Media.Knet.Ca

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy and Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic are travelling to Kashechewan today to be with the families and communities as they mourn the tragic deaths of two young community members. The fire also  injured 3 NAPS workers trying to free the young men from the building.

Click here to read the Nishnawbe Aski Police Services (NAPS) press release about the fire.

From the CBC News story about the fire at http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/01/08/kashechewan-fire-060108.html

Fire kills two jailed men on Northern Ontario reserve
Mon, 09 Jan 2006

The Ontario and federal governments are facing fresh accusations that they have failed the reserve of Kashechewan, after a fire at a jail that killed two prisoners and badly injured a police officer.
 
Only two months earlier, the province ordered a mass evacuation of the reserve, which is on the shore of James Bay, after long-standing contaminated water problems became a national scandal.

Tragedy struck again on Sunday afternoon when a blaze started in the building that housed the jail and killed two young men who were locked in their cells.

An officer that tried to open the cell doors was seriously injured and has been flown to the burn unit of a Toronto hospital for treatment.

Another officer and a civilian guard were treated for smoke inhalation, the Nishnawbe-Askia police force said.

It wasn't immediately clear what caused the fire or why the officer couldn't open the doors.

But New Democrat legislator Charlie Angus, the MP for the Timmins-James Bay riding, said the jail was substandard and lacked proper doors and padlocks.

"It just was in terrible, terrible condition, holes in the walls, the cells were inadequate," he told the Canadian Press late Sunday.

"It looked more like something you see in Sarajevo than the province of Ontario."

Angus blamed the provincial and federal governments for the conditions, calling it yet another example of the lack of infrastructure on the reserve.

In late October, the Ontario government ordered the evacuation of the Kashechewan First Nation after E. coli bacteria were found in its water supply.

About 1,500 people were temporarily relocated to other parts of Ontario.

Angus also played a key role in exposing the community's plight at that time.

A December 2005 paper entitled Literacy and Digital Technologies: Linkages and Outcomes published by Industry Canada and Stats Canada highlights the links between literacy and computer usage. For example ... "adults who have average or higher literacy skills and who are intensive computer users have about three to six times the odds of being in the top quartile of personal income, compared to respondents with below average literacy skills and less intensive computer use."

The authors describe the paper as an investigation of "relationships between adult literacy skills and use of information and communications technologies (ICTs)."

Click here to read the entire 34-page paper found on the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Research Institute web site (http://research.knet.ca)

Under Findings ... "Results also confirmed an association between literacy skills and ICT use. While controlling for other factors, adults’ perceived usefulness and attitude toward computers, use of the Internet, and use of computers for task-oriented purposes increased as literacy skill levels increased. This was true for all four literacy domains examined. In most countries, for example, respondents with medium to high prose literacy skills had between two to three times the odds of being a high-intensity computer user compared to those with below average literacy skills.

Those without access to ICTs also tended to have lower literacy levels than the rest of the population. In addition, only a minority of non-users of computers expressed an interest in starting to use a computer. This has implications for all nations if those individuals who perhaps stand to benefit most from ICTs (by obtaining health, employment and government information, for example) are not in a position to access and use them."

From the NAN web site ...

NAN Treaty Education Process will host a Treaty Conference for NAN Chiefs and members in Thunder Bay January 17 - 19, 2006.

Click Here for the DRAFT conference agenda

DRAFT AGENDA # 2 - NAN TREATY CONFERENCE

Day One

Opening Prayer Elder
Opening Remarks Grand Chief Stan Beardy
Deputy Grand Chief Dan Kooses
Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic
Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler

Historical Overview Fred Kelly *to be confirmed

James Bay Treaty # 9 Overview Luke Hunter, Simon Frogg, Ben Cheechoo

Aboriginal & Treaty Rights Mr. John Olthuis, OKTLaw *to be confirmed

Impacts of Mikisew Cree Case Mr. John Olthuis, OKTLaw *to be confirmed

Overview of NAN Processes Alanna McKenzie, Terry Waboose, Carol Ann Audet

Treaty Discussions Ben Cheechoo, Frank Beardy, Greg Spence (Including Interview Summaries to date)

Treaty Commemoration Statement Negotiations *same as above 1670 Rupert’s Land Case Mushkegowuk Council Representative

Day Two

Break Into Groups Elders, Men, Women, Youth, Leadership

Discussion

“What was intended by the treaty signatories for future generations?” – Historical

“What does the treaty mean to us today?” – Modern and by sector – lands, health, housing, etc.

