Media.Knet.Ca

Thirteen remote First Nations across northern Ontario rely on satellite services from Telesat Canada for their communication services. This past year Telesat Canada was the winning bid to provide 2 additional transponders for the Northern Indigenous Community Satellite Network (NICSN) if and when funding is approved by Infrastructure Canada under the National Satellite Initiative.

From http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2006/12/18/telesatsale.html

BCE to sell Telesat in $3.42B deal
December 18, 2006 - CBC News

BCE Inc. said Monday it has launched a $3.42-billion deal to sell the Ottawa-based satellite operator Telesat Canada.

The buyers in the all-cash deal are the Public Sector Pension Investment Board, which is a Canadian Crown corporation, and Loral Space and Communications Inc., which is headquartered in New York City.

The new company will be known as Telesat and its headquarters will also be in Ottawa.

The pension plan will hold a 36 per cent economic stake in Telesat, but will hold voting control and a majority of seats on the company's board. Loral will hold a 64 per cent economic stake.

As part of the deal, Loral will contribute the fixed satellite services and network services assets of its Loral Skynet subsidiary, making Telesat the fourth-largest satellite operator in the world based on the number of satellites in orbit.

Dan Goldberg, the president and chief executive officer of Telesat, said the company will have 11 satellites in orbit, with four new ones slated for launch over the next three years.

The deal is expected to close in mid-2007.

Earlier in the year, BCE announced plans to sell a stake in Telesat. In September, the company filed papers for an initial public offering of Telesat shares.

But following BCE's decision not to proceed with an income trust conversion, CEO Michael Sabia said the company wasn't sure of its next step for the satellite subsidiary.

On Monday, Sabia said the sale of Telesat met his firm's ambitions.

"At the outset of this process, we set three goals," he said in a release.

"First, we were determined to surface the value of the asset. Second, we wanted to make certain any transaction fully protected the future of ExpressVu. And finally, we wanted to position Telesat as a truly global player in a rapidly consolidating industry.

He said the new company would be "global in scale, but Canadian-based and Canadian-controlled."

With about $30 billion in assets under management, PSP Investments is the pension fund manager for Canada's federal public service, the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

BCE has put in place a set of commercial arrangements between Telesat and Bell ExpressVu that guarantee ExpressVu access to current and expanded satellite capacity, including the launch of Nimiq 5 in 2009.

In the wake of the announcement, BCE shares gained 78 cents to close at $30.69 on the TSX.

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To read the following CTV news story, click here

Telesat takeover part of industry makeover
By CATHERINE McLEAN AND ANDREW WILLIS,  Globe and Mail Update

The pending takeover of Telesat Canada will transform the dominant Canadian satellite operator into one of the world's biggest players, opening the door to new markets, chief executive officer Daniel Goldberg says.

“This transaction catapults Telesat into the league of global operators,” Mr. Goldberg said Monday in a telephone interview.

BCE Inc. said Monday it has agreed to sell Telesat for $3.25-billion to a joint venture formed by Canada's Public Sector Pension Investment Board ( PSP Investments) and Loral Space and Communications Inc., based in New York. The buyers will also assume $172-million of debt.

Telesat is one of a number of assets BCE has sold during the past year as it focuses on its main Bell Canada telephone business.

The takeover paves the way for immediate growth because Loral will transfer the assets of its Skynet unit, including four satellites, to the Telesat joint venture. Consolidation is a quicker path to expansion than the years-long process of setting up new satellites, said Mr. Goldberg, who will stay on as CEO of the new company.

The combination will turn Telesat into the world's fourth-biggest satellite operator. Telesat has seven satellites that cover the North American market.

Loral brings another four that serve faster-growing regions such as Latin America, Europe and Asia. Telesat's plan is to launch another four birds in the next three years.

The new company would have a combined revenue of $658-million as of the 12 months that ended Sept. 30, along with a backlog of orders worth $5.6-billion. It would have earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of $341-million for the period. PSP Investments and Loral will fund the purchase of Telesat through debt.

Telesat is the latest target in a wave of consolidation in the global satellite industry in which Mr. Goldberg, 41, has played a key role. New Skies Satellites NV, where he used to be CEO, was first snapped up by private equity firm Blackstone Group in November, 2004. A year later, Luxembourg-based satellite giant SES Global SA agreed to acquire New Skies.

Mr. Goldberg says there is still too much capacity in Latin America and parts of Asia.

But he added that demand is increasing over all because high-definition TV and two-way broadband services are becoming more popular.

“Demand is stronger and our customers are growing in a way they weren't when the telecom bubble burst in early 2000,” he said.

BCE, based in Montreal, lured Mr. Goldberg away from SES Global in September as it pursued a two-track divestment strategy. BCE had announced plans to sell a minority stake in Telesat in February, but also decided to try to sell the unit.

The appointment of the Harvard-trained lawyer, who has 15 years of experience in the satellite industry, proved instrumental in closing a deal, according to BCE chief executive officer Michael Sabia.

“Telesat was a great engineering company,” Mr. Sabia said Monday in a telephone interview. “With Dan's arrival, it got an astute leader, an operator with financial and marketing skills.”

