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Ontario government press release ...

REPORT OF THE HATE CRIMES COMMUNITY WORKING GROUP - Provides Recommendations On Fighting Hate Crimes And Strengthening Communities

TORONTO — The McGuinty government is marking International Human Rights Day by releasing the report of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group, Attorney General Michael Bryant and Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Monte Kwinter announced today.

“Our society has zero tolerance for hate crimes, so I thank the chair and members of the working group for their thoughtful proposals,” said Bryant. “Our government is committed to maintaining its leadership role in promoting human rights, equality, diversity and tolerance. I will also work with the federal government to consider those recommendations that fall within its jurisdiction.”

Bryant said that the Ontario government is striking an inter-ministerial team to consider those recommendations that fall within its jurisdiction and to plan the investment of $1.3 million to help strengthen Ontario’s communities by taking action against hate crimes.

“I offer my congratulations to members of the working group, who have given so freely of their time and contributed their depth of understanding of Ontario’s diverse communities to completing this report,” said Kwinter. “The government looks forward to working with community groups and stakeholders to better protect Ontarians and to prevent future hate crimes.”

The Hate Crimes Community Working Group began its deliberations in January 2006 and met with stakeholders in Toronto, Windsor, Ottawa, Thunder Bay and Kenora. More than 600 Ontarians provided input. The working group reviewed best practices in other provinces and countries and conducted an on-line questionnaire to gather stakeholder views on hate crime issues, incidents and victimization. The group provided recommendations on ways to improve services for victims of hate crimes and to prevent further victimization.

“I was honoured to have been asked to chair the working group on this very important and timely issue,” said Dr. Karen Mock. “It has been a privilege to work with such a dedicated group of individuals representing diverse communities, and to be able to reach out to so many communities and stakeholders across the province. Many communities look forward to continuing to work with the government to implement a strategy to counter and prevent hate crime in Ontario.”

International Human Rights Day, December 10, is celebrated around the world, commemorating the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly of the United Nations. This declaration affirms the human rights of people everywhere – the right to be treated with dignity, the right to freedom of religion and expression, the right to equality before the law and to protection from discrimination.

The McGuinty government has taken other significant steps to combat hate crimes, including:

• Expanding the categories of projects eligible for funding under the Community Grant Program to include community-based projects that support victims of hate crimes
• Providing specialized training in hate crimes legislation for a team of Crown counsel that provides legal advice to police and other Crown prosecutors on matters related to hate crimes
• Updating the Crown prosecution policy on hate crimes to ensure that it reflects legal developments and addresses the current social environment relating to hate activities.

The Hate Crimes Community Working Group was appointed by Attorney General Michael Bryant and Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Monte Kwinter in December 2005. The group's mandate was to advise the ministers on approaches to address hate crimes in the province, including measures to enhance services to hate crime victims and to reduce hate crime victimization directed at both individuals and communities at large.

The 10 members brought to their task a diversity of community perspectives, expertise and experience in addressing hate crime. The working group reviewed published research, held regional community meetings and focus groups, circulated an electronic questionnaire to agencies involved in hate crime work, and met with academics, lawyers, government officials, victim services staff, prosecutors, police and educators. The working group heard directly from representatives of many victimized groups, such as the Aboriginal, African Canadian, Jewish, Arab, Muslim, South Asian, East Asian, and Lesbian /Gay /Bisexual /Transgendered /(Two-Spirited) /Intersexed communities. In all, the working group received input from more than 600 stakeholders and community members.

Proposed Strategy

The working group proposed a strategy to encourage proactivity, inclusiveness, innovation and effectiveness in response to hate crimes and hate incidents, and in support for victims of hate. The strategy goes beyond the hate offences identified in the Criminal Code. It addresses not only individual acts of hate but also attitudes, systems, structures and arrangements that may facilitate or excuse them.

