Canada’s commitments to the community. Over the past month, 21 young people have attempted suicide, the youngest being nine-years-old. Angus says he is shaken by this wave of hopelessness in the crisis-ridden community.

Today in the House, he challenged Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice to make a clear commitment to the community. “What future is there for the young people in Kashechewan? The grade school is shut down. There is no community centre for young people. This is not a regional shame. It is not a national shame. Kashechewan has become an international symbol of utter hopelessness.”

Over the last two years, the community has been evacuated three times. The community is in the final stages of an internal process to choose a location for a new community. Angus challenged Prentice to live up to commitments made to the community.

“The government of Canada signed an agreement with the people of Kashechewan to build a new community. This minister needs to make a clear and public commitment to give hope to the people of Kashechewan.”

In November 2005, Kashechewan gathered international attention over an e-coli crisis in the water supply. Out of the Kashechewan water crisis, the government was forced to set national standards for on reserve water supplies.

"Once again, Kashechewan is calling out for all first nations. What about the crime of hopelessness? What about the complete disregard for the young? These children don’t even have a bloody school to go to."

Angus says the government needs to take the lead in addressing the failure of First Nation education funding. He calls on the government to insist that reserve schools are given the same resources for special education, schooling and youth at risk programs.

Audio Files:

1. During Question Period, Charlie Angus says many young kids have tried to kill themselves recently. http://www.charlieangus.net/audio/charliekashesuicide.mp3
2. During Question Period, Charlie Angus says the situation is getting so deplorable that international save the children are now looking at Canada. http://www.charlieangus.net/audio/charliekashesuicide2.mp3

AFN press release ...

Negotiation or Confrontation: It's Canada's Choice - Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples report on Specific Claims acknowledged by National Chief

     OTTAWA, Feb. 7 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Phil Fontaine commented on the work of the Senate committee on Aboriginal Peoples on the release of its federal specific claims report, Negotiation or Confrontation: It's Canada's Choice.

     The report of the special study, released in December 2006, echoes the AFN's recommendations presented to the Senate Committee on November 8th, 2006 to expedite the settlement of specific claims by establishing an independent claims body to be developed and implemented in partnership with First Nations within two years, and affirming the need for increased funding for the preparation, negotiation and settlement of outstanding specific land claims.

     "In order for First Nations to move from poverty to prosperity, Canada must settle its outstanding lawful obligations owed to First Nations," stated the National Chief. "The report, released by the Senate, encourages the development of a more efficient, speedier process for resolving the approximately 900 outstanding specific claims that represent a debt on Canada's books."

     The Senate Committee report acknowledges that improving the claims resolution system to enable quick, efficient and fair settlement of specific claims is a moral, economic, political and legal imperative for Canada. Within the existing process, it would take 200 years to settle all existing specific land claims.

     "I'm pleased that Minister Prentice has indicated that he looks to the Senate report for its recommendations on how to improve the process. We support him and we look forward to discussing with him the report and its recommendations to determine how we can jointly work towards creating a positive shift that will help turn the corner on First Nations land claim issues," stated National Chief Fontaine.

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

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/For further information: Bryan Henry, AFN A/Communications Director, (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/

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From the Globe and Mail ...

$250-million a year is needed for native land claims, report says
More violence is probable if disputes remain unsettled, Senate study concludes - BILL CURRY - From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

OTTAWA — A major Senate report is warning of more Caledonia-style blockades and violent confrontations between natives and non-natives unless Ottawa starts setting aside $250-million a year to settle land-claim disputes.

After hearing from a wide range of native leaders and academics over the past year, the senators concluded in yesterday's report that a plan to settle these claims is a proven way to better the lives of Canada's natives. Resolving land disputes, they argue, allows native communities to benefit from economic activities such as housing developments and natural-resources projects.

"In every case where they have been settled, it has meant an immediate improvement in the lives of First Nations people," the report states.

Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice, who spent most of his pre-political career working on land claims, has pledged to reform the way Ottawa deals with land claims but has yet to announce his new approach. A spokeswoman said the minister will go over the details of the report before responding.

The Senate committee is chaired by Conservative Senator Gerry St. Germain, a Métis with a strong interest in aboriginal policy.

In an interview, Mr. St. Germain said federal leaders need to treat their legal liabilities in the same way a business would, setting aside enough money each year so that the debt can be paid off.

He said most of the natives' claims against the government are clear cases of Ottawa allowing development, such as roads or rail lines, on native land without compensation. "It's fraud, theft and mismanagement," he said.

Although the senators found positive results where deals have been reached, the nearly 300 resolved claims are a fraction of the almost 900 that are currently backlogged.

The report found that long delays -- and Ottawa's conflict of interest in acting as both defendant and judge -- means it will be at least 90 years before that backlog is cleared.

To speed up the pace, the senators recommend at least $250-million be set aside each year to settle these disputes. They also call on Ottawa to create a claims commission to rule on these matters independent of the federal government.

Hard numbers are difficult to find, but Mr. St. Germain estimated that settling all specific claims would cost between $3-billion and $6-billion. Even at $250-million a year, it would still take between 12 and 24 years to clear the backlog.

Mr. St. Germain said the threat that further confrontations like Caledonia -- the Southwestern Ontario town where Six Nations protesters have occupied disputed land for nearly a year -- will spread across the country inspired him to dig into the issue.

"I can see problems just lying there waiting to happen and I think we have a responsibility as members of Parliament to make certain that if something is imminent, that we deal with it in a responsible manner," he said. "[Addressing claims] is something that I think really, really hits right at the very core of what we have to do right off the top to deal with our aboriginal peoples."

The Conservative government had promised an independent body for such claims during the campaign but has yet to act on the file.

As Canada was settled by Europeans, a wide range of promises were made to native communities in the form of treaties and other land arrangements. But natives who felt those promises were ignored, either by neglect or outright fraud, were legally prevented from hiring lawyers to defend themselves until the 1950s.

Since then, hundreds of claims have been filed against the federal government. Known as "specific claims," they deal with violations of deals that already exist. Talks toward new treaties or land claims are called "comprehensive claims." The report found that Indian Affairs estimates its liability for all claims to be at least $15-billion, a figure that the senators said will continue to rise unless action starts soon.

In an interview in December, Mr. Prentice said self-government and settling land claims hold the most promise for addressing native poverty in Canada.

"My view of where we need to go in this country is we have to resolve treaties, we have to resolve the self-government issues and there has to be a gradual replacement of the Indian Act," he said. "I'm pretty passionate about this because I think it is the way forward."

On behalf of the Kenora Law Association, I would like to share the link to our web site to ensure that this online resource is known to residents of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Given the increased use of the internet by residents of northern communities, the Kenora Law Association would like to ensure our web address is made known to Aboriginal Organizations  in Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory.

The site can be found at:

http://www.kenoralawassociation.ca/

The site contains full information on all lawyers in the Kenora District, including e-mail addresses.