This deal was a year in the making. One of PSP Investments' first private equity moves in 2005 was to invest in a fund run by MHR Fund Management LLC. One of the fund's biggest holdings is Loral, which emerged from creditor protection last year. When BCE put Telesat up for grabs, Loral and PSP Investment knew each other and moved quickly to make a joint bid.

Mr. Sabia indicated the price was higher than he expected. There were multiple rounds of bidding with some deep-pocketed suitors, said PSP Investments chief executive officer Gordon Fyfe.

BCE used the strong interest in Telesat to wring a “highly competitive” long-term contract for satellite signals for its ExpressVu television subsidiary from Loral and PSP Investments, Mr. Sabia said.

Loral ran into trouble in 2003 as demand for satellite capacity slowed and a debt-funded investment in a satellite phone company went sour. Mr. Goldberg doesn't believe Loral is placing too big a bet so soon after restructuring. He said Loral emerged from that process with an “extremely strong” balance sheet, and that Telesat is growing quickly and will pay down debt rapidly in coming years.

Loral and PSP Investments will own a 64-per-cent and 36-per-cent economic stake, respectively, in the new Telesat. However, to comply with foreign ownership restrictions, PSP Investments and other unnamed Canadian investors will control the company through a 66.7-per-cent voting stake. Loral will hold 33.3 per cent of the voting equity.

Rival bidders said PSP Investment and Loral may have overpaid for Telesat, as the company changed hands at a valuation well above that of industry rivals. Telesat fetched 13 times earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (or EBITDA), while publicly traded satellite companies trade at nine times EBITDA.

PSP Investment's head of private equity, Derek Murphy, said that when Loral's contributions and new revenues from television company clients are factored in, the purchase price is 9.5 times EBITDA, close to industry norms.

“Telesat has a fantastic backlog of confirmed orders, a great engineering culture and best-of-class assets. It's a private equity dream,” Mr. Murphy said. He joined the fund last year after working on his own as a private equity investor, and as an investment banker with J.P. Morgan Chase and Gordon Capital.

INAC's Sustainable Development Strategy 2007–2010 for "a holistic approach to sustainable communities with strong social, economic and environmental dimensions."

For a copy of the entire strategy visit ...
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/sd/sd0710/sd0710_e.pdf

Minister's Message ...

As Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, I am pleased to present our Sustainable Development Strategy 2007–2010. This Strategy presents a holistic approach to sustainable communities with strong social, economic and environmental dimensions. It has been developed by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s (INAC) National Sustainable Development Strategy Working Group (NSDSWG), composed of departmental and Aboriginal representatives from across the country.

Across the Department, efforts are focussed on promoting sustainable development through strong foundations of governance, investing in people and improving community infrastructure. Strengthened governance, strategic investments in economic development and education, along with improved housing and infrastructure and safe drinking water are part of a streamlined set of priorities that are beginning to bring forth positive results.

Self-reliance for Aboriginal and northern communities, the protection of socio-cultural, economic and ecological capital, and efficiency and effectiveness in achieving results are key considerations that this Strategy promotes for integration into all our policies, programs and decision-making processes, at every level and in every part of our organization.

Canada’s new government is committed to the concept of sustainable development, and I am confident that, as a key tool, this Strategy places us firmly on the right path to continue to improve the lives of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Northerners, as we form new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships through mutual respect and trust.

Jim Prentice, PC, QC, MP
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians

The following story in the Vancouver Sun can be viewed as well by clicking here

Top B.C. judge urges PM to apologize to first nations 
Ian Mulgrew, Vancouver Sun - December 18, 2006

B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Brenner has called on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to apologize to first nations for the abuses of the Indian residential school system.

In a departure from the other decisions handed down by seven provincial superior courts Friday approving Ottawa's $4-billion residential school pact, Justice Brenner went a step further -- a giant step further.

"Although I am making no order and I am issuing no directions, I would respectfully request counsel for Canada to ask that the Prime Minister give consideration to issuing a full and unequivocal apology on behalf of the people of Canada in the House of Commons," the chief judge said.

"Clearly by committing to these settlement negotiations and by entering into the Settlement Agreement and the ongoing process, Canada has recognized its past failures with respect to the Indian Residential Schools. However, based on what I heard during these hearings and in other residential school litigation, I believe that such an apology would be extremely positive and would assist the objective of all parties in achieving the goal of a national reconciliation."

Brenner also suggested Ottawa consider making an appropriate statement at the opening of the truth and reconciliation commission that is part of the complex settlement package unveiled a year ago in November.

"While this is ultimately for Canada and the Commission to decide, I would suggest that such a statement delivered in the early stages of the Commission's hearings would do much to emphasize both Canada's recognition of the extent of the failure of past policy as well as Canada's desire to achieve a national reconciliation with the Aboriginal People of Canada," he said.

Brenner is one of nine judges across the country who were asked to review and sanction the federal government's offer to thousands of native people who attended residential schools run mainly by Christian church denominations before they were closed in 1996.