The working group included goals and objective statements under each component of the strategy, and made recommendations to help achieve these. The strategy includes a broad range of areas in relation to hate and hate crimes, including the unique position of Aboriginal peoples, the role of communities, education and training for professionals who deal with victims, services to victims, response and remedies within the justice system, and public awareness and understanding.

The full report is available on the ministry website at http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about/pubs/hatecrimes

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Contacts:
Brendan Crawley
Ministry of the Attorney General
Communications Branch
416 326-2210
 
Anthony Brown
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
Communications Branch
416 314-7772

Joyce Atcheson (joycea@kanen.on.ca), Policy Development Officer with Ka:nen Our Children Our Future in Thunder Bay worked on getting the Summary Report translated into Cree, OjiCree and Ojibway. Click on the links below to view this summary document in these languages.

• Cree
• Oji-Cree
• Ojibway

Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre is hosting a conference for Immersion teachers and Native language teachers and it will be taking place on Feb. 13, 14, and 15 at the Sunset Suites in Sioux Lookout.

Day 1 of this conference will be a training session on how to use the Phraselator P2 Language Companion. The Resource Centre is purchasing a number of these units and two trainers will be coming from California to do this session. For more information on the phraselator, check out the Thornton Media website at http://ndntv.com 

Click here to also read the CBC news about these devices being used in Alberta on KNews.

Day 2 and 3 of the agenda will focus on assessment.

Please call Charlotte at 807-737-7373 or 1-866-326-1077 ext 21 if you would like to register for this conference.

Sandy Lake First Nation Nation Presents:

Youth Invitational Hockey Tournament

March 1, 2, 3 & 4 , 2007

Margaret Angeconeb, from Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre, reports ... We are purchasing 10 phraselator units (7 to go to our Immersion schools, and 3 for our Centre).

From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2007/01/18/language-device.html

First Nation uses translation machine to save language
January 18, 2007 - CBC News

A translation device developed for the U.S. military after the Sept. 11 attacks is helping an Alberta First Nation and other aboriginal groups across North America preserve their languages.

The Phraselator (http://www.phrasalator.com/products.aspx), used by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, translates English phrases into the language chosen by the user. The hand-held device, about 10 by 18 centimetres, is programmed with thousands of phrases deemed to be useful in a specific situation.

When a person speaks English, it repeats the phrase in the programmed language.

A teacher at the Siksika First Nation just east of Calgary said young people in particular could be helped by the device.

"Siksika is one of the languages that is decreasing. It's not being taught at home anymore," said Herman Yellowoldwoman. "The only people that are teaching the language are the schools, and very little is being taught at home."

Developed by VoxTec International of Maryland for military use in Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001, it has now been adopted by U.S. law-enforcement organizations and aboriginal groups.

Thornton Media of California, owned by an American Indian, has worked with more than 40 tribes in the U.S. and Canada to help them control their own language destiny, the company website said.

"If your kids aren't learning the language, it doesn't matter how many speakers you have. If your kids aren't learning it, then your language is in trouble," Don Thornton said.

Most Siksika speakers older 

On the Siksika reserve, about 40 per cent of residents are fluent in the language, but most of them are over 45. Yellowoldwoman said even teachers have a hard time giving lessons to students.

"One of the biggest things is the sounds. When you write and read the Siksika language, the sound is not correct. And the only way they can ever get the correct sound is by listening."

The Phraselator has the sounds. And the machine can be programmed.

"You can also enter songs or words," Thornton said. On its website, Thornton Media promises the hardware, software and training so users can program "in YOUR language" — at $3,300 US a unit.

On the Siksika reserve, teachers want to use the tool one on one with students. They like the idea.

"It's [the language] a very important part of our culture. We want to keep it alive before it slowly disappears," said Larissa Calfrobe, 18.

Staff at the medical centre will also use the Phraselator so they can better communicate with patients who are more comfortable using their mother tongue.

Algorithms key to device

The Phraselator uses speech recognition algorithms, but is based on a different concept from most machine translation systems, the VoxTec website said.

