Media.Knet.Ca

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is holding it's Keewaywin Conference August 1,2,3 in Sachigo Lake.  Many of the activities are being webcast live from Sachigo Lake First Nation.  Click here to go the the NAN Elections Website for the webcast. 

Received this interesting e-mail and checked out the Native Nations Institute's NNI Research Report ... good stuff ...

"sharing research and information on indigenous governance, development, and policy"

Dear Friend,

We are pleased to announce that the fifth issue of the Native Nations Institute's NNI Research Report is now on the NNI website and can be reached through the following link:

http://nni.arizona.edu/researchreport/NNIRR_05/summer_2006.html

NNI Research Report is a free, electronic information service of the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy at the University of Arizona.  It is published 3-4 times a year.  Subscribers to NNI Research Report are notified by email when each new issue appears on NNI's website.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED WHENEVER A NEW ISSUE OF COMES OUT, please reply to this email indicating that you would like to be added to the subscription list (subscriptions are free).  If we do not hear from you, and to avoid cluttering up your mailbox with unwanted messages, we will not send you any further notifications.

Like previous issues(archived on the NNI website), the current issue reviews new research by NNI staff and affiliates, summarizes published work by other scholars relevant to indigenous self-determination and nation building, notes ongoing research projects, and provides links to other organizations working on related issues.

We also invite you to notify us of publications, papers, and projects that might be of interest to other practitioners working in this field.

The Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy (NNI) was founded in 2001 by the Morris K. Udall Foundation and the University of Arizona.  Housed at the university's Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, NNI serves as a self-determination, self-governance, and development resource for indigenous nations.  For more information, visit the NNI website at:

http://www.nni.arizona.edu

Sincerely,

Stephen Cornell, Director
Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy

Miriam Jorgensen, Associate Director for Research Native Nations Institute

**********************************************************************
NNI Research Report
NATIVE NATIONS INSTITUTE FOR LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND POLICY Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy The University of Arizona
803 East First Street
Tucson, Arizona 85719
Tel 520 626-0664  Fax 520 626-3664
www.nni.arizona.edu

Pilot Community Application Form

Aboriginal Role Model Program

Applications Due Friday August 25, 2006

 In partnership with the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC), the Esteem Team Association (ETA) has received funding from Sport Canada to develop an Aboriginal Role Model Program for Aboriginal communities across Canada with the goal of athletes and physically active Aboriginal Role Models inspiring young Aboriginals to take a leadership role in sport, recreation and physical activity within their own communities.

At this time, eight (8) pilot communities require selection for participation in the pilot phase of the project.  For the purposes of the pilot (September 2006 - December 2006), the ASC and ETA are requesting interested Aboriginal communities to apply for consideration as a pilot community by completing the Pilot Community Application Form according to the criteria, needs and descriptions as detailed below:

 General considerations:

 The ASC and ETA have established some objectives they will consider in selecting the eight pilot communities from the nominated communities list, as follows:

1.  Achieve broad geographical representation (north, central, eastern and western Canada).
2. Achieve balance of communities:  on reserve, off reserve, urban, rural, remote communities.
3. Achieve social representation: First Nations, Inuit, Innu, and Métis peoples.
4. Achieve balance in terms of the type of community in the pilot.  There will be some communities who are already model communities and others that may have more challenges.  We want to develop an understanding of how to work in all types of communities and are seeking a range of community experiences.
5. Is the community likely to be supportive of the initiative and/or do they have supportive adults in community, and/or strong leadership potential in youth in community?
6. Does the community already have involved youth or good potential for involving youth?  Including their availability to, ability to, and interest in becoming involved in community.
7. Budget considerations do play a role in the choice of community.  We have a limited budget that must cover all expenses to get the role model to and from the community three times as well as other administrative expenses involved in delivering the sessions and events in community.  Costs to access more remote communities may be a limiting factor in the pilot but we will do our best to balance the needs to meet the objectives of the pilot. 

 Please proceed to complete the application form on the next 2 pages. 

Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability.

1. What is the community name and where is it located?
    
2. Who is/are the leader(s)in the community with whom we would need to connect to confirm the community's participation in the pilot program?
     
3. Is this a First Nations, Inuit, Métis or other type of community?  Please describe.
     
4. How big is the community?  
    
   Total population?  
     
   Approximately how many people in the community are under the age of 25 years?
     
5. Is the community on reserve, off reserve, urban, rural, or remote (other, describe)?
     
6. Why do you think the community is a good candidate for this program?
     
7. What recreational, cultural and sport services and facilities are available to young people in the community?
     
8. What particular challenges, if any, do youth in the community face that make you feel they would benefit from a program of this nature?  Please describe.
     
9. Are there any community programs that actively support youth and youth leadership in the community?  If so, please describe them here.
     
