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SANDY LAKE 1ST ANNUAL DEREK KAKEGAMIC MEMORIAL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

NOVEMBER 16 TO 19, 2005

The K-Net Story is scheduled to be presented at the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) National Conference being held this week in Sault Ste Marie. Click here for more information about the conference.

Click here for a PDF handout of the K-Net Story presentation

THE STOCKHOLM CHALLENGE AWARD 2006 invites excellent ICT projects from all over the world to compete for the prestigious Challenge trophies. The Challenge is searching for the best initiatives that accelerate the use of information technology for the social and economic benefit of citizens and communities. The objective is to help local entrepreneurs, who work to close the digital divide, by bringing in research communities, development organisations and strong corporate initiatives. Click here for more information.

THE AWARDS WILL BE HANDED OUT IN SIX CATEGORIES in the City Hall - on May 11, 2006. Special focus will be on projects in countries and regions with the greatest needs. There will also be an international Challenge conference in Stockholm on issues related to the role of ICTs in global development work.

THE AWARD IS OPEN FOR ENTRIES until December 31st 2005. The application form is easily accessible on the home page.

The Stockholm Challenge is headquartered at the IT University - a joint initiative by KTH  (The Royal Institute of Technology) and Stockholm University. It is managed by a consortium that also includes the City of Stockholm, Ericsson and Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

For more information, please contact:
Project Manager
Ulla Skidén
ulla.skiden@stockholmchallenge.se
Telephone: + 46 8 7904469
Cell: +46 70 678 72 82
http://www.stockholmchallenge.se  

Click here for the rules for participation in the Stockholm Challenge Award  2006

These are the basic rules for the participation in the Stockholm Challenge Award. All competing projects must:

1. Include ICT - Illustrate how ICT is used to create new or better traditional services and/or products, which are beneficial for human and social development.
2. Be implemented - All competing projects must be up and running. They should be implemented/piloted since no less than three months. The Stockholm Challenge Award does not accept drafted concepts and ideas only. The jury will only evaluate and compare projects that can show measurable outcomes and impact.
3. Be linked to and/or supported by an established private or public organisation.
4. Be verifiable, i.e. able to present credible references.
5. Be free from religious, political or other personal beliefs.

To be noted: Projects that have won one of the Challenge categories in previous years cannot enter the competition again.

All applications must be in English

Evaluation criteria  - Innovation, creativity and the convergence of ICT with many different disciplines are some of the qualities that are looked for in the competing projects. The jury, a group of international senior experts, base their evaluation on the following criteria, most of which all Challenge projects should meet:

• Innovation - Competing projects should illustrate new and innovative ways of using ICT to improve the living and economical conditions especially of those with great needs.
• Convergence - The addition of ICT as a tool to traditional development work can improve and widen the scope of the project impact. Projects should show successful convergences of different disciplines and sectors.
• Inclusion - It is favourable for the competing projects to show that they bring individuals, groups and local organisations into larger communities - national and global - such as medical, government, educational and cultural networks, as well business environments.
• Equal Opportunity - It is important that the initiatives counteract inequality related to the likes of gender, origin, age, physical and/or mental disabilities.
• Sustainability - An important factor is sustainability. Not only economic sustainability, i.e. how long the project will last and bring benefits to its users. Sustainability also includes the contribution of the project to a sustainable society and environment at large.

Opportunities  - To enter a project in the Stockholm Challenge Award is not only to participate in a prestigious international ICT competition - it is also a way to join networks of some of the best ICT entrepreneurs and pioneers in the world. Testimonials from many of the projects, which have competed in their respective categories over the years, say that it is the inspiration, the new ideas, contacts and partners that are the greatest rewards for a Challenger.

The Stockholm Challenge represents excellent marketing through the exposure to media, and to private and public organizations that are involved in ICT work and implementations. It gives promotional opportunities for entrepreneurs, universities, cities, cities and regions. The Stockholm Challenge Final Events include a Best Practice Exhibition and a Conference. It is a meeting place for some the world's most successful IT entrepreneurs.

Winners and finalists of the Stockholm Challenge are global role models for cities, companies, organisations, schools and others who are involved in adapting and spreading the use of ICT.

KO Telehealth is pleased to make the Interim Report available to partners and stakeholders. Key messages from the Interim Report are summarized in the areas of Access, Acceptability, Integration, Quality and Financial Impact.

“Our lives have been completely changed by the services we now receive over the network. Having telehealth care and also having secondary education services available in our communities is making us stronger as a people.”