Most efforts over the past 50 years of intense research have been based on the problem of recognizing phonemes — the smallest phonetic units that convey a distinct meaning, such as the "b" in bat — and universal translation.

Progress on the phoneme front has been slow, but VoxTec went at the problem by looking for a way to deal with phrases, recognizing that for most situations, there is "a specific lexicon that can effectively be communicated using a pre-defined, well-organized set of functional phrases."

Phraselator uses modules, groups of phrases in a given language designed by experts for specific uses such as disaster relief, the military or law enforcement, and then translated by linguists from the region where the language is spoken.

The modules advertised on its website range from Albanian to Vietnamese.

Don Thornton (and his wife) will be at our office on Monday, Feb. 12 to show us how to use the units and to start recording voices. We have invited a couple of elders to join us and we will be getting them to input some phrases.

INAC press release

Federal Government Announces $2.46 million in First Nations Economic Development Investments in Northern Ontario

Backgrounder

DRYDEN, ONTARIO (January, 18, 2007) – Mr. Rod Bruinooge, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, is pleased to announce approximately $2.46 million in investments towards economic activities that will advance development opportunities for First Nations peoples in Northern Ontario.

Speaking in Dryden, Mr. Bruinooge said, "We are working with native leaders and communities to improve opportunities and provide real results for Aboriginal people. Maximizing First Nations participation in economic opportunities is important to ensure a prosperous economic future for all Canadians. Robust economic opportunities are essential to the development of sustainable, healthy communities, and Canada's New Government is pleased to be doing its part to make this happen."

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) has committed to support the following projects in 2006-2007:

• $745,000 to the Attawapiskat/Fort Albany/Fort Severn First Nations to develop opportunities linked to diamond mining in Northern Ontario;
• $560,000 to the Pikangukum First Nation for the Whitefeather Forestry Project (Sustainable Forestry License);
• $317,500 to the Eabametoong First Nation for community-based resource planning at Eabametoong and Mishkeegogamang;
• $200,000 to the Seven Generations Education Institute for a Community Economic Development Officer Training Course;
• $141,900 to the Big Grassy & Ojibways of Onigaming First Nations for activities related to the Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park;
• $100,000 to the Pic Mobert First Nation for a Forestry Situational Assessment;
• $100,000 to the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation for the Two Feather Forest Products Business Development initiative;
• $64,700 to the Ojibways of Onigaming for a Water Bottling Manufacturing Feasibility Study;
• $48,000 to the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (formerly known as Sand Point) to explore forestry initiatives;
• $48,000 to the Ochiichagwe’Bagigo’Ining Ojibway Nation to explore economic ventures;
• $40,000 to the Mattagami First Nation for mining strategy initiatives;
• $40,000 to the Pic Mobert First Nation for a Mining Sector Opportunities Assessment;
• $31,900 to the Batchewana First Nation for a Fisheries Management Plan; and,
• $25,000 to the Nishnawbe-Aski Development Fund for a Hydro Project Development Workshop.

More information on each project can be found at the INAC web site at http://inac.gc.ca

In 2005-2006, INAC Ontario Region invested approximately $15 million in economic development funding to assist First Nations to improve their socio-economic conditions to help close the gaps between First Nations peoples and other Canadians.

For more information, please contact:

Linda Britt, Communications Officer
INAC Communications
(807) 624-1559

Chief Andrew Solomon
Fort Albany First Nation
(705) 278-1044

Chief Roy Gray
Fort Severn First Nation
(807) 478-2572

Chief Bobby Kelly
Ojibways of Onigaming
(807) 484-2162

Chief Esther Pitchenesse
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
(807) 938-6684

Chief Charlie O’Keese
Eabametoong First Nation
(807) 242-7221

Chief Connie Gray-McKay
Mishkeegogamang First Nation
(807) 928-2414

Mr. Mike Fox, Sector Specialist
Nishnabe-Aski Nation Development Fund
(807)623-5397

