Media.Knet.Ca

Meetings in Thunder Bay with a number of different partners involved in building and sustaining Information Technology networks across the region took place on Wednesday, Nov 22.

At the airports (Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay), informal discussions with members of the McMaster / Sioux Lookout doctors team members is resulting in further discussions around the growth of telehealth services and the network for applications including public health program development and delivery.

At the KORI office (http://research.knet.ca), Carl Seibel, FedNor Telecom Project Officer met with KO team members (Geordi, Brian Walmark, Franz and Brian Beaton) to discuss current initiatives and future IT opportunities and requirements.

At Confederation College, representatives from the college (Paul, Brent, Claire, Brian), Contact North (Pat via video conference), NOSM (Pasi), Keewatin Patricia Board of Education (Del), Rainy River Board of Education (Steven), ORANO (Phil, Ron), Northern Development and Mines (Randy), FedNor (Carl) and KO (Brian) met to discuss strategies for developing the ORION Research and Education fibre connections across the region. Regrets from Lakehead University and the Superior Greenstone Board reps were expressed.

After the folks from ORANO left, a number of people involved in Economic Development across the region joined the meeting to discuss strategies for "completing the job of making sure EVERY community in northern Ontario has access to broadband connections and applications". Northern Development and Mines is now looking to complete this work within their new mandate.

Later at the Valhalla, team KO team (Geordi and Brian) met with the new president and CEO of Thunder Bay Telephone (Peter Diedrich) to discuss possible partnership opportunities.

Lily Menominee-Batise is the Chiefs of Ontario's First Nations and Inuit Regional Health Information Systems Coordinator, who is tasked with developing Ontario's e-health delivery strategy.

Lily travelled to Balmertown on Monday, Nov 20 to meet with Donna Williams and her telehealth team to learn and share information concerning the telehealth work that is taking place across the region.

On Thursday, Lily travelled to Sioux Lookout to learn about the IT network side of operation and the developments that are taking place affecting getting all First Nation health facilities and organizations across Ontario onto a broadband connection with video conferencing capabilities.

The Sioux Lookout District Principals and Education Directors' Trianing is happening next week - November 28 to Dec. 1 at the KC Hall.

Training Workshop Agenda

Monday, Nov. 27 (Sunset Inn)

• Travel Day
• Registration
• ‘Meet & Greet’ - All participants are invited to enjoy bannock and music at the Sunset Inn (Sunset Room)

Tuesday, Nov. 28 (K.C. Hall)

• 8:30 a.m. - Opening Prayer; Welcome, Introductions 
• A1 Key-note: John Hodgson - Brock University
• A2 Developing Cross-cultural Understandings - Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee
• A3 Building Academic Skills through the Cultural Program - Kwayaciiwin staff

6 p.m. Feast - K.C. Hall

8 p.m. Square Dance

Wednesday, Nov. 29

• B1 Choosing the Good Path: What do we wish for our children and communities? - Steve Manlow, Learning Sources
• B2 School Improvement Planning: It Matters! - Bev Freedman

Thursday, Nov. 30

• C1 The Pathway to Learning - Kwayaciiwin staff
• C2 Building Community Relations - The Key to a Better School - Sean Monteith, Principal, Beaver Brae S.S., Kenora

Friday, Dec. 1

• D1 Education Directors' Training Program - Confederation College
• D2 NAN Initiatives - Dobi-Dawn Frenette, NAN
• D3 Education Jurisdiction - Jim Teskey, NANEC
• D4 District Education Issues

November 24 update -  From Desa ... Today was awesome!  We went to the Legislative Building in NWT, consensus style model.  Then did a cultural exchange with the Dene High School-totally awesome!  We went out for artic char, whitefish, buffalo.

The PFFNHS Coop club is staying at the Yellowknife Inn at 867-873-2601

November 23 update - The Pelican Falls First Nations High School Co-op Club has arrived safely in NWT, Yellowknife. They are visiting local Aboriginal Youth, seeing the Northern Lights, etc. 