The two territorial courts will issue their ruling on the agreement early in the new year.

Brenner conducted five days of hearings, the most of any judge, and he elicited a litany of abuse and tragedy that obviously moved him.

Peter Grant, a lawyer involved in the class-action suit, thought Brenner's recommendation for an apology hugely significant.

"It's a powerful judgment and a good day for survivors," he said.

"That [call for an apology] is unique. A court normally doesn't do that. I work for individual survivors and communities and the question that has been raised with me again and again and again has been -- why does Canada not apologize to us when they have apologized for the Japanese internment and the Chinese head tax? You know, there's no real answer to that.

"I think it's extremely powerful that you have the chief justice of one of the provincial superior courts saying look, 'I can't order an apology, but please take this seriously.' What that does goes to showing that he recognized, he heard what these people have to say."

B.C. has the largest number of residential school attendees (14,911) among the estimated 75,000 or so still alive.

Brenner heard from more than 80 survivors and many others filed written submissions to him.

"While each had an individual story to tell," he wrote, "there were also common shared themes that ran through many of the submissions: being taken from home, often forcibly, at an early age; having their language and culture banned; and being prevented from even communicating with their siblings at the same school. They described poor or inadequate food, harsh corporal punishment and instances of physical and sexual abuse."

Most did not recover fully from the damage.

Under the complex agreement, ex-students get $10,000 for any one year, or part of a year, that they spent at a residential school, and $3,000 for each subsequent portion of a year. Those who suffered sexual or physical abuse -- and there are many of them -- are offered additional compensation ranging from $5,000 to $275,000.

Those who don't like it, though, are free to opt out and pursue individual claims against the government and the churches.

In spite of its strengths, however, Brenner said it is imperative that administrative deficiencies in the settlement be fixed.

Many survivors can't prove their attendance at a residential school because Ottawa or the churches have lost records.

Not surprisingly, the survivors -- who should each receive on average about $24,000 -- do not have a high level of confidence in the federal government's ability to fairly or properly deal with them.

Brenner and his colleagues want an autonomous supervisor or board overseeing the plan, reporting back ultimately to the courts.

"In saying this I am not critical of the efforts of the parties, including Canada, to date in this case," Brenner said. "However, what is readily apparent to everyone in this case is the necessity to avoid yet another exercise in failed paternalism, real or perceived."

And Brenner emphasized that money is not enough.

Former Liberal minister Jane Stewart read a statement of regret in the House of Commons several years ago, but the survivors told Brenner that wasn't good enough.

The Leadership Council of B.C. -- a coalition of the executive of the Assembly of First Nations (BC Region), the First Nations Summit and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs -- said "a formal and unequivocal apology from the Prime Minister of Canada to the Aboriginal People of Canada must be an integral part of this settlement. It is further submitted that in order to work towards achieving true resolution, the form of apology should include a request for forgiveness."

At his October hearings, Brenner seemed hung up on the fact he did not have the power to order such an apology.

"Even if the court had such power, an apology offered pursuant to an order of the court would be of doubtful value; its underlying compulsion would destroy its effectiveness," he said.

But he changed his mind after he "received many eloquent and passionate submissions from objectors seeking a suitable recognition by Canada of the inordinate suffering of the Aboriginal peoples caused by the Indian Residential School experience and expressing the hope that they could receive a full apology from the leader of Canada's government."

I say it was a courageous decision.

"There is an important cultural component to this," he explained in his judgment.

"Aboriginal Justice Systems almost always stress reconciliation. Aboriginal Justice Systems also usually stress the need to restore harmony and peace to a community. Leaving parties dissatisfied or with feelings of inadequacy or lack of completion does not restore community harmony or peace. For aboriginal students of residential schools and their families, an apology will acknowledge the wrong suffered by them and validate their struggle for compensation and redress."

He's absolutely right. Let's hope the prime minister hears him.

imulgrew@png.canwest.com

Lyle Johnson, K-Net's Video Conferencing Bridge Coordinator, spent this past week in Sudbury participating in a Contact North hosted Bridge Operator's Training session. The training was facilitated by Polycom, the supplier of the Accord bridge that we use.

Lyle's report includes ...

All in all a very good week of learing and collaboration...   There was one particpant in Sudbury, and 2 in Thunder Bay.  I learned quickly how much that I really did not know about our bridge and maximizing its resources.

Hopefully, I will be able to effectively pass on my learnings to K-Net staff, so that we may better serve the needs of the First Nations that we are so proud to serve.

See the outline below about topics covered during the week.

Through Hands-on Exercises You Will Learn How To...

• Install and operate MGC MCUs and Manager, including Voice/VideoPlus
• Install and operate WebCommander and Access Database, SQL server and Accord SQL database
• Modify the Internet Information Services (IIS) and Server remote database login requirements
• Manage the servers and fault files
• Install and integrate the Gatekeeper database; configure gatekeeper conferences
• Install WebCommander and Admin tables
• Define conference and participant templates to run all variations of conferences
• Build Meeting rooms, entry queues and IVRs
• Customize and convert audio and video clips
• Create a centralized database and configure details of the administrator tables

Course Description

The Polycom Technical Maintenance course is a hands-on program covering system installation, configuration, operation, and maintenance of the MGC and the connected Manager Workstation. The curriculum is delivered in a combination of lecture and laboratory exercises.