- Geordi Kakepetum, Executive Director

• Interim Report
• Appendix 1- Evaluation Framework
• Appendix 2- Evaluation Manual 
• Appendix 3- Economic Model
• Appendix 4- Figures and Tables
• Appendix 5- Focus Group Integration

Main Messages

The Keewaytinook Okimakanak Telehealth/NORTH Network Expansion Project began with 5 First Nations communities and has since expanded to 22 First Nations communities located in the Sioux Lookout Health Zone. Geographically isolated and culturally distinct communities such as these have lower access rates to health services and lower health status relative to the rest of Ontario. The Expansion Project used  telecommunications technology compared to travel to span geographic distance. This evaluation represented a comprehensive effort to measure short-term changes in access and sets the stage to measure the potential long-term health effects.

Access: KOTH usage varied from 66 to 224 telehealth sessions/month (average=122/month). First Nations communities averaged 12 sessions/month. Clinical consultations comprised 42% of the 2926 sessions, followed by training (19%), education (17%), meetings (13%) and demonstrations/tests/family visits (8%). The number of medical specialties, educational events and health programs offered via telehealth also increased. The stories and the statistics suggest that telehealth has "virtually" decreased the geographic distances that have, in the past, restricted access to health information and health services.

Acceptability: Over 90% of the 73 patients said that they found the telehealth session helpful, 96% would repeat the same appointment by telehealth and 89% would recommend telehealth to another person. These sentiments were echoed by many health providers. A frequent qualification was that flying patients or providers in and out of a community was still needed as a viable, workable option, should it be required by the situation.

Integration: Many stakeholders recognized the potential and need for telehealth to integrate the programs and the people involved in health education, prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up (e.g., diabetes). The benefits of improved continuity of care and greater family involvement were also emphasized.

Quality: Many physicians felt comfortable with using telehealth for most follow-up and also for initial consultations provided that face-to-face was available should it be required by the situation. Many stakeholders concluded independently that the role of locally recruited, fulltime Community Telehealth Coordinators (CTCs) was of paramount importance to telehealth success and had implications not only for quality of service, but for access, acceptability and integration. Stakeholders advocated for ongoing efforts to educate and retain qualified personnel.

Financial Impact: The Pilot Project provided proof of concept as the telehealth service was rolled-out to 22 First Nations communities and provided cost and utilization data that were used to model a fully operational and sustainable telehealth program. Different estimates and monetary values were assigned to telehealth sessions that averted travel versus those that were in addition to travel ("new" telehealth). Costs for the Sustainable Program were estimated at $2.81M/year. Estimated savings were $4.16M/year for averted travel and $6.09M/year if “new” telehealth was assigned a dollar value. Estimates were based on 1346 averted trips for 4810 telehealth sessions/year. The breakeven point occurred when there were 915 averted trips for 3271 telehealth sessions/year.

Conclusions: The preliminary findings of the evaluation suggest that the KOTH/NORTH Network Expansion Project has increased utilization. The Sustainable Program has the ability to become a financial success in the near future. Feedback from stakeholders in the communities and in support centres testified to emerging benefits and significant potential for the future.

The Assembly of First Nations is organizing a Special Chiefs Assembly on The First Ministers Meeting for October 31-November 2, 2005 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Click here for more information about this gathering.

The meeting will give chiefs a chance to provide the AFN with direction on issues important to them. For Keewaytinook Okimakanak and partner First Nations, ensuring that telehealth services and broadband connections receive adequate funding support is a priority.

Press Release from http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2005/17/c2015.html

Deep concern at the First Nations Education Council

WENDAKE, Oct. 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Media sources are reporting that Prime Minister Martin is to announce, on November 25, 2005, that his government intends spending at least a billion dollars on improving the quality of life of Aboriginal peoples.

Part of this spending is supposed to be earmarked for education, especially for training elementary school teachers on reserves and keeping them in place.

While we recognize that this investment in education is indeed of the utmost urgency, the FNEC authorities are deeply concerned that these sums of money should be used to modify teaching programs to bring them in line with provincial norms, with the full collaboration of provincial authorities.

We feel it is important to reiterate that the federal government itself is currently responsible for developing First Nations education policy. Rather than finally allowing First Nations themselves to develop those policies that directly concern them, the federal government seems to have decided to transfer this responsibility to the provinces. For the FNEC, this is a serious infringement of the inherent right of First Nations to exercise full control over their education.