10. Are there any young sport leaders in the community that you feel may be willing to help make the program a success in the community?  If so please list their names and why you think they would be helpful.
     
11. Are there any adult leaders in this community that you feel may be able to help with delivering the program in the community?  If so,  please list their names and why you think they would be helpful.
      
12. Please provide your own name and contact information in the space below so that we may contact you if we have any questions.  

We will review all applications and may call to gather more information if needed.  We will let you know the status of your application by September 25, 2006.  In the event that your community is not selected for the pilot phase of the program, your application will be kept for future consideration when the next phase of the program rolls out with an expanded number of communities after December 2006. 

Thank you again for expressing your interest in the Aboriginal Athlete & Youth Role Model Program.

Fax or e-mail your completed form by Friday August 25, 2006 to:
 
e-mail: shelly@esteemteam.com     fax: (613) 789-9204

For more information, click on the following word documents:

06-07-14-Pilot-Community-Application-Form.doc 

06-07-14-About-the-Role-Model-Program.doc

06-07-14-Call-for-Pilot-Communities.doc

 ----- Original Message -----
From: Rod Jacobs
To: Rod Jacobs
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 1:29 AM
Subject: FW: Aboriginal Role Model Program

Would young people in your community benefit from having an Aboriginal role model meet with them to discuss sport in your community, what is good about it, what could be better and how they can take action themselves to create a positive sense of self through their interaction with sport and physical activity in their own community?

If you think this is something your community would like to be a part of, we are looking for 8 pilot communities in which to conduct the preliminary program.  The attached documents will provide you with more information on the origins of the program and how it is expected to develop. 

If your community is interested in applying to be a pilot community then here's what you need to do by Friday August 25, 2006:

Complete the attached Community Application Form and send it to Shelly O'Brien, Executive Director Programs for the Esteem Team Association at:

E-mail:   shelly@esteemteam.com     FAX :  613-789-9204 

Rod Jacobs
Manager - High Performance Programs
Aboriginal Sport Circle
Akwesasne Mohawk Territory
R.R. #3
Cornwall Island, ON  K6H 5R7
(613) 938-1176, ext 23
(613) 938-9181 - fax

The Ontario Recreation Facilities Association is pleased to offer the 1st Annual North Western Ontario Training Program to be held at the Kenora Recreation Centre from September 11-14, 2006 in response to member training needs. You are encouraged to review the following course descriptions and submit your registration without delay.

Offering Training Courses in:

• Introduction to Aquatic Facility Operations Course
• Parks Equipment & Safety Operations Course
• Dealing with Difficult People and Violence in the Workplace Course
• Ice Maintenance & Equipment Operation Course

For more information click here to get the 5 page PDF document

From the SPONSORSHIP letter being circulated with the poster - DOWNLOAD a PDF copy of the poster at http://knet.ca/documents/Benefit-concert-finalposter.pdf

Dear friends & relatives:

We are calling on all First Nations, Anishinaabeg-Aboriginal organizations, community groups, corporations and businesses for contributions to "purchase" tickets for this benefit concert at $10 each. All proceeds will support the launch of Oshki'Ayaa'aag Bimaadiziiwin (Good Life for Young People) Foundation. (see page 3)

The concert will be held at Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park on Friday, August 11, 2006 beginning at 7:30 PM. www.assabaskapark.com

The concert will feature Keith Secola, www.secola.com winner of three 2006 Native American Music Awards including, Artist of the Year, along with the award winning band, Eagle & Hawk of Winnipeg, MB. www.eagleandhawk.com. The opening act will be Big Grassy’s own Percy Tuesday and his band, the P.T. Cruisers. All are generously waiving their usual fees for this inaugural benefit concert. 

“The thunderous sound of a Pow Wow Drum, power chords and finger pick'in, echoes of Native American Flute, the music of Keith Secola and Wild Band of Indians. AlterNative, progressive innovative edge utilizing traditional Native percussions, world beat and tribal dance.”

"The human race, is the face of all people, different tongues, one heart."--KEITH SECOLA 

Your contributions will allow every one to attend the event free of charge, as well as covering musicians travel expenses. All other proceeds go to Oshki'Ayaa'g Bimaadiziiwin Foundation.

Patron Categories (Agencies, Communities, Business, & Corporate):

• 200+: Spectacular! $2000+
• 100+: Awesome! $1000+
• 51-99: Way Cool! $510-$990
• 26-50: Cool! $260-$500

Sponsor Categories (Individuals, Groups)

• 10-25: $100-$250
• 5-9: $50-90
• 1-4: $10-40

We also need volunteers and donations for

• 1 large generator w/ enough capacity to power concert sound and lights.
• 2 small portable generators for concert vendors (merchandise & cd's)
• Sound Production & Lights
• 1 x-large tarp for stage covering w/lumber
• 1 small gazebo/tent for sound & light technicians
• Security
• Parking attendants
• (6) Portable washrooms w/1 handicapped access
• (2) Portable handwashing stations
• Printing & Production of Concert & Promotional Materials

For more information, to donate or get involved, please contact one of us.