Note: Course does not include Voice/VideoPlus or Gateway.

Audience

• Technical support engineers; help desk technicians, field service technicians
• System Administrators & Operators Prerequisites
• Knowledge of Networks and Windows
• H.320 standards and H.323 standards

COURSE CONTENT

I. Introduction and Overview Multipoint
•Elements of a Video conference
•Elements of H.320 & H.323 Standards
•Functions and features of the MGC Releases

II. Introduction to Polycom MGC Manager
•Model Descriptions & Specifications
•Network Interfaces and Processors Revs.
•Overview of Workstation

III. Installation and Configuration
•Identify Processing Module Units and properties •Identify Network Interface Modules and properties •Install MGC Manager Software •File Maintenance and File Directory Structure

IV. Intro. To Work Station-MGC Manager
•PC Manager software, loading, requirements •Defining Operators and System configuration file •Starting the Application and connection •Windows Navigation of the MGC Manager

V. Set-up Management Interfaces
•Configure MGC for LAN or Dial/Direct Com •Set-up LAN for MGC Manager •Set-up COM Port for Serial MGC Manager

VI. Configurations of MCS, Network Interfaces, Troubleshooting Lab Exercises over 4 days
– Lab 1 – Setup LAN Management Port
– Lab 2 – Configure ISDN Primary Rate and T1/E1
– Lab 3 – IP / H.323 / SIP Configurations
– Lab 4 – Configure MCU Clocking
– Lab 5 - Configure V35/RS449 MPI Interface
– Lab 6 - Cascade MCU’s and Internal Cascade

VII. Create Network and Sites for Labs
•Create, Edit and Configure Network Resource •Create and Define Site Records Templates •Setup Dial-In vs. Dial-Out for all Labs

VIII.Define and Conduct Conference for Labs
•Create and Manage Conference Templates •Audio/Video/Content/Data – T.120 Conferences •Control / Verify Sites w/ MGC Manager •Scheduling and Conference Reservations •Reoccurrence Reservations •Auto Add, Meet Me Sites; Meeting Rooms, Meet Me Services

IX. Maintenance
•Read CDR log, resource report, monitor status window •Collect Trace files on a Video conference •Faults Log and Major Vs. Minor Alarms •Understanding Alarms and Faults

X. External & Internal Cascading
•What is Cascading?
•Launch Cascading
•Simple and H243 Cascading
•Manage Cascading Content

XI. Backup and Restore Operations

XII. Greet and Guide Operations
•Overview of MGC-100 Subsystem Process
•System Parameters
•MCU Utilities and MCU Date/Time

XIII.IP Configuration
•H.323 Configuration
•MCU IP addressing

XIV.LEDs and Card and Power supply status
•Main Control Unit •Card Indicators •Power Supply Indicators

XV. MCU Troubleshooting
•Reset MCU Vs. Reset Modules
•Disabling and Enabling Units
•IP Terminal Traces
•Fault Log details; Logger Diagnostic files  •Alarms •Troubleshooting Site connectivity •Loop Backs and Diagnosing Errors •SNMP MGC - MIBs

Personal web spaces like http://myknet.org along with others are now being recognized as key social networks ...

From http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061216/time_you_061216

Time Magazine names 'You' as person of the year
Dec. 16 2006 - CTV.ca News Staff

Time Magazine has made an an unorthodox pick for person of the year: You.

As in YouTube, MySpace, Wikipedia and the other types of new media that have exploded in the past year.

"There are individuals we could blame for the many painful and disturbing things that happened in 2006," editor Lev Grossman wrote in the publication's Dec. 25 edition.

But look at 2006 through a different lens and you'll see another story, one that isn't about conflict or great men. It's a story about community and collaboration on a scale never seen before.

"YouTube and the online metropolis MySpace. It's about the many wresting power from the few and helping one another for nothing and how that will not only change the world, but also change the way the world changes."

Grossman credited the World Wide Web for this, the technology that became popular about a decade ago, leading to the much-hyped dot-com boom of the late 1990s.

However, he said the Web is now in a new era.

"The new Web is a very different thing. It's a tool for bringing together the small contributions of millions of people and making them matter. Silicon Valley consultants call it Web 2.0, as if it were a new version of some old software. But it's really a revolution."

From the home videos of YouTube to profiles on the social networking site Facebook to podcasts, Americans created like never before, he said.

"America loves its solitary geniuses-its Einsteins, its Edisons, its Jobses-but those lonely dreamers may have to learn to play with others," he said.

"Car companies are running open design contests. Reuters is carrying blog postings alongside its regular news feed. Microsoft is working overtime to fend off user-created Linux.

"We're looking at an explosion of productivity and innovation, and it's just getting started, as millions of minds that would otherwise have drowned in obscurity get backhauled into the global intellectual economy."