The participants come from the following communities: 

• Deer Lake,
• Sandy Lake,
• Keewaywin,
• Koochiching,
• Big Trout,
• North Spirit,
• Pikangikum,
• Long Dog Lake,
• Wapekeka and
• Thunder Bay. 

The weather is a balmy -30 degrees and there is a tremendous amount of snow.  We are heading to the NWT Museum and off to a job shadow experience at the APTN Affiliate this afternoon.

Desa (Co-op Teacher)

Sioux Mountain Public School students are fundraising this school year to raise money for their annual Toronto trip to be held in June 2007.

A spaghetti dinner organized by the Grade 7/8 students of Sioux Mountain Public School will be held on Friday, November 24th at the KC Hall.  Two sittings at 5 pm and 6 pm will be served by students and parents.  Menu includes spaghetti, salad, roll, refreshments and dessert.  Cost is $8.00 for adults, youth and children $6.00 and kids eat free. 

The draw for the Weekend Getaway in Thunder Bay will be drawn that night as well as a silent auction and light entertainment. 

This is the start of many fundraising ventures for the school to raise their goal of $50,000. 

Community support is greatly appreciated.  For more information please contact Debbie Michaud at 737-0045 or Rhonda Konrad

KiHS Secretary Job Opportunity

Starting Date: Dec 4, 2006

Job Description and List of Duties - 2006/2007

The role of the KiHS Secretary is to help manage the day to day activities that occur in the KiHS program. The secretary will manage the communication that goes on within the KiHS program and make sure that those who need to be informed of what is happening are.

He/she will manage the data entry of the program and make sure that such is collected and organized timely to make the program run as per schedule. The secretary will ensure that the report cards are ready and printed at the middle and end of each term.

The secretary will also keep the office organized with respect to mail and supplies and help create and maintain a professional and confidential work environment.

The main duties of the KiHS Secretary are:

• Manage Maplewood and Moodle and keep updated
• Accept and process student applications in conjunction with the guidance counsellor and other admin staff if required
• Keep in regular contact with each classroom teacher and/or classroom assistant to ensure they have what they need
• Monitor and order supplies for office and classrooms
• Work with KiHS office and program staff to ensure a smooth flow of information and efficiency
• Make sure data entry is up to date and accurate
• Monitor attendance
• Receive, send , and sort mail
• Make travel and professional development arrangements for staff and manage expense claims
• Manage and print report card periods each term
• Make sure information reports are sent to appropriate organizations
• Organize data collection and such for student awards
• Collect and organize KiHS staff timesheets
• Take minutes at any KiHS meeting when needed
• Answer phone and co-ordinate office and program communication
• Other duties as assigned by principal

Please email or fax resumes and cover letter to:

Attention: Darrin Potter (KiHS Principal)

Email: darrinpotter@knet.ca

Fax: 807 735 3392

From Make Poverty History (http://www.makepovertyhistory.ca/e): A message from the AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine ...

The First Nations Plan for Creating Opportunity

Dear Make Poverty History supporter:

In Canada, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) recently launched Make Poverty History: The First Nations Plan for Creating Opportunity. We are asking all members of the public to sign our on-line petition to ensure that the Government of Canada sees that First Nations poverty is a truly shared issue for all Canadians.

First Nations poverty is the single greatest social justice issue in Canada.

There are more than 750,000 First Nations people living in Canada, on reserves, in urban areas and in Northern Territories. Compared to Canadians:

• one in four First Nations children live in poverty versus one in six;
• life expectancy is 7.4 years less for First Nations men and 5.2 years less for First Nations women;
• overcrowding in First Nations homes is almost double;
  mold contaminates almost half of homes;
• socioeconomic conditions has been compared to developing countries with health status well below the national average. First Nations people simply cannot afford the means to good health.

November 21, 2006 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples' (RCAP) final report. Our report card on RCAP implementation shows that Canada has failed to act on most of the recommendations.