Day Three

Development of a Treaty Statement

May be very broad, encompassing sectors, rolled from each group (there may be commonalities which can be agreed upon by all groups).

– Example: NAN Elder’s Treaty Statement On Health.

From Wawatay Online - Thursday, January 5, 2006 - submitted by Joyce Hunter

Mild winter delays winter road openings

This year’s mild winter has delayed the opening of winter roads that northern communities have come to rely on for transporting their goods and services.

Thus far, only one winter road, the one connecting Bearskin Lake, Muskrat Dam, Sachigo Lake and Weagamow to Pickle Lake is open. It has only been open for one week.

The winter road connecting Attawapiskat, Kashechewan and Fort Albany to Moosonee will be open to light traffic on Jan. 15 and then to heavier traffic (commercial users) at the end of the month, said winter road manager Gilbert Etherington. “The weather has been a factor in delaying the start of this year’s winter road season,” he said. “We are about 10 days behind last year’s opening because of it.”

Another winter road connecting Kitchenuhmaykoosib, Kingfisher Lake and Wunnumin Lake with Pickle Lake is in the process of being groomed for an opening. However, winter road managers working on the passage say more cold weather is required before grooming is completed and the passageway deemed fit for travel.

The long spell of mild weather has prevented the opening of a fourth winter road connecting Pickle Lake to Fort Hope, Summer Beaver, Lansdowne House and Webequie.

The passageway connecting North Spirit Lake and Deer Lake to Red Lake has not been opened yet – road construction workers are not convinced the Barrens Lake is safe to cross. -JH

2006.01.05

From Heritage Canada Press Release at http://www.pch.gc.ca/newsroom/news_e.cfm?Action=Display&code=5N0321E

Minister Frulla Announces Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2006
OTTAWA, November 23, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced the names of the five communities that will be the Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2006. The following communities have been designated:

- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
More than 125,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $2 million

- St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
50,000 to 125,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $750,000

- Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec
Less than 50,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $500,000

- District of West Vancouver, British Columbia
Less than 50,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $500,000

- Wikwemikong, Ontario
Less than 50,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $500,000

The winning municipalities and Aboriginal community will receive contributions from the Department of Canadian Heritage of up to $2 million, enabling them to undertake a range of cultural and artistic activities.

"The Government of Canada has made a commitment to give all Canadians access to the arts and culture, as well as to encourage creativity and excellence," said Minister Frulla. "The Cultural Capitals of Canada recognize and highlight the important role municipalities play in the arts and culture. They provide their residents with access to the arts and enable them to explore the rich diversity of our culture. At the same time, they give our artists an opportunity to demonstrate their talent."

Unanimously recommending the successful applicants to Minister Frulla was an independent advisory committee composed of the mayors of the Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2005. Experts in the field of arts and culture acted as advisors.

The Department of Canadian Heritage launched the Cultural Capitals of Canada program on May 31, 2002. The program is open to municipalities, First Nations governments, and Inuit and Métis communities.

The program highlights applicants' past achievements that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the arts and culture. The funds enable recipient communities to hold special events that celebrate the arts and culture and to organize activities that create a legacy for the future and ensure that arts and cultural issues are integrated into municipal planning. Designations are awarded based on merit, the quality of the project proposal, and the applicants' earlier achievements.

The deadline to apply for a 2008 Cultural Capital of Canada designation is March 15, 2006.

Please visit the Canadian Heritage Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room for backgrounders attached to this release. They summarize the projects of the successful applicants, indicate the maximum amount that can be awarded to each Cultural Capital, and include a complete list of this year's applicants.

Funding under this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

Information:

Jean-François Del Torchio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for
Status of Women
(819) 997-7788

Jean-Guy Beaupré
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314

FACT SHEET - 1

Cultural Capitals of Canada 2006

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Category: Population over 125,000
Maximum contribution: $2 million

With all the brilliance to be expected of a city with such a rich cultural heritage, Saskatoon will be sparkling for its 100th anniversary celebrations. Among the many projects scheduled are the Centennial Celebrations, which will include a humorous look backward at Saskatoon's history; a national symposium on Aboriginal performing arts; and a strategy for creating an arts and cultural district especially for cultural meetings and exchanges. With its residents' overflowing energy and great creativity, Saskatoon is truly the picture of a cultural capital.