Grossman acknowledged that Web 2.0 "harnesses the stupidity of crowds as well as its wisdom.

"Some of the comments on YouTube make you weep for the future of humanity just for the spelling alone, never mind the obscenity and the naked hatred. But that's what makes all this interesting," he said.

"This is an opportunity to build a new kind of international understanding, not politician to politician, great man to great man, but citizen to citizen, person to person. It's a chance for people to look at a computer screen and really, genuinely wonder who's out there looking back at them. Go on. Tell us you're not just a little bit curious."

Related CTV.ca News Stories

Arctic is Warming Faster than Expected - Over 400 Scientists and Partners Gather to Discuss the Impacts of Climate Change on the Canadian Arctic

VICTORIA, BC, Dec. 15 - The Arctic, considered to be the barometer of global climate change, is warming faster than expected. With many varied and widespread environmental, socio-economic, human health and cultural impacts, there is an urgent need to understand and prepare for these changes. It is this urgency that brought together over 400 representatives of university, industry, Inuit communities and government and non-government organisations to attend the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting in Victoria, BC, the largest and most comprehensive Arctic science meeting in Canada. This meeting was jointly held with the 14th Annual Results Workshop of the Northern Contaminants Program.

ArcticNet brings together scientists in the natural, human health and social sciences and decision makers with their partners in Inuit organizations, northern communities, government and industry to help Canadians face the impacts and opportunities of climate change and globalization in the Arctic. Over 100 ArcticNet researchers and 300 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, research associates and technicians from 27 Canadian universities and 5 Federal departments collaborate on 27 research projects with more than 100 partner organizations from Canada, the USA, Japan, Denmark, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Russia, Greenland and France.

Highlights of the 2006 Annual Meeting include:

• As predicted by climate models, the reduction in the extent of the Arctic sea-ice cover is accelerating. Specialists fear that a tipping point has been reached as evidence accumulates that the "albedo" effect is kicking in;
• The spectacular penetration of Atlantic water along the Siberian coast harbingers an "atlantification" of the Arctic Ocean that will bring the progressive replacement of the unique Arctic fauna by Atlantic animals;
• The Northwest Passage was open to navigation for several weeks in late summer and fall 2006 with the research icebreaker Amundsen sailing unhindered through straits that are usually impassable;
• Permafrost and coastal erosion are also accelerating, threatening the infrastructure of the Canadian North;
• For reasons thought to be associated with climate change, the concentration of mercury in the western Arctic is increasing in key animal species such as the beluga;
• Although Inuit are still well protected against chronic diseases and diabetes compared to other aboriginal groups, some warning signs, especially in women, raise concern;
• The emergence of animal transmitted diseases in the Inuit population due to change in vector distribution might increase and deserves continuous monitoring;
• Inuit experts are increasingly involved in the full research process to the greater benefit of science and adaptation in the Canadian Arctic.

The urgency to better understand and prepare for these upcoming changes in Arctic Canada is reflected in three recent funding announcements. Université Laval and the University of Manitoba were awarded $10.9 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation Leading Edge Fund in collaboration with the Government of Quebec and Government of Manitoba to improve and increase research equipment onboard the Canadian research icebreaker CCGS Amundsen. Complementing this investment is a $3 million Canada Foundation for Innovation and Government of Quebec grant awarded to the Centre d'études nordiques of Université Laval to build a series of research stations throughout the eastern Canadian Arctic to augment land-based monitoring of environmental variables. ArcticNet was also recently awarded an $815K grant through the International Partnerships Initiative of the Networks of Centres of Excellence Canada. This grant will allow ArcticNet and Canada to increase and consolidate their joint research and networking efforts with other large Arctic research networks in Norway, Russia, the USA and France to better understand the effects of climate change on the circumpolar Arctic system.

ArcticNet is made possible through funding from the Networks of Centres of Excellence Canada. The Networks of Centres of Excellence Canada (www.nce.gc.ca) is a joint initiative of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and Industry Canada. Further information on ArcticNet can be found on the ArcticNet web site (www.arcticnet.ulaval.ca) and information on the Northern Contaminants Program can be found at the following web site (www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ncp).

For further information: Jaime Dawson, ArcticNet, Office: (905) 635-4595, Cell: (905) 407-6808, Email: jaime.dawson@arcticnet.ulaval.ca.

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From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2006/12/15/north-conference-wrap.html

Permafrost hot topic at Arctic conference
December 15, 2006 - CBC News

Scientists at a major Arctic conference in Victoria say northerners should prepare for a changing landscape because of melting permafrost and erosion.

More than 400 researchers, northerners and aboriginal representatives met in the B.C. capital this week to discuss issues that impact the northern environment.

Michel Allard, a permafrost specialist with the Center for Northern Studies at Laval University, warned that northern communities will have to improve their planning to deal with significant changes in the permafrost.

Permafrost is soil that remains under 0 C year round and can extend hundreds of metres deep.

It makes up almost half of Canada's land mass and is found in all three territories and the northern regions of most provinces.

Allard said a 2 C increase in ground temperature has led to more melting. Researchers have also found that permafrost areas are shrinking dramatically across the Arctic.