One year ago, First Ministers of all federal, provincial and territorial governments, and leaders of First Nations and other Aboriginal organizations unanimously agreed to adopt the Kelowna Accord. Unfortunately, the commitments made in the 10-year Plan for closing the gap in poverty between First Nations and other Canadians have not yet been honored by the new federal government, although the Conservative party platform agreed with the targets to be achieved.

Yet, it costs more to keep First Nations in poverty than creating opportunity.

You can help to create pressure for long overdue action on First Nations poverty by signing the on-line petition at http://www.afn.ca/webcast/petition/wcr.htm. More information is also provided on the website.

Please join us in the struggle to Make Poverty History for First Nations and Create Opportunity for First Nations.

Thank you.

Phil Fontaine
National Chief

Constance Lake and Nipissing First Nations as well as Seven Generations benefit from funding for women's training initiatives from the Ontario gov't ...

Ontario government press release ...

McGuinty Government Helps Abused And At-Risk Women Get Jobs - Project to Include Nipissing and Constance Lake First Nations

New Skills Training Program Lays Foundation For Economic Independence

TORONTO, Nov. 20 - Minister Responsible for Women's Issues Sandra Pupatello today announced a new $4 million training program that will help vulnerable women develop new skills, find employment, and achieve economic independence.

"Women who have made the difficult decision to leave an abusive situation have told me that one of their biggest concerns - after their personal safety and the safety of their children - is being able to provide for themselves and their families," said Minister Pupatello. "That's why our government is introducing a program that will give vulnerable women the opportunity to develop new skills so that they can get well-paying jobs."

Ten organizations across the province will receive funding over the next two years through the Employment Training Pilot Program to administer and deliver programs offering skills training, education, support and counselling. Each program consists of a three-way partnership between a violence against women group, a training organization and an employer.

George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology in Toronto is delivering one of the programs, a residential air conditioning systems mechanic training program being offered in partnership with Direct Energy Essential Home Services and Nellie's Shelter.

"A good education is an essential factor in helping women become economically independent, and the Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic program is an ideal fit because the skilled trades offer well-paying jobs and flexible employment prospects," said Anne Sado, President of George Brown College Applied Arts and Technology. "Women in this program also will benefit from a learning environment sensitive to their needs as they recover from abuse."

Lee Rose, Direct Energy's Senior Vice-President, Home Services Canada, said, "Direct Energy has a tremendous need for qualified trades people to support our heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician base, which is the largest in Ontario. We're proud to partner with George Brown College and local women's and community organizations to help women build better lives by acquiring a skilled trade."

The pilot training program is part of the government's comprehensive, $68-million Domestic Violence Action Plan, introduced in December 2004.

Other government initiatives to promote women's economic independence and prevent domestic violence include:

<<
- Investing $2.7 million over two years to provide information technology training for low-income women;
- Investing $1.5 million to provide pre-apprenticeship training in the skilled trades for low-income women who are unemployed or underemployed;
- Investing $58 million over four years to provide community services to victims, including counseling and shelter;
- Investing $5.9 million to train professionals to recognize the signs of abuse earlier and give women the support they need; and
- Investing $4.9 million for a public education campaign targeting children and youth and the adults who influence them, to change attitudes and mobilize communities to stop violence before it happens.

"The Domestic Violence Employment Training Pilot Program gives women the opportunity to find sustainable employment and achieve economic security which are important steps for their future and the future of their families," said Pupatello.

Disponible en français
www.ontariowomensdirectorate.gov.on.ca

Backgrounder
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT FUNDS 10 EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PILOT PROGRAMS FOR AT-RISK WOMEN

The Ontario government is investing more than $4 million over two years in a new Employment Training Pilot Projects Program for more than 450 women who have experienced domestic violence, or are at risk. The program will help women gain confidence, new skills and, ultimately, employment and economic independence.

The Ontario government is committed to helping these women change their circumstance through public awareness and programs to prevent domestic violence. The Employment Training Pilot Project Program is part of a four-year, $68 million Domestic Violence Action Plan.