According to those media sources quoted above, Tanis Fiss, the spokesperson for the Canadian Taxpayers' Association, has stated: "Money isn't the issue. On a per-pupil basis, the federal government is spending more on native education than provinces are spending on public education..."

Statements like this are based on a purely superficial analysis of the situation and do not take into account the communities' political and sociological contexts. The structures that support First Nations school systems are completely different from provincial structures.

According to Mr Ghislain Picard, Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, if an agreement were indeed to take place and be confirmed between the Canadian and the Quebec governments, resulting in a federal-provincial transfer of funding intended for First Nations, this would be tantamount to an unloading operation by the federal government in favour of the provincial governments. It would, therefore, leave the door wide open for provincial mismanagement in Aboriginal matters.

According to Ms. Lise Bastien, FNEC director, such an operation would mean that all funds earmarked for First Nations institutions and communities' educational services would be swallowed up in the provincial educational apparatus, with absolutely no guarantee of a fair redistribution for First Nations communities' services and schools.

In addition, Ms. Bastien stated that more than thirty years after Indian Control Over Education, First Nations had every right to denounce the fact that the conditions set out have yet to be achieved and First Nations are still not able to develop their own education systems. Such a transfer would represent yet another obstacle to First Nations organizations and communities in developing and setting up their own systems. It would also demonstrate a profound disregard and total lack of recognition for all the work carried out by First Nations in education.

Ms. Bastien and Mr. Picard report that First Nations communities and their representative organizations are absolutely determined to oppose federal-provincial transfers in First Nations education, inasmuch as we are not involved in the whole procedure on which this approach is based.

The AFNQL and the FNEC agree that changes need to be made to the current system, imposed by the federal government. It is undoubtedly the case, however, that the whole system needs to be completely overhauled and this must be done by First Nations themselves, in accordance with their fundamental rights.

For further information: Alain Garon, Information and Communications Officer, Secretariat of the Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, (418) 842-5020; Barbara Gravel, Education Counsellor, First Nations Education Council, (418) 842-7672

Keewaytinook Okimakanak telehealth information video series describing the work of the Community Telehealth Coordinators. Produced by Cal Kenny, K-Net's Multi-media Producer as part of the KO Telehealth information package being prepared for a Canada Health Infoway initiative.

Part 1.  Overview of the community-based Keewaytinook Okimakanak Telehealth initiative View here Length:2:47 Part 2.   Introducing and Supporting Telehealth in First Nations View here Length:3:22 Part 3. Sample Consult Session View here Length:4:47 Part 4. The Roles and Responsibilities of the First Natin CTCs View here Length:2:11 Part 5.     Public Health Education View here Length:2:54 Part 6.     Conclusion  View here Length:1:46

Click here for the telehealth web page with these videos

Fort Severn First Nation Chief Roy Gray was at the NAN office in Thunder Bay Tuesday October 11, 2005 assisting community member's fundraising efforts to have her mother’s hydro reconnected.

Additional Notes concerning the realities of living in Ontario's most northern community ...

 Grocery List:

1. Eggs per dozen - $  4.05
2. Loaf of bread   - $  4.59
3. Fresh milk - 4 l @ $14.95
4. Sugar - 2kg @ $ 7.95
5. Tide Laundry - 3.2kg @ $23.59
6. Enfalac - 235ml @ $ 3.75
7. Diapers - 30 @ $ 24.95
                      52's @ $ 43.59
8. Pop - 1 can @ $   1.75
9. Rice - 1.4kg @ $ 11.98
10.   Gasoline is $ 1.60 when shipped by barge or winter road
        Gasoline is $ 2.75 when flown by air.

Due to the harsh environment with winter conditions reaching up to -50 degrees plus wind chills, the cost of harvesting wood is expensive as people have to go anywhere up to 25 miles.  The costs of one cord of wood is $ 330.00 and on average a house will burn 1 - 2.5 cords of woods per month depending on size and for people to pay for electrical bills which cannot be covered as shelter components have been used up is not possible. On average, monthly bills for hydro are $ 100 to $ 200.00 / month.

These are the problems that we have, another example is that people on CMHC homes have to pay rent of $ 385.00 /month for 3 bedroom unit and $ 425.00 for a four bedroom unit $ 485.00 for 5 bedroom unit. On top of this is the cost of heating fuel which on average is $ 300 per month of furnace fuel plus the cost of electricity is $ 150.00 as all C.M.H.C. units use furnaces for heat. The total shelter costs exceeds the maximum shelter allowed.

People have to contribute from there regular benefits should they not want to