Quebec towns readying for changes

Some towns and hamlets in northern Quebec are already preparing for the changes by drawing up new maps that show where it's safe to build and areas where construction should be avoided, he said.

Nicole Couture is studying erosion along the Beaufort Sea coastline in the Yukon as part of her doctoral studies at McGill University.

Couture said her team estimates that about two million tonnes of sediment are being eroded every year along a 250-kilometre stretch of coast.

"The reason that the Yukon coast is particularly susceptible to erosion is that it has a lot of ground ice," she explained. "The ice is very easy to erode away, much more … than just frozen sediment would be."

Erosion is a natural, ongoing process, but Couture said the process has accelerated with the melting permafrost and rise in sea levels.

Another factor, Couture said, is that shrinking sea ice allows bigger waves and storm surges to gouge the shoreline.

Both Couture and Allard said the key to dealing with the changers is for northerners to plan ahead and adapt.

Related CBC Story Links ...

Other Link - ArcticNet 

On Thursday, Dec 14, the team of K-Net and Matawa network technicians met at Nishnawbe Aski Nation's board room for a 2 hour orientation session for tower climbing safety. The course was organized by Jamie Ray as part of the First Nations SchoolNet program.

Participants in the training included:

• Jamie Ray, K-Net Helpdesk Technician (KO Sioux Lookout office)
• Terry Moreau, FNS Youth Technician (KO Thunder Bay office)
• Franz Seibel, KORI Researcher (KO Thunder Bay office)
• Terence Burnard, Network Analyst (KO Sioux Lookout office)
• Brian Beaton, K-Net Coordinator (KO Sioux Lookout office)
• Rob Wesley, Matawa Network Manager (Thunder Bay office)
• Adi Linden, K-Net Network Manager (KO Sioux Lookout office - via video conference)
• John Moreau, K-Net Helpdesk Technician (KO Sioux Lookout office - via video conference)

Training was provided by Jake Vandahl from Intola Safety (www.IntolaSafety.ca).

Read the NAN press release and the CBC coverage of this story following the AFN press release ...

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine says today's court ratifications represent a victory for Residential School Survivors

     OTTAWA, Dec. 15 /CNW Telbec/ - "Today's court ratifications are a victory for the tens of thousands of Residential School system survivors," said National Chief Phil Fontaine. "It means that we are on track for payments to be made out sooner than we expected. The Common Experience Payment (CEP), which benefits all residential school survivors, will likely begin in the summer of 2007.

     "As you may know, I have worked tirelessly for an early resolution to this historic $4 billion plus settlement," said National Chief Fontaine. "Today, we are happy that the courts have found it to be fair and just and have responded quickly to the certification applications.

     "This early resolution of the certification requirement shows the courts realize the importance of getting this deal completed, especially for the elderly and the sick," added the National Chief. "We expect court decisions in NWT and Nunavut will be rendered positively in the coming days."

     CEP payments are based on attendance at a residential school and will be calculated on the basis of $10,000 for the first year or portion of a year attended, and $3,000 per year or portion of subsequent years attended. The total amount of this fund is $1.9B.

     The much improved process for compensation for individual's who suffered abuse will start at the same time. The new process no longer discriminates between survivors depending on their geographic location or religion. It will compensate for more harms; it will be gender neutral; and it will provide more compensation than the present Alternate Disputes Resolution process.

     "The courts certification also means the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be starting its work next summer," noted National Chief Fontaine. "The Truth and Reconciliation 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 a racist agenda be tolerated in Canada."

     The remaining piece in the ratification process is the ratification by the survivors themselves. They get the last word. They will have 6 months to review the deal to decide if they want it. The AFN has strongly recommended that they accept the deal.

     The AFN and the Indian Residential Schools Commission will soon begin a comprehensive communications campaign to inform survivors of their rights to compensation.

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

-30-

/For further information: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789, ext. 229, Cell (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor to the National Chief, Cell (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca/

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NAN Welcomes Superior Court Rulings, but Urges Recognition of Additional Schools in Territory

THUNDER BAY, ON, Dec. 15 - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy is pleased with rulings by superior courts in six provinces and Yukon territory approving the residential school settlement plan, but urges the recognition of additional residential schools in the plan.

"We welcome the acknowledgement by superior courts across the country of the many years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that came with the residential school system and the attempt by the federal government to destroy the languages and traditions of Aboriginal people across the country," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy adding there are two schools in NAN territory that are not recognized in the plan.

Stirland Lake and Crystal Lake residential schools - both north of Pickle Lake - are not included in the settlement plan that includes a "common experience" average payment of $24,000 to surviving former students of residential schools.

"Until the two remaining schools within NAN territory are recognized we can't fully welcome the plan," said Beardy who represents 49 First Nation communities across Ontario.

NAN has also urged for a formal apology by the Prime Minister of Canada and continuation of programs focused on individual and community healing for the approximate 90 per cent of NAN members impacted by the residential school system.