Click here to download a copy of the poster (PDF document).

Miigwech,

Al Hunter, Coordinator (807) 482-1687
Mary Alice Smith (807) 548-1470
Laura Calmwind (807) 467-8778 ext. 228
Eleanor Skead (807) 548-4354

Ohshi’Ayaa’aag Bimaadiziiwin Foundation
Good Life for Young People
c/o P.O. Box 515
Emo, Ontario
P0W-1E0

NAN NEWS RELEASE

NAN GRAND Chief raises alarm on Harper government stance on First Nations and the courts

     TORONTO, July 28 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy is raising the alarm on the new public agenda of the Harper government that takes aim at the courts and First Nations.

     Beardy's remarks come on the heels of Indian Affairs Minister Prentice's hard line message to Chiefs in Vancouver where the Minister made it clear that the government was opposed to a so-called "racially segregated fishery."

     Beardy said that "The Harper government is now trying to close the door on a court process that First Nations have successfully used to expose the failure of governments to deliver on constitutional obligations and treaty promises to First Nations."

     Over the last months the Harper government by deeds and words and have made it clear that they believe that groups like First Nations have been too successful in pressing their claims, claims like the treaty right to fish, in the courts.

     Beardy said that "the Prime Minister wants a return to a Canada where political parties and the Cabinet enjoy a monopoly on public policy; where First Nations have little or no access to the political process; and where the courts are bit players on the political stage.

     "Unfortunately, there is no turning back the clock. First Nations are here to stay, our demands are legitimate and we will continue to use the courts to back up our demands," said Beardy.

     "While Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin and her colleagues may not be Gods, we have more faith in the Supreme Court than in the political whims of governments."

     On July 24, one of the member nations of Treaty No. 9, the Kitchenuhmaykoosin Innuwug , launched a court action to challenge the constitutionality of the Mining Act.

     Minister Prentice's reference to a race based fishery is just the latest in a long list of public statements by the Harper government that includes rejection of the United Nations Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, the Prime Minister's letter opposing the so-called race-based fishery and the resignation of aboriginal affairs Committee chair Conservative MP Maurice Vellacott for intemperate remarks regarding Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin.

-30-

/For further information: Kristy Hankila, Communications Assistant, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625 4902, (807) 472-9604 (mobile)/

The judge's decision is in ... David Peerla, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Mining Coordinator kindly provided KI with some of the key phrases / paraphrases from the KI Injunction decision. These include:

• Platinex was the author of own misfortune
• Crown stood on the sidelines
• The injunction compels the Crown to act honourably
• The provincial Crown has not heard or comprehended 16 years of judicial messages on aboriginal and treaty rights
• The Crown abdicated its responsibility and delegated its duty to consult to Platinex
• Consultation must begin before any activity begins
• The Crown must commit to reconciliation over litigation
• Platinex ignored or was wilfully blind to the concerns and positions of the KI community
• Platinex's actions were disrespectful and interpreted as an insult by KI
• Platinex decided to gamble that KI would not try to stop them
• No means No
• Platinex did not disclose it had no consent to investors

As well the judge included powerful statements concerning KI's responsibilities ...

• KI had a duty under its own laws to protect the land
• KI had 6 stage community approval process and the community process was not complete

From: David Peerla, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Mining Coordinator, 807.625.4915, 807.627.3097

Check out Ontario's press release about the decision ... sounds like business as usual ... http://ogov.newswire.ca/ontario/GPOE/2006/07/29/c2186.html?lmatch=&lang=_e.html

Some background articles from http://www.miningwatch.ca/

From http://www.waasanaabin.com/ ... Waasa Naabin Community Youth Services presents ...

Workshops featured this year include:

• Fun and Laughter,
• Teen Suicide Intervention,
• Teen Pregnancy to Realities of Parenthood,
• Crime Scene Forensics,
• Hockey Fitness,
• Indian Names,
• Addictions,
• Stress Management,
• O.P.P. Canine Unit,
• Youth and Tobacco Manitoulin Youth Action Alliance,
• Respecting Our Grandparents,
• Youth Entrepreneurship,
• Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship,
• Traditional Family Unit, Family Matters,
• Music Industry

See the full conference agenda at http://www.waasanaabin.com/agenda/agenda.html and check out the pictures from last's years youth gathering at http://www.waasanaabin.com/archive/conference2005.html

From http://www.governancewiky06.ca/

You Are Invited To Attend The National Conference On Governance - "Best Practices Fostering Community Success"

From August 15 to 17, 2006, Wikwemikong is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to host the National Conference On Governance entitled "Best Practices Fostering Community Success". The conference is unique as it is being coordinated and hosted on a First Nation community.