Mr. Delbert Horton
Seven Generations Education Institute
(807) 274-2796

Chief Charles Pascal
Pikangikum First Nation
(807) 773-5578

Chief Jeffrey Florent Desmoulin
Pic Mobert First Nation
(807) 822-2134

Chief Vernon Barry Henry
Ochiichagwe’babigo’ining First Nation
(807) 548-5876

Chief Dean Sayers
Batchewana First Nation
(705) 759-0914

Chief Albert Comegan
Big Grassy First Nation
(807) 488-5614

Chief Willis McKay
Mattagami First Nation
(705) 894-2072

Kristen Sills
University of Windsor
(519)256-3113 ext 25

Ms. Audrey Gilbeau
Economic Development Officer
Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek
(807) 623-2724

AFN Press release ...

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine Statement Regarding Appeal by Attorney General of Canada on Residential Schools Settlement Approval by Saskatchewan Court

OTTAWA, Jan. 17 - "We are very disappointed to learn that the Attorney General of Canada has appealed part of a Regina Court decision to approve the Indian residential school class action lawsuit. We strongly encourage the Government of Canada and the Saskatchewan Court to sever this legal issue so that the $1.9 billion settlement process can proceed without further delay in settlement payments for survivors."

"We have now heard from all nine courts. All agree the settlement agreement is fair and just. Some courts have raised some concerns that need to be addressed immediately to ensure survivors get their money in a timely fashion. Compensation payments for the approximately 80,000 residential school survivors should likely begin later this summer."

"We want to emphasize to the courts and the government the importance of getting this historic settlement completed in a timely matter. Many of the survivors, who are elderly and sick, are dying at a rate of four a day. We all agree we want to see an end to this sad chapter of Canadian history."

"The courts certification also means the Truth Commission will be starting its work next summer. The Truth Commission will ensure that all Canadians will understand the significance of the serious harm done to our people. First Nations are determined to send the message to the world that "Never Again" will such actions be tolerated in Canada."

"A comprehensive communications outreach plan to inform survivors of their rights to compensation is expected to begin once the court certification process is completed."

--National Chief Phil Fontaine

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

For further information: contact: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789, ext. 229, cell (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca;. Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor to the National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext. 243, cell (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca.
 
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From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2007/01/17/residential.html

Ottawa fights decision on residential school legal fees
January 17, 2007 - CBC News

Visit http://www.classactionservices.ca/IRS/Phase/PDFs/DOJNoticeofAppealSask.pdf to see the Attorney General of Canada's notice of appeal.

Courts across Canada have approved a multibillion-dollar residential school deal, but Ottawa wants to appeal part of one decision relating to a Regina lawyer's fees.

Canada's attorney general filed documents with the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, seeking to appeal a ruling about the fees of a Regina lawyer.

And that isn't going over well with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, who's worried about delays in getting money to former residential school students.

"We are very disappointed," Fontaine said in a news release Wednesday.

"We strongly encourage the government of Canada and the Saskatchewan court to sever this legal issue so that the $1.9-billion settlement process can proceed without further delay in settlement payments for survivors."

Saskatchewan Queen's Bench Justice Dennis Ball ruled last month that the Merchant Law Group, headed by Tony Merchant, should receive $25 million to $40 million, with the exact amount to be negotiated or decided through the courts.

Merchant, a Regina lawyer, has represented thousands of former residential school students and has argued he deserves to be fairly compensated.

However, the attorney general of Canada says Ball made legal errors and wants the legal fees portion of his decision set aside. The government applied to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal for leave to appeal this week.

The residential school agreement is designed to bring closure to a painful chapter in Canadian history. Some 80,000 aboriginal Canadians attended residential schools in the 20th century. The schools were typically run by churches but were the responsibility of the federal government.

More than 12,000 former students have filed lawsuits alleging various forms of abuse, including physical and sexual.

The deal offers $10,000 to each former student for the first year attended at a residential school, plus $3,000 for each year after that. Worth an average of $25,000 per student, this segment of the deal is worth $1.9 billion. The deal also offers extra compensation to students who were physically or sexually abused while students.