"Acknowledgment by the courts is just one step in the healing process for not only the people of Nishnawbe Aski territory, but both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people affected by the residential school system across Canada," said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler who holds the portfolio for residential schools. "It's important to remember that the residential school system not only affects individuals, but it affects whole communities. Funding for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and other healing projects should continue so benefits from the healing services offered through these programs can be experienced at a community level."

Assembly of First Nations has been negotiating with the Government of Canada since December 2004 to reach a deal that will compensate more than 12,000 Aboriginals currently participating in lawsuits seeking compensation for the effects of the residential school system that uprooted Aboriginals children across Canada from their home communities.

Approximately 5,000 NAN members attended residential schools.

For further information: Jenna Young, NAN Director of Communications, (807) 625-4952 OR (807) 628-3953

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From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2007/01/15/nwt-residential.html

N.W.T. court approves residential school deal
Last Updated: Monday, January 15, 2007 - CBC News

The Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories has approved the proposed compensation package for residential school students.

About 80,000 former residential school students across the country are eligible for the deal.

The N.W.T. is the last court that dealt with the package to make its decision public.

The deal offers $10,000 to each former student for the first year attended, plus $3,000 for each year after that. It offers extra compensation to students who were physically or sexually abused while students.

Former students who object to the deal have until Aug. 25 to register their objection.

The Assembly of First Nations is urging students to accept the package.

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From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/12/15/residential-schools.html

Judges approve residential school deal
December 15, 2006 - CBC News

Judges across Canada are giving their approval to a settlement plan worth up to $5 billion with former students of Indian residential schools.

Earlier this year, nine courts across the country were reviewing the deal proposed by the federal government, which includes $1.9 billion in "common experience" payments for everyone who attended the schools.

According to court documents released Friday, seven out of nine of the judges are in agreement with the settlement. Two northern judges are still considering the package.

The historic proposed deal, which requires the approval of all nine judges, was reached last year following discussions among the federal government, churches and former students.

It applies to about 80,000 former students who attended residential schools.

"This has been so many years in the making," said Phil Fontaine, the grand chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Fifteen years ago, he was one of the first to come forward with a personal story of his painful experience at a residential school. He said the settlement will put an end to that era in Canadian history.

"Never again will such a racist agenda be tolerated in Canada," he said.

Under the proposed deal, claimants will receive $10,000 for the first year they attended a school, plus $3,000 for each subsequent year.

"These people will finally be able to receive the compensation they are entitled to receive," said John McKiggan, a lawyer representing more than 500 Mi'kmaq and Maliseet in the Maritimes who attended the former Shubenacadie residential school in Nova Scotia.

Among those hearing the news Friday was Nora Bernard, a resident at Shubenacadie from 1945 to 1950.

"I'm so shocked," said Bernard, who grew up on the Millbrook First Nation and had been fighting for compensation for 11 years. "I knew it was coming, but it's hard to believe.

"Now my people will be able to try to put this to rest."

Bernard has bad memories of her time at school. She said she was often hungry and was forced to work cleaning and making clothes.

Under the compensation formula, Bernard expects to receive around $22,000.

In addition to the money for the common experience payments — averaging about $25,000 per former student — people who were sexually or physically abused or suffered psychological damage can receive additional settlements of between $5,000 and $275,000.

Court heard in Regina that when additional costs are tallied up, a total of $4 billion to $5 billion could be spent resolving claims and on associated programs.

The deal also includes an additional $125 million for the aboriginal healing fund, $60 million for a truth and reconciliation process and $20 million for commemorative projects. About $100 million is being spent on lawyers fees.

Money is expected to begin flowing by next September.

Over the past two decades, there have been more than 12,000 lawsuits launched against the federal government and churches alleging sexual, physical and other kinds of abuse.

Related CBC stories on Residential Schools

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The following Toronto Star coverage can be seen by clicking here

Historic settlement for school abuse victims - After a decade of dispute, thousands of former students of Canada's aboriginal residential school system win compensation in class-action suit
Dec. 16, 2006 - Toronto Star

TORONTO (CP) — What's been dubbed the largest and most complicated class-action settlement in Canadian history has been settled in favour of the thousands of abused former students of Canada's controversial aboriginal residential school system.

The decade-old dispute with the federal government largely came to an end yesterday after judges in six provinces and the Yukon gave the settlement their stamp of approval, leaving Nunavut and the Northwest Territories as the only jurisdictions left to approve the deal.

"I think that people are very happy that the courts have unanimously endorsed the settlement as fair and reasonable," said Jon Faulds, an Alberta lawyer who's part of a national consortium of lawyers representing the victims.

"It's the first time in Canadian history that so many courts have been involved in the approval of a class-action settlement. It's an enormous challenge and I think, apart from anything else, it should be hats off to the courts for having found a way to make this work."

While there are about 10,500 individual cases currently before the courts and some 3,000 more in a government alternative dispute resolution program, there's an estimated 80,000 people in total who are entitled to benefits.

The settlement includes a "common experience" payment of, on average, $24,000 which will be available to all former students who were ripped away from their families and sent to various institutions across the country.