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Category: Population between 50,000 and 125,000
Maximum contribution: $750,000

St. John's is noted for its residents' pride in and commitment to the arts and culture. Important initiatives in 2006 will seek to attract as many people as possible to arts and cultural events in the area. Among the many projects planned is the expansion of the summer noontime concerts, an initiative that involves presenting concerts, stories, and theatre with free admission. The "St. John's, Cultural Gateway to the Province" project will promote the province's shows and cultural activities. The creation of cultural tourism infrastructure will provide a lasting legacy, bearing witness to the city's support for the arts, heritage, and cultural groups.

District of West Vancouver, British Columbia
Category: Population under 50,000
Maximum contribution: $500,000

The celebrations being planned will delight people of all ages and backgrounds, with activities designed to bring everyone together. This dynamic community will add new activities to its extensive cultural programming. The Symposium on Aboriginal Sculpture will provide mentorship opportunities for young Aboriginal artists so that they can preserve ancestral techniques and knowledge. Booktopia will expand its literary activities targeting young people. The summer festival will feature a world music component celebrating and recognizing the many professional artists from West Vancouver's various ethno-cultural groups. The activities will reflect the community, and everybody will be invited to take part. The programming recognizes that culture is essential for a dynamic society.

Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec
Category: Population under 50,000
Maximum contribution: $500,000

The town of Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce is well known for its entrepreneurship and famed as a centre of ceramic art. The theme "The History of Entrepreneurship," is an invitation to travel through time, following the development of the first craft businesses. An original initiative will allow veteran craftspersons from the best-known ceramics centre of the time, Céramique de Beauce, to pass on their know-how to high school art students by reproducing five collectors' pieces. In addition, a series of concerts, shows, and art exhibits will demonstrate that work can be combined with fun. The people of the town and surrounding areas and all Canadians will be invited to celebrate the growth of a region through its folk culture and its traditional crafts, which reflect the original form of artistic expression of our country's founders.

Wikwemikong, Ontario
Category: Population under 50,000
Maximum contribution: $500,000

The reserve of Wikwemikong, located on Manitoulin Island, is noted for the vitality of its culture and the quality of its traditional art. This community of 6,800 people will host many workshops for exploring the diversity of traditional arts, Aboriginal dance and lodge construction. Further, the cultural festival programming will be expanded so that visitors can learn about the traditions of other Aboriginal communities, including Inuit throat singing. Finally, visitors will be able to take part in a colourful fall fair, highlighting the farming heritage of this dynamic community. All the activities will encourage community members to learn more about their culture, their history and their language, and will cast light on the contribution of the Aboriginal community to Canada's history.

FACT SHEET - 2 -

Applicant communities -- Cultural Capitals of Canada 2006

Since 2003, the Cultural Capital of Canada designation has been awarded to individual municipalities or groups of communities with qualifying proposals. The proposals are for activities that seek to celebrate and build a lasting legacy for the arts and culture. Awards are divided into three categories based on population size.

Population Over 125,000

Calgary, Alberta
Laval, Quebec
Regional Municipality of Durham, Ontario
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Population 50,000 to 125,000

Strathcona County, Alberta
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Population Under 50,000

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
District of West Vancouver, British Columbia
Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec
Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador
Wikwemikong, Ontario
++++++++++++++++++++++++

From the January 2006 issue of Birchbark News at http://www.ammsa.com/birchbark/birchbark-Jan1-2006.html

January - 2006

Community gets cultural funding

By Cheryl Petten, Birchbark Writer, Wikwemikong

Members of cultural organizations on Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve will be able to spend less time trying to raise funds and more time planning and holding events in 2006, thanks to funding from Canadian Heritage.

The money-a maximum of $500,000 according to the press release from Canadian Heritage-comes along with the community's designation as one of five Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2006 and is to be used to fund cultural and artistic activities.

Doris Peltier is program manager of the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization (WHO), the organization that submitted the winning application to Canadian Heritage. Peltier stressed that putting together the application was a team effort, with a number of community organizations contributing. That same team effort will be present throughout the year as each of funded activities takes place.

Some of the funding will be spent on the community's annual cultural festival, which celebrates its 46th anniversary in 2006. The festival, scheduled to be held Aug. 5 to 7, will not only provide a showcase for the songs, dances, arts and culture of the Anishnabe people, but will also feature exhibitions of Inuit culture.