The Employment Training Pilot Projects Program will benefit women in the following communities:

- Calstock (West of Hearst)
The province is investing $469,996 in the Constance Lake First Nation to train 20 Aboriginal women in Aboriginal crafts/trades, customer service skills and employment. Partners include: Jane Mattinas Health Centre; Northern College; and Eagle's Earth Cree and Ojibway Historical Centre tourism site.

Program start date: November 2006

Contact Information:
Ms. Terry John-George
Executive Director,
Constance Lake First Nation
3 Shan-Way-Shoo
Calstock, ON P0L 1B0
Tel: 705-463-4511
Fax: 705-463-2222
Email: jbterry@clfn.on.ca.

- District of Nipissing
The province is investing $500,000 in the Nipissing First Nations to deliver individualized employment readiness training, academic upgrading and trades training to 60 Aboriginal women, including women with disabilities and women from rural and isolated communities.
Partners include: Canadore College; YES Employment Services Inc.; Disability Employment Opportunities Committee; Ojibway Family Resource Centre; People for Equal Partnership in Mental Health; and Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.

Program start date: December 2006

Contact Information:
Ms. Brenda Restoule
Employment Manager,
Nipissing First Nations
36 Semo Rd.
Garden Village, ON P2B 3K2
Tel: 705-753-2050
Fax: 705-753-0207
Email: brendar@nfn.ca.

- Fort Frances
The province is investing $246,225 in the Seven Generations Education Institute to deliver academic upgrading, communications, mathematics, computers, life skills, hospitality and business skills leading to employment for 20 rural Aboriginal women. Partners include: Super 8 Motel; Hotel La Place Rendez Vous; Emo Inn; Anishinaabeg Community Counselling Services; and Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong.

Program start date: October 2006

Contact Information:
Ms. Lisa Mik-onini
Project Coordinator,
Seven Generations Education Institute
1455 Idylwild Drive, P.O. Box 297
Fort Frances, ON P9A 3M6
Tel: 807-274-2796
Fax: 807-274-8761
Email: lisam@7generations.org.

- Lambton County
The province is investing $289,600 in the Women's Interval Home of Sarnia & Lambton Inc. to provide employment-readiness training and academic upgrading program to help 100 women find work placements and employment. Partners include: Lambton College; Lambton County; Lambton County Social Services - Ontario Works; and The Body Shop.

Program start date: January 2007

Contact Information:
Ms. Karen Hunter
Executive Director,
Women's Interval Home of Sarnia & Lambton Inc.
681 Oxford St. Sarnia, ON N7T 6Z7
Tel: (519) 336-5200, ext.30
Fax: (519) 336-7897
Email: karen@sarniawih.pointclark.net.

- Niagara
The province is investing $305,000 in the Niagara Women's Enterprise Centre to provide 50 women with training and work placements in food, hospitality and retail services. Partners include: Niagara College and the Tourism Industry Development Centre; Women's Place St. Catharines & North Niagara; Women's Place South Niagara Inc.; YWCA; Women's Resource Centre (Beamsville); Bethlehem Projects of Niagara; Employment Help Centre of Welland & St. Catharines; Convergys; Opportunities Niagara; Absolute Hospitality; Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines; Immigrant Women's Network of Niagara; The 21st Group; Niagara Regional Housing; and Niagara Presents.

Program start date: February 2007

Contact Information:
Ms. Betty Ann Baker
Executive Director,
Niagara Women's Enterprise Centre
178 King St. 3rd Fl.
Welland, ON L3B 3J5
Tel: 905-788-0166 ext. 205
Email: babaker@nphcr.ca.

- Ottawa
The province is investing $205,609 in La Cité des affaires de La Cité collégiale to train 10 francophone women as office clerks, accounting assistants or administrative assistants, and provide work placement and job search support. Partners include: Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre, Diffusart International, and Montfort Renaissance.

Program start date: November 2006

Contact Information:
Mme. Lyne Michaud
directrice executive,
La Cité des affaires de La Cité collégiale
801 promenade de L'Aviation
Ottawa, ON J8M 2B8
Tel: 613-742-2475
Email: lmicha@lacitec.on.ca.