Reconciliation process
The entire deal, which also includes money for memorial projects and a reconciliation process, is estimated to cost between $4 billion and $5 billion, according to court documents filed in Saskatchewan.

The deal had to be approved by courts in nine jurisdictions across Canada.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, the last of the nine to weigh in, announced it had approved the proposed compensation package.

All nine judges agreed the package is a reasonable settlement.

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NDP condemns government’s stall tactics regarding residential school compensation - Wed 17 Jan 2007

DUNCAN, BC – Jean Crowder, MP for Nanaimo Cowichan and the NDP’s critic for Aboriginal Affairs expressed her dismay at the Conservative government’s appeal of the residential school settlement decision in a Regina court.

“All nine courts across Canada had ratified this settlement agreement and survivors were finally expecting to see some compensation for the abuse and loss of culture they suffered at residential schools. Ordinary Canadians understand this is a grave injustice.” said Crowder.

“Now the Conservative government is slowing down the whole process by appealing the agreement on lawyer’s fees. That is not fair to the First Nation, Métis and Inuit families affected by residential schools,” said Crowder.

“People are waiting for the Common Experience Payment, but they’re also waiting for the Truth Commission to start its work, so all Canadians can hear what happened behind the doors of these schools. And First Nations, Metis and Inuit are all waiting for an apology from the Prime Minister for this assimilationist policy,” said Crowder.

“At the least, the Department of Justice lawyers and the courts in Regina should agree to deal with this matter separately from the rest of the agreement. The Residential Schools Agreement is a step forward in recognizing the ill-treatment of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. It should not face any further delays,” said Crowder.

Federal government press release ...

Federal Government Supporting Northern Ontario First Nations

KENORA, ONTARIO (January 17, 2007) - Mr. Rod Bruinooge, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced a $18.6 million investment to northern Ontario First Nations, to upgrade infrastructure for power generation and to assist with pressures caused by remote and seasonal issues.

"Canada's new government is determined to ensure that First Nations peoples have the same access as other Canadians to the key elements of healthy and fulfilling lives," said Bruinooge. "This funding addresses the very real challenges faced by northern communities, especially remote and isolated First Nations in the Kenora region."

Canada's New Government has provided:

• $8.6 million upgrade to the Wunnumin Lake diesel generating station. The upgrade will consist of building a new, larger diesel generating station near the community's airport that will allow more power to be generated to meet the current and future needs of the First Nation. The new facility will also allow for future expansion as required. Materials are being moved to the community on this year's ice road to allow construction to being this summer.
• $4.7 million to 11 First Nations with independently-operated diesel generating systems (those operating outside Ontario's regulatory framework), in recognition of the impact of rising diesel fuel costs on generating and distributing electricity.
• $3.5 million in one-time emergency funding to assist First Nations with the financial pressures associated with last winter's road conditions. Unseasonably warm temperatures delayed the opening of some winter roads, and caused load restrictions on others, which resulted in higher transportation costs for essential fuel and building supplies. This funding was transferred through the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.
• As part of an Ontario-wide program, INAC is also providing $1.8 million to 75 northern Ontario First Nations for the operation of designated community buildings and vehicles, in recognition of the impact of rising diesel fuel costs on First Nation communities.

In 2006-2007, INAC is providing more than $946 million to Ontario First Nation communities and organizations for the delivery of basic services for First Nations on reserve (such as education, income assistance, infrastructure and First Nation government support), as well as for claims and self-government agreements.

For further information, please contact:

Tony Prudori
INAC Communications - Ontario Region
(807) 624-1535

Press Release

McGuinty Government Investments Link Remote Communities

Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
January 16, 2007 - 014

Construction Begins On Winter Roads In Ontario’s Far North

SUDBURY – Construction of nearly 2,940 kilometres of winter roads to connect remote communities in the province’s Far North is underway with the help of an Ontario government investment, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today.

“The economic and social importance of the winter roads to isolated northern communities that are accessible only by air during other times of the year cannot be overstated,” said Bartolucci. “We appreciate that our government’s contribution to the Far North’s winter roads network is critical for lowering transportation costs and providing alternative access during the winter.”

In November, the minister announced that the McGuinty government had committed $3.5 million for this winter’s seasonal roads network, enabling 21 First Nations organizations and the Town of Moosonee to build 2,940 kilometres of seasonal roads.

The roads are built over frozen ground and waterways to connect communities in the Far North to the province’s permanent highway and rail systems. Weather permitting, the winter roads are in use from freeze up until late March. In most cases, the communities cost-share and manage the construction. Since 2003, investments in infrastructure, postsecondary education, research and innovation and key economic sectors have helped strengthen Ontario's economic foundations and continue to build opportunity.

Information on winter roads conditions is available from each community. A list of road construction projects is attached, and a map of the winter road network and community contacts may be found at: http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndm/nordev/wroads/default_e.asp

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Contacts:

Laura Blondeau
Minister’s Office – Sudbury
(705) 564-7454

Terry Bryson
MNDM – Sault Ste. Marie
(705) 945-5926

Backgrounder / Press Release

2006-2007 WINTER ROADS PROGRAM

Twenty-one First Nations organizations and the Town of Moosonee are using an Ontario government investment of $3,480,700 to build 2,940 kilometres of seasonal roads this winter.

1. Asheweig Winter Road Corporation - $556,500 - A 474-kilometre winter road network connecting the communities of Big Trout Lake, Wapekeka, Kasabonika Lake, Wawakapewin, Wunnumin Lake and Kingfisher Lake First Nations to the Pickle North all-season road.
2. Bearskin Lake First Nation - $111,300 - A 106-kilometre winter road running northeasterly from Muskrat Dam to the community.
3. Cat Lake First Nation - $183,750 - A 175-kilometre winter road from Pickle Lake to Cat Lake First Nation.
4. Deer Lake First Nation - $110,775 - An 88-kilometre winter road running west from North Spirit Lake to Deer Lake.
5. Fort Severn First Nation - $245,700 - A 234-kilometre winter road from the community to the Ontario border near Shamattawa, MB.
6. Keewaywin First Nation - $96,600 - A 92-kilometre winter road beginning at Magiss Lake and stretching to the community on the east end of Sandy Lake.
7. Koocheching First Nation - $21,600 - A 12-kilometre winter road to connect with the Keewaywin road.
8. Matawa First Nations Management - $596,925 - A 511-kilometre network of winter roads and trails connecting Nibinimik (Summer Beaver), Neskatanga (Lansdowne House), Eabametoong (Fort Hope) and Marten Falls to the all-season roads system.
9. Moose Cree First Nation - $25,200 - An eight-kilometre winter ice road to connect to Moosonee. 
10. Muskrat Dam First Nation - $170,100 - A 108-kilometre winter connector road from Muskrat Dam to Round Lake.
11. North Caribou Lake First Nation - $57,750 - A 42-kilometre winter road from the end of the Pickle North all-season road to Round Lake and across the lake to the community.
12. North Spirit Lake First Nation - $182,700 - A 116-kilometre winter road running northward from the end of the Nungessor all-season road.
13. North West Angle First Nation - $38,800 - A 70-kilometre winter road from Windigo Island to Kenora.
14. Pikangikum First Nation - $51,975 - A 33-kilometre winter road from the Nungessor all-season road to the community.
15. Poplar Hill First Nation - $51,450 - A 49-kilometre truck-standard winter road to connect into Pikangikum. 
16. Sachigo Lake First Nation - $73,500 - A 70-kilometre winter road running northwesterly from Muskrat Dam to the community.
17. Sandy Lake First Nation - $115,500 - A 110-kilometre winter road connecting with the Deer Lake road at Duckling Lake.
18. Temagami First Nation - $12,600 - A 12-kilometre winter road from Temagami Access Road to Bear Island.
19. Town of Moosonee - $18,300 - Two ramps required for the winter road to Moose Factory Island.
20. Webequie First Nation - $115,500 - A 110-kilometre winter road from Neskantaga to Webequie.
21. Weenusk First Nation - $210,000 - A 200-kilometre winter road from Peawanuck to Fort Severn.
22. 3981584 Ontario Inc. - $434,175 - A 320-kilometre truck winter road from Moosonee to Attawapiskat via Fort Albany and Kashechewan.

Assembly of First Nations Bulletin A Communiqué from National Chief Phil Fontaine January 2007

The Assembly of First Nations issues regular updates on the National Chief’s activities and work underway at the national office.

More information can be found on the AFN’s website at www.afn.ca.

New Challenges for 2007

A new year is upon us and with it come new challenges and new opportunities. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on past accomplishments. Among these is the agreement reached for Residential School Survivors. The court ratification process is almost wrapped up, and the courts that have given decisions so far have been very supportive of the settlement. We will soon be in a 5 month court mandated review period allowing survivors the opportunity to assess the agreement. I, personally, and the AFN as a whole, continue to believe that this agreement is just and fair and is essential for survivors to begin the process of healing, recovery and wellness for the future.

First Nations were deeply disappointed about the federal Government’s decision last year to not support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. AFN is continuing to work internationally to advance First Nations interests. If you would like to send a letter to the UN to express your concerns about Canada’s stance on the Declaration, a template and contact information is available on our website (www.afn.ca).

The Government’s approach to changes to section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act and Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) also cause concern. The AFN supports changes in both of these areas, however, we are adamant that such changes must be pursued respectful of the duty to consult and in a manner that recognizes and supports the jurisdiction of First Nation governments to protect the collective and individual human rights of their citizens. The Government’s approach to these two issues may be characterized as an attempt to achieve a quick fix rather than working with First Nations to find substantial and enduring remedies.

In November, I co-chaired the National Aboriginal Health Summit with Premier Campbell where all governments reaffirmed their commitment to close the gap in health status between First Nations and other Canadians. Premier Gary Doer will host a second Health Summit later this year where further progress on First Nations health interests is expected to be made. To ensure that the federal government is fully engaged on advancing First Nations health priorities, I signed a joint health work plan with Health Minister Tony Clement at our December Special Chiefs Assembly. Our work with Minister Clement will improve access and the quality of health services, and ensure that essential changes are made in the federal system to provide greater control to First Nations.

First Nations scored a major victory in the Supreme Court of Canada late last year. The AFN intervened in two cases, Sappier-Polchies and Gray. These cases involved individuals charged with a forestry offence. The court decision established that Maliseet and Mi’ikmaq have an Aboriginal right to harvest wood for domestic purposes on their traditional territory. In this context, the AFN was able to raise several original arguments that were adopted by the court, including the scope of the Aboriginal right (“domestic use”) and the failure of the Crown to show that Colonial legislatures ever had the authority to extinguish Aboriginal rights. The AFN continues to monitor and be involved, where possible, in relevant Supreme Court of Canada business.

Prime Minister Harper recently shuffled his cabinet. Indian Affairs Minister, Jim Prentice, and the Minister of Health, Tony Clement, remain in their current positions -- AFN plans to continue to build on our relationships with them. We also anticipate working closely with the new Environment Minister, John Baird. As you know, environmental issues such as global warming, pollution, and contamination directly impact many First Nation communities. We cannot let another year, another season, pass without taking immediate steps to deal with these dire concerns. The AFN expects to become much more involved in this issue over the coming year.

At our Special Chiefs Assembly in December, we saw that many other important issues remain to be resolved, and a number of important events will take place over the next few months to address several of them:

• January 23-25 will see the National Aboriginal Economic Development Symposium take place in Saskatoon;
• On February 6-8 the National Housing & Water Policy Forum will take place in Toronto; and
• A National Aboriginal Women’s Summit will take place in June in Corner Brook, Newfoundland.

AFN is also expecting to hold a special forum on Matrimonial Real Property in the very near future, as well as a national conference on Historic Treaties. Information on these and other events will be sent to communities as it becomes available and will be posted on our website. I should also note, as I had committed at our last Special Chiefs Assembly, you can expect to see significant changes in how our Assemblies are run in the future. We are working to establish more effective ways of conducting our Assemblies, including how we effectively deal with resolutions.

As I look to the coming year, there will continue to be a range of challenges and opportunities. There will most likely be another federal election sometime this year. First Nations’ voter participation increased by 8 percent in last year’s federal election. Last month, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Elections Canada to enter into the second phase of a voter education campaign for First Nations. The goal of this campaign is to create educational tools and opportunities for First Nation citizens to make a choice about participating in electoral processes. I feel strongly that First Nations can make a difference by exercising their right to vote.

Regardless of whether or not an election takes place, the AFN continues to advance a set of priorities with which ever government is in power. We launched the Make Poverty History for First Nations campaign last fall, and as a part of this we undertook a wide range of initiatives that continue to drive us in the New Year. Central to this is the First Nations Plan, which builds on the resolutions and the policy positions adopted by the Chiefs-in-Assembly. In the coming months we will turn our energies to Creating Opportunities for our communities, opportunities for hope and success.

We saw an example of the potential of First Nations youth early in this New Year when millions of hockey fans in Canada and around the world witnessed the incredible goaltending of Carey Price as he led Team Canada to its third consecutive championship at the World Junior Hockey Tournament. Carey’s mother is Chief Lynda Price of the Ulkatcho First Nation at Anahim Lake in northern British Columbia. Carey is now 19 and playing Junior hockey for the Tri-City Americans in Oregon, and has been drafted by the Montreal Canadiens. Most importantly, Carey is an inspiration and a role model for all First Nations youth. Congratulations are due to Carey and his family! We look forward to seeing him on the national and international stage for many years to come.

I want to take this opportunity to wish you the very best in this New Year and reaffirm my commitment to work on your behalf to the utmost of my abilities.

Meegwetch and Happy New Year!

Assembly of First Nations, 473 Albert Street, Suite 810, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 5B4 Tel: (613) 241-6789 Toll-free: 1-866-869-6789 Fax: (613) 241-5808 www.afn.ca

FN Power Summit -Opponents, Proponents or Partners?

March 9 & 10, 2007— Calgary Sheraton Suites

Jim Prentice, the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Premiers, Hydro companies and Alternative Energy Companies will present at the “FN Power Summit” conference in Calgary. The conference runs March 9 &10, at the Sheraton Suites Hotel, and is expected to draw over two hundred people, so register early.

Canada is an emerging energy superpower. First Nation land and water provide unique operational and financial leverage. The conference will explore:

• What leads to successful relationships between First Nations, Power companies and governments?
• What principles and models lead to opportunity and wealth?
• How can First Nations help develop energy projects “Opponents, Proponents or Partners”?
• What is the role and direction of Provincial and Federal Governments' long-term energy plans?
• What are the implications for the production of electricity?

“We are pleased to announce that our program co-chairs will be Willie Littlechild, Elmer Derrick, Strater Crowfoot and Matt Vickers,” stated Ken Thomas, CEO of First Nation Network and host of the conference.

Who should attend: First Nation leaders and managers, Chiefs, Councilors, Tribal Councils, Provincial and Territorial Organizations, AFOA members and CANDO members. Ministers, Policy Advisors and Analysts as well as executives and managers of Power Utilities, significant energy consumers, independent power producers and marketers, lawyers, consultants and government employees are also invited.

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For further information, please contact:

Ken Thomas, CEO, First Nation Network,
E: ken.thomas@sasktel.net.
T: 306.241.5655, F: 306-664-7176
Website: www.firstnationnetwork.com