"We'll be doing Inuit dance and drum demonstrations and will also be providing Inuit traditional games as workshops to the youth of the community."

Organizers of the festival try to feature different cultures in the event each year, Peltier said. "I think it helps provide not only the visitors to the community, but our community members, with the option to see different cultures that might not be accessible to get to."

A seven-week cultural awareness conference is also planned, scheduled to run from June 21 to Aug. 4. There will be a different theme for each week of the conference, based on the Seven Grandfather Teachings-love, respect, humility, bravery, honesty, truth and wisdom.

"We'll start off with lodge building, and hopefully once the lodge is completely covered, that's where we will conduct most of our workshops," Peltier said. "The Seven Grandfather Teachings workshops will be done within that teaching lodge, as well as talking about the seven clans-the origins of the clans, the different clans-so that people can come in and begin to understand what their clan is and what their responsibilities are."

The conference will also teach participants about moccasin making, traditional dance, traditional arts, harvesting of wild plants and traditional cooking.

The Wikwemikong Agricultural Society will be hosting a rodeo as a way of recognizing the important role agriculture played in the history of the community, Peltier said. In addition to the rodeo events themselves, there will also be opportunities for people to learn more about that agricultural tradition.

"They will be having information booths set up and talking about 4-H and how we want to bring that back to the community, and things like that."

Wikwemikong artists will also take part in commemorating the Cultural Capital of Canada designation by hosting an art show.

Currently these are the only events in the works, but Peltier is hopeful the funding from Canadian Heritage will allow the community to organize even more cultural and artistic events throughout 2006. To keep track of any new events or activities added to the schedule, she advises people to check in periodically on the WHO Web site at www.wikwemikongheritage.org.

The other cultural capitals of Canada for 2006 include Saskatoon, which will receive up to $2 million, St. John's, which will receive up to $750,000 in funding, and Saint-Joseph-de Beauce, Que. and the District of West Vancouver, B.C., which will each receive a maximum contribution of $500,000. The 2006 cultural capitals of Canada were selected by an advisory committee comprised of representatives of the 2005 cultural capitals of Canada- Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, Ont., Toronto, Victoria, Annapolis Royal, N.S. and Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Que.

Neskantaga is hosting their 5th Annual "World Youth Day" Gospel Jamboree. The dates for this Jamboree is on January 26 - 29, 2006.

This year marks the 5th year of this annualy celebration of the World Youth Day cross that came to Neskantaga 5 years ago. 5 years ago also marks the first ever Gospel Jamboree in Neskantaga, which influenced our youth and other community members to start singing and playing music for the lord.

This year's theme is from Acts 2:17, where it says: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

We would like to invite you all to come and fellowship with us and praise the lord through songs. God Bless you all.

For further information, please contact:

Duane Moonias (W) 807-479-2565 (H) 2663

Edward Moonias (W) 807-479-2570

Kelvin Moonias (W) 807-479-2745/2668

or visit our site: http://mooniasbrothers.myknet.org

or

E-mail us: mooniasbrothers@knet.ca

God Bless and See you all here!

ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS PRESS RELEASE

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Seeks Answers to Seven "Key Questions" from Federal Political Party Leaders: Seeking Response by Friday, January 6

OTTAWA, Jan. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine has presented the leaders of the major, national political parties with a set of seven key questions that will be used to assess each party's commitment to a progressive and productive agenda for First Nations and Canada.

"We are seeking clear statements of commitment to a new relationship between First Nations and Canada, and the seven key questions we have put to each party leader will help us determine their commitment to a new relationship and a new, positive agenda for our people and all Canadians," said AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine.

Letters and questions were sent on December 14, 2005 to the leaders of the Bloc Quebecois, the Conservative Party, the Green Party, the Liberal Party, the New Democratic Party and the newly-formed First Peoples National Party of Canada. The letters requested that party leaders provide information about the policy positions of each party on key subject areas of interest to First Nations by January 6th.

"We will note the responses we receive and do not receive from the various parties and share this information with First Nations and the general public so they can make an informed decision on how to vote," said National Chief Fontaine.

The National Chief stated that the role of the AFN is not to tell First Nations citizens how to vote, but to provide them with best information and analysis of party platforms and commitments so they can make an informed decision when casting their ballot.