- Toronto
The province is investing $309,157 in COSTI Immigrant Services to train 40 immigrant women as certified computerized accounting clerks through an online program. Partners include: Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning; Woman Abuse Council of Toronto; and Manpower Inc.

Program start date: December 2006

Contact Information:
Mr. Robert Cazzola
Director, Education and Information Technology
COSTI Immigrant Services
1710 Dufferin Street
Toronto, ON M6E 3P2
Tel: 416-534-7400
Email: cazzola@costi.org.

- Toronto
The province is investing $388,440 in George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology to train 22 women as residential air conditioning systems mechanics. Partners include: Direct Energy Essential Home Services; Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape; Nellie's; and Parkdale Project Read.

Program start date: January 2007

Contact Information:
Mr. Rolf Priesnitz, Chair Apprenticeship Programs
Tel: 416-415-5000 ext. 4371
Email: rpriesni@gbrownc.on.ca.
And
Ms. Mandy Bonisteel, Coordinator, Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program
Tel: 416-415-5000 ext. 2121
Email: mboniste@gbrownc.on.ca.
George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology
St. James Campus
200 King Street East
Toronto, ON M5A 3W8

- Toronto
The province is investing $500,000 in Woodgreen Community Services to deliver employment-readiness and life skills training, academic upgrading, information technology training or internship to earn a college diploma to 32 women. Partners include: Seneca College; International Computer Drivers Licence; Homeward Bound Industry Council; TD Bank Financial Group; and The Redwood Shelter.

Program start date: September 2006

Contact Information:
Ms. Anne Babcock
Vice President Planning and Operations
WoodGreen Community Services
835 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON M4N 1H9
Tel: 416-469-5211
Email: ababcock@woodgreen.org.

- Toronto
The province is investing $855,946 in the YWCA of Greater Toronto to deliver an eight-week employment-readiness training program and an 18-week additional individualized training program with work placements and job maintenance support to 100 women. Partners include: Springtide Resources; York University; A Commitment to Training and Employment for Women; PPG Canada; and D. Gary Gibson and Associates.

Program start date: November 2006

Contact Information:
Ms. Marilda Tselepis
Director, Employment and Skills Development
YWCA of Greater Toronto
80 Woodlawn Ave. East
Toronto, ON M4T 1C1
Tel: 416-961-8100
Email: mtselepis@ywcatoronto.org

The Sexual Health and Wellness Sharing Circle is now up and running!  This circle is for education and the sharing of information related to sexual health, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), relationships, condom use and birth control, and HIV/AIDS.  This site is also for asking questions and having discussions on topics related to sexual health and wellness.  The information is presented in an interesting format to help visitors and participants have a enjoyable learning experience about these important topics!

Please feel free to enroll or subscribe at any point, or just visit as a guest.  Don't forget to check out the workshop materials, as well as the Aboriginal specific information related to HIV/AIDS. 

Also, there are four quizzes to help challenge your knowledge on topics such as STIs and HIV/AIDS.  Each quiz has 15 questions, made up of a variety of multiple choice and true/false questions!

Everyone is welcome to visit the site, share their stories, learn from each other and ask respectful questions!  There will be some tweaking of the page now and then, with new announcements posted, and hopefully the discussion board will be busy with your submissions and questions!

The site address is http://meeting.knet.ca/moodle/course/view.php?id=77.  It can also be found through the K-Net Meeting place website by clicking on the "Health" department and then finding "Sexual Health and Wellness" under the "Meeting Areas" heading.

Ian Wilson (aphextwin@shaw.ca), a youth volunteer scholar from British Columbia, is visiting the Sioux Lookout area for a four or five month period in the hope of sharing some of his knowledge and information with others. He is volunteering and working with Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Wahsa Distance Education Centre, Queen Elizabeth District High School and with the K-Net team. His online sharing circle provides a great opportunity for everyone to learn about healthy sexual behaviours and wellness. Please take the time to welcome Ian and share your stories and information about this important topic.