Media.Knet.Ca

To find out how each of the federal political parties are promising to address each of the issues concerning Aboriginal people as presented by the Assembly of First Nations, visit the AFN web site at http://afn.ca/article.asp?id=2025

Other political updates from the AFN include:

• Assembly of First Nations National Chief Responds to Conflicting Statements by Conservative MPs Regarding First Ministers Meeting Agreements: Calls on Leader to Clarify Party Position
  January 11, 2006
   
• Assembly of First Nations National Chief Seeks Answers to Seven “Key Questions” from Federal Political Party Leaders: Seeking Response by Friday, January 6
  January 5, 2006

OTTAWA, Jan. 12 /CNW/ - Thirty-three national organizations today released a two-page declaration calling on the Federal government to preserve and promote basic telecommunications goals.

"Telecommunications performs an essential role in the maintenance of Canada's identity, sovereignty, social cohesion and economic health," the declaration reads.

The Declaration identifies specific principles and protections in the Telecommunications Act to be defended and promoted by the government, including consumer protection and improved access for rural communities and persons with disabilities.

"Regulating the telecommunications industry in Canada is essential to the economic health of many communities including rural communities which companies may feel are too expensive to service and to lower income people who can't afford access," says Michael Janigan, Executive Director of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC).

"The Declaration affirms grassroots support for these principles - which are under direct attack by large telecommunications companies. The Declaration is a direct response to the government's Telecommunications Policy Review presently underway," adds John Lawford, Counsel for PIAC.

"Canadians want to defend and strengthen the public interest in telecommunications, not weaken it."

The Declaration has been submitted to Hon. David Emerson, Minister of Industry and to the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC).

A pdf copy of the Declaration is at: http://www.piac.ca/TPRP_Declaration_Signed.pdf

For further information:
John Lawford, Counsel, Public Interest Advocacy Centre, (613) 562-4002 x25;
Michael Janigan, Executive Director and General Counsel, Public Interest Advocacy Centre, (613) 562-4002 x26

2nd Annual Mishkeegogamang Ladies Broomball Tournament.

Originally scheduled for February 4, 5 2006 has been rescheduled and will now take place on February 11 and 12, 2006

Entry Fee $1500.00

1st $10,000 Trophy

2nd $1500.00

3rd $500.00

For More Information

Contact Michael Bottle (807)928-2490

Destani Skunk   (807) 928-2881

Geordi Kakepetum, KO Executive Director, met with other members of his management team to review 2006 work plans, budgets and organization requirements. The January 11 meeting took place at the Best Western in Dryden.

In attendance at this meeting were:

• Cheryl Bechard, Executive Assistant, Balmertown
• Peter Campbell, Public Works Manager, Balmertown
• Brian Walmark, KORI Manager, Thunder Bay office
• Kevin Houghton, Acting Finance Manager and KOTH Manager, Balmertown
• Darrin Potter, KIHS Principal, Balmertown
• Jeannie Carpenter, K-Net Operations Manager, Sioux Lookout
• Brian Beaton, K-Net Coordinator, Sioux Lookout

Chief Raymond Mason from Keewaywin First Nation joined the meeting later in the afternoon.

Native youth step up to the plate in special TVO presentation

VOX Talk: On the Rez: Should I Stay, or Should I Go?

Sunday, January 22, 6 pm - 60 minutes - Produced by TVO

TORONTO, Jan. 11 /CNW/ - Young aboriginals are one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the country, yet they remain one of the most marginalized, grappling with a variety of social issues. Lack of education and career opportunities are forcing many of them to leave their reserve communities for urban centres. But leaving is a tough choice, as they weigh heritage and family against dreams and ambitions. At the heart of their dilemma, is a long legacy of colonization and racism.

Should I stay or should I go? VOX Talk explores this question with a group of dynamic and outspoken aboriginal youth at the Six Nations Reserve outside Brantford, Ontario. Guests include Thunder Jack, a youth counsellor with The Little Embers Youth Program, and Kody Doxtator, who leads the Native Youth for Life Program. Their thoughts and experiences provide keen insights into today's native youth culture, and through their stories, we learn what they are doing to take control of their own futures.

VOX Talk is TVO's weekly youth talk show hosted by Max Valiquette. On the Rez is a special hour-long edition that will air on Sunday January 22 at 6 pm.

Viewers can also participate in a live webchat and webcast by logging on to voxtvo.org.

VOX Talk is produced by Alison Bruce.

For further information: Rosanne Meandro, Telephone: (416) 484-2600 ext. 2389, rmeandro@tvontario.org

Press Release - 1/11/2006

APTN Special 90 MINUTE ELECTION Edition DEBATE 2006 -Friday January 13 @ 7 pm eastern, 4 pm pacific - Aboriginal Peoples Television Network

Join host Madeleine Allakariallak and special guest journalist David Wiwchar from Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper in Port Alberni as we bring you DEBATE 2006.

Aboriginal affairs critics from the major parties state what they would do for aboriginal people if they made the next government.

Participants include:

• Green Party – Ian Hopfe
• Liberal Party – Ethel Blondin-Andrew (for Minister Andy Scott)
• NDP Party – Pat Martin
• Conservative Party – Jim Prentice

Also join professor Leah Gazan from Red River Community College and journalist David Wiwchar for a half hour analysis after the debate.