You are invited to hear the many stories of aboriginal communities succeeding in ventures, thereby bringing growth, prosperity and stability to their economies. Many of these ventures are accomplished through good decision making. Strong governance structures are required for good decisions. What are the elements of good governance practices? What are the linkages between best practices fostering strong, stable, government in our communities?

Participants will explore various practices and associations between governance and economic development through the sharing of stories.

Ancillary activities include:

• Golf Tournament on August 14, 2006,
• Authentic Native Theatre Production by De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group,
• Aboriginal Hoop Dance demonstration by World Champion 2000/2003, Lisa Odjig, of Wikwemikong,
• Musical entertainment by Crystal Lynn Shawanda of Wikwemikong (Aboriginal Top 30 Charts across Canada with recently signed recording contract, and currently resides in Nashville),
• Arts and Trades fair.

The registration fee of $795.00 includes your attendance at the conference, written materials, continental breakfast, lunch, 1 supper, entertainment and a final report.

In addition to being chosen to host the National Conference On Governance, Wikwemikong has also been selected as one of five Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2006.

It is our hope that many will be able to join us on August 15 - 17, 2006.

Questions or further information can be obtained by contacting Anna McGregor, Conference Coordinator at 1-800-880-1406.

Chi Miigwech!

Two very interesting training courses are coming to the KO Water Plant Operator Training Centre.  

The first course starts August 22 and is a two day leak detection course with CEU’s value. For more information about this course visit http://www.watertraining.ca/waterleak.html

A two day Confined Space course is being offered Sept. 13-14 with the M.H.S.A. featuring their specially designed training trailer. Check out the course description at http://www.watertraining.ca/confinedspace.html.

Please see our web site for links and info at http://www.watertraining.ca and visit http://www.watertraining.ca/sitemap.html for a listing of all the available courses being offered at the centre.

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

Article about INAC's Safe Water Panel from Saskatchewan hearings ....

Sask. reserves offer example for safe water - Federal panel praises improvements in quality
 
Zak Markan - The StarPhoenix - Thursday, July 27, 2006

Efforts made by Saskatchewan aboriginal people to make water management and consumption safer on reserves have impressed a federal panel studying First Nations water issues.

"There's been some very good presentations today, very much from the front-line folks," said Harry Swain, chair of the independent panel that will advise the federal government on improving poor-quality water on First Nations reserves.

Swain and fellow panellists Steve Hrudey and Grand Chief Stan Louttit were holding an informal consultation at the Radisson Hotel in Saskatoon Wednesday and Thursday. The panel has been travelling across the country for more than a month, talking with aboriginal health experts, water technicians and First Nations politicians about ways to deal with the poor treatment facilities and water management on reserves.

The panel was chosen by Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice in consultation with Phil Fontaine, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Swain said that efforts made by aboriginal people in Saskatchewan -- particularly the Yellow Quill and Gordon First Nations -- to improve water management on reserves could be beneficial for other First Nations in the Canada.

"The lessons they learned are applicable all over the country," said Swain.

Swain, who is also the director of the Canadian Institute for Climate Studies at the University of Victoria, draws a lot of his experience during these consultations from when he chaired the research advisory panel of the Walkerton Inquiry.

"The policy question (at Walkerton) was, 'What do you do to assure public health?' " Swain said. "In some sense, that's the same question here."

He adds that these general health concerns, coupled with an historically paternalistic, top-down approach that the federal government has had when dealing with aboriginal concerns, have made the water issue on reserves more difficult to deal with.

"Most of the time, the approach that is applied is a sort of top-down approach," said Dr. Mandiangu Nsungu, medical health officer for the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA). The authority is an organization that regulates various health services, including water management, in 33 First Nation communities across northern Saskatchewan. Nsungu said NITHA was a model organization for assuring safe water management because its members are given a strong voice in the decision-making processes.

"I wish there were more NITHAs around the country," said Nsungu. "There has to be in-depth discussions between the different stake-holders, and this must include the First Nations."

Nsungu adds that mid-sized organizations like NITHA are the best way to assure good water management on reserves because larger, inter-provincial regulatory bodies would become too distant and bureaucratic, while individual bands have too few resources to guarantee safety standards.

Another measure that would assure safer water on reserves would be aboriginal federations or associations starting up their own environment departments, said Justin Scott, water technician for the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation.

"As stewards of Mother Earth, we're supposed to be the ones to sustain her for the next generation. But it's not happening," Scott said. "We talk about regulating water, but the thing is, if we're stewards, why don't we have an environment department?" He adds having an environment department on reserves and actively regulating water systems will allow the water issue to be dealt with more completely.

Swain says he hopes the panel's recommendations to Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, expected to be submitted in September, will give some practical alternatives for aboriginal peoples.

The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2006