"This is part of our overall initiative to encourage First Nations voters to exercise their right to vote, to go to the polls, and to make our voices heard," said the National Chief.

Currently, there are at least 62 federal ridings in which Aboriginal peoples comprise a substantial portion of the electorate and 25 ridings where Aboriginal peoples make up 10% or more of the voters.

National Chief Fontaine stated: "First Nations can be the deciding factor in these ridings. We can have a real say in who forms the next government. If this election is as close as predicted, that means First Nations voters have tremendous influence over the final outcome. Every vote counts. This reality should compel all the parties and their leaders to speak out about First Nations issues and their agenda for change."

The Assembly of First Nations will make available responses from the various parties as they are received. The responses will also be posted on the AFN website.
 
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
 
Seven Key Questions for Party Leaders
-------------------------------

1. Does your party support the principles and objectives of the First Nations-Federal Crown Political Accord on the Recognition and Implementation of First Nations Governments that was signed on May 31, 2005? Specifically, does your party agree to implement the work plan that has been jointly developed by the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations, including the following:
   • Ensuring that adequate financial and human resources and accountability mechanisms will be provided which are necessary to sustain the involvement of the Assembly of First Nations and its regional organizations in policy development; and
   • Developing processes and legislation with us that will enable the further development of First Nation governments?
2. Does your party support the goals and commitments made by the First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders at the November 2005 First Ministers Meeting? Specifically, will your party commit to:
   • Supporting the 10-year dedicated effort to closing the gap in the quality of life that now exists between First Nation peoples and other Canadians; and
   • Holding another meeting between First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders within the next two to three years to measure the progress made towards closing the gap; and
   • Supporting the commitments made in the First Nations Implementation Plan, including specific actions in the areas of health, education, housing and economic opportunities; and
   • Providing all of the First Nations portion of the $5.1 Billion financial commitment made by the Government of Canada, including all of the specific commitments made in the areas of education, children, health, housing and infrastructure, economic opportunities, and relationships and accountability?
3. If elected, is your party committed to fully honouring the Settlement Package for Residential School survivors that was agreed to by the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations on November 21, 2005? Will you make a full apology to all survivors?
4. If elected, is your party committed to the joint development of a joint bilateral review process (Canada-First Nations) to examine and overhaul federal policies respecting self-government, comprehensive claims, specific claims and treaty rights?
5. If elected, is your party committed to addressing the systemic inequities created by the 1985 Amendment to the Indian Act (commonly referred to as Bill C-31), and to work with First Nations governments so that they can assume control of First Nation citizenship?
6. If elected, is your party committed to amending the current consultation and accommodation policies of the federal government to reflect the emerging case law as addressed in the Haida, Taku River Tlingit, and Mikisew Cree cases by the Supreme Court of Canada?
7. If elected, is your party committed to greater First Nations involvement in government decision making that affects First Nation citizens directly?

-30-

For further information:
Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director,
(613) 241-6789 ext. 320, cell: (613) 292-2787;
Ian McLeod, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer,
(613) 241-6789 ext. 336, cell: (613) 859-4335;
Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief,
(613) 241-6789 ext. 243, cell: (613) 298-6382

2nd Annual Mishkeegogamang Thunder Broomball tournament will be held on February 4, 5, 2006.

Entry Fee $1500.00

1st $10000   2nd  $1500   3rd $500

For More information Contact

Michael Bottle (807) 928-2490 928-2299

Destani Skunk (807) 928-2881

Sandy Lake First Nation

Derek Kakegamic 1st Annual Memorial Invitational Hockey Tournament

January 18, 19, 20, 21, 2006

Entry Fee:  $2,000.00

Prizes:  (all guaranteed)

Championship: $20,000.00

Runner-up: $10,000.00

Consolation: $6,000.00

Forth Place: $2,000.00

NO IMPORTS!!!

Open Ice Hitting during Playoffs.

Bring your own Sleeping Gear!!!

Contacts:

Doug Crowe @ Sandy Lake Band Office...807 774 3421

Greg Mawakeesic @ Arena...807 774 5445

Robert Kakegamic @ Home...807 774 5275

This tournament is held yearly to remember the late Thomas Ash. Thomas Ash played with Mishkeegogamang Falcon's and Osnaburgh Snipers as a goalie.

Dates: January 28, 29, 2006.

Entry Fee $1000.

1st $5000 2nd $1500 3rd $1000 4th $500