That's this Friday at an earlier time -- 7 pm eastern, 4 pm pacific (APTN National News Primetime is pre-empted this day only)

Call for Papers:

Northern Research Conference June 2-3, 2006 Algoma University College, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, CANADA

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) welcomes you to the First Annual Northern Research Conference to be held in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This conference demonstrates NOSM's commitment to health care and education to the people of Northern Ontario and beyond. The conference explores research activities within Northern Ontario arising from community-based activities and will highlight projects underway from students, residents and community-based researchers. The conference is also aimed at creating collaborative opportunities and community networking.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

On behalf of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, the Scientific Program Committee is inviting the submission of scientific abstracts on the following subject areas but not limited to:

* Clinical Research
* Cancer diagnostics
* Radio-therapy (device testing, device training, research)
* Cancer Basic Research
* Mitochondrial DNA Research
* Bio-Prospecting
* Population Health/Public Health Issues
* Occupational Health
* Rural and Remote Health Care Services
* Telemedicine
* Environmental Medicine
* Aboriginal Health/Medicine
* Rural Health Economics
* Program Evaluation
* Health Education
* Medical Education (CME, CPD, FD)

The research work submitted should be original and innovative. Presentations will be either in oral form or as poster presentations. The length of the oral presentations is expected to be 15 minutes in duration including discussion. The Abstract Review Committee, which will evaluate all submitted Abstracts, reserves the right to accept or reject any paper and make a final decision on the form of presentation.

Abstract submissions should adhere to the following guidelines:

* Abstracts should not exceed 300 words in length
* Tables may be included - each counts as 75 words
* Graphics/photos are permitted - each counts as 75 words
* Abstracts will be accepted in any language with translation to English requested

Abstracts should be submitted in electronic form through this website (link will be available early in January)  www.normed.ca  However, if unable to submit form electronically, forward four copies and CD or Disk by mail to:

Denise Smith, RN
Health Professional Development Coordinator Northeastern Ontario Medical
Education Corporation (NOMEC) Health Sciences Education Resource Centre,
Laurentian University
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.  Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
Phone: 1-800-461-8777 or 705-688-0200 x2212
Fax:  705-688-0186
Email: smithd@nomec.on.ca

* The deadline for Abstract submission is, February 15, 2006

Authors of submitted Abstracts will be informed of the Abstract Review Committee's decision March 7, 2006. Acceptance notices will be sent by e-mail to the corresponding author. Subsequent communications, including details on the format and timing of oral and poster presentations will be sent to the designated presenting author(s).

Please note:  All oral and poster Abstract presenters will be responsible for their own Registration Fees - please do not wait for official Abstract acceptance to register.

Members of the Scientific Program Abstract Review Committee include:

* Dr. Greg Ross, Associate Dean, Research (NOSM)
* Ms. Joyce Helmer, Director of Faculty Development (NOSM)
* Dr. Silvana Spadafora, Algoma Regional Cancer Program Section Leader, Internal Medicine Northern Ontario School of Medicine
* Dr. Arthur H. Perlini, Dean (Algoma University College, Laurentian University)

Potential Financial Conflicts of Interest should be reported.  Funding sources for your research should be reported.  Failure to do so may jeopardize your application submission.

Submission forms available on line early in January at www.normed.ca

For further information please contact:

Denise Smith, RN
Health Professional Development Coordinator Northeastern Ontario Medical
Education Corporation (NOMEC) Health Sciences Education Resource Centre,
Laurentian University
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.  Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
phone: 1-800-461-8777 or 705-688-0200 x2212
fax:  705-688-0186
email:  smithd@nomec.on.ca

Eabametoong First Nation Presents: The 4th Annual President's Cup Ladies Broomball Tournament February 2 - 5, 2006 live at the Joseph Jacob Nate Memorial Arena, Fort Hope, Ontario.

Championship: $10,000.00 + Gold + Caps

Runner Ups: $5,000.00 + Silver + Caps

Consolation Champs: $3,000.00 + Bronze

Runner Ups: $2,000.00

Entry Fee: $1,500.00 cdn.

First 6 local teams and first 6 visiting teams will be accepted.

For more Information, Please contact the Tournamnet Committee:

Alex Nate: 807-242-7436

Clarence Neshinapise: 807-242-8487

Derek Yellowhead: 807-242-7361or 8168(arena) 

NAN Press Release from NAN web site at http://www.nan.on.ca

After the third suicide of 2006, NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler declared suicide prevention funding must be a priority with the new federal government.

NEWS RELEASE - 1/10/2006

NAN CALLS ON HEALTH CANADA TO EXPEDITE FUNDING PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

THUNDER BAY, ON Tuesday January 10, 2006: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler today declared suicide prevention funding must be a priority with the new federal government.

"Because service providers are busy dealing with crisis response, long term prevention strategies get put on hold," said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. "It's time we see some of the $65 million announced as part of Health Canada's $400 million package (fall of 2004) and re-evaluate the protocol hurdles currently enforced at the regional level."

Fiddler's comments come after the third completed suicide in Pikangikum First Nation already this year.

"We're only nine days into 2006 and we've already lost three of our youth if that doesn't show the severity of the growing need for suicide prevention in our communities I don't know what will," said Fiddler when he heard of the most recent suicide Monday morning.

There were 24 completed suicides in NAN territory in 2005. The last four suicides have taken place in Pikangikum First Nation a community of approximately 2000 in the Northwest area of NAN.

Fiddler, together with NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy, is meeting with provincial Health and Long Term Care Minister George Smitherman in Toronto Wednesday. The two leaders are urgently requesting to meet with the federal Health Minister.

* * *

For more information please contact:

Jenna Young
Communications Officer
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
(807) 625 4952
(807) 628 3953 (mobile)

Pelican Falls

Second Annual

Mixed Volleyball Tournament

3 guys 3girls

Saturday, February 4

Entry fee $150.00

Open to first 10 teams

Entry fee deadline: Monday, Jan 30

This is a fund raising event

Contact: Duane Ogemah 807 582-3908(home)

or 737-1283(work)