The estimated 12,000 to 20,000 people who suffered physical and sexual abuse will be eligible for an additional $5,000 to $275,000 each and could get even more if they can show a loss of income.

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`Hats off to the courts for having found a way to make this work.'

Jon Faulds, Alberta lawyer representing victims

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While all the judges approved the basic provisions of the settlement, some identified a variety of "administrative wrinkles" that will need to be ironed out before the cash begins to flow.

"They are mostly about making sure the court has adequate powers to supervise the settlement as it's being implemented," Faulds said. "The courts want to make sure that adequate resources are devoted to the process to make sure that all of the claims are processed very quickly."

As with any class action lawsuit, there's a two-month window for parties to appeal the court judgment. Toronto lawyer Craig Brown, however, said none are expected in this case.

"We believe that compensation for the wrongs committed in the Indian residential school system will start to flow in the middle of next year," Brown said. "And that's great, great news for everybody."

Brown said judges in the territories need a bit more time to write up their decisions because of the travelling they're required to do in their daily work. They're likely to complete their judgments over the holidays and submit them to the court in early January.

The deal also includes $125 million for the aboriginal healing fund, $60 million for a truth and reconciliation process to document the history and legacy of government-run Indian residential schools and $20 million for commemorative projects.

The most controversial aspect of the settlement is an estimated $100 million set aside for legal fees.

When all is said and done, it's expected the federal government will have forked over as much as $5 billion in restitution.

AFN announcement ...

National Housing & Water Policy Forum and Tradeshow - AN ADVANCE NOTICE FOR DELEGATES, SPONSORS, AND EXHIBITORS

Conference Date: February 6-8, 2006

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DELEGATES MUST PRE-REGISTER NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2007 - LIMITED SPACE IS AVAILABLE

The policy forum is an opportunity to be informed and provide input on proposed options on legislation and the implementation of the government’s five-point action plan for safe water for First Nations, and provide input into the development of AFN Frameworks to guide the establishment of a First Nation Housing Institute and capacity development initiatives.

The Policy Forum is an opportunity to be informed and provide feedback on government and AFN actions to improve Housing conditions and water safety on First Nations. The conference will also address the critical issue of funding including how to maximize funding through the current funding regime and innovative approaches to funding construction, operation of water treatment infrastructure. Also, outline frameworks for capacity creation of appropriate First Nation institutions and related organizations will be examined.

A major part of the agenda will be the proposed options on the regulatory framework to ensure safe water on First Nations, and other actions contained in the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs’ five-point action plan announced by the Minister of Indian Affairs on March 21, 2006. The expert panel on First Nations water has heard from First Nations across the country and is expected to propose options for a regulatory framework in November 2006. The implementation of this regulatory framework will have a long-term impact on First Nations, administrative departments, Tribal Councils, and other support agencies. Attend the conference to be well informed of these major proposed changes and let your opinion on the proposed regulatory changes and housing framework developments be heard.

This forum will provide an opportunity to participate in breakout sessions to provide input on all issues such as:

Water Policy Forum Topics:

• Regulatory regime for safe water on First Nations including water & wastewater treatment.
• An update on the federal government’s five-point action plan.
• The latest policies for funding First Nations capital infrastructure and O&M, how to maximize contributions, and alternative forms of capitalization
• An update on operator oversight & training initiatives.

Housing Policy Forum Topics:

• Update on Matrimonial Real Property Rights
• Land Management Act Opportunities
• Private Public Partnerships
• Housing Institute/Trust
• Housing Authority Network
• New Housing Managers Organization and Capacity Development
• Federal Mould Strategy Implementation

Other issues of great importance to the First Nations Housing development sector and water treatment plant operators and managers will be addressed including the operator oversight program and training for certification.

Who Should Attend:

• First Nation Chiefs, CEOs, COOs, & CFOs
• Councilors responsible for Housing, Health, Public Works & Economic Development
• First Nation Administrators, including Directors of Public Works, Housing, Health
• Water Treatment Plant Operators, Environmental Health Officers & Legal Counsel
• Tribal Council Technical Managers
• Municipal officials in Public Works
• Environmental Health
• Civil Engineering Firms
• Project Managers & Consulting Engineers
• Environmental Health Officers
• Water & Wastewater Treatment System Suppliers
• Women

Information on Registration, Trade Show and Hotel bookings will be posted on our website at: www.afn.ca

For General inquiries call: 613-241-6789 or 1-866-869-6789
Lorie Gopher ext. 294 , email: lgopher@afn.ca.
or
Lillian Trapper ext. 279, email: ltrapper@afn.ca.

For Registration inquiries contact:
Angie Dione ext. 309, email: adione@afn.ca.

• Conference Registration Form
• Tradeshow Registration Form
• Sponsorship Form
• General Information

NAN Decade Youth deparment is now accepting registrations for Seven Sacred Teachings 2007

The Seven Sacred Teachings Youth Suicide Awareness Conference will take place from February 5-9, 2007 at the Best Western NorWestor Resort and Hotel in Thunder Bay.

Please check out the NAN Decade Website at www.nandecade.ca for information on registration, and updates on workshops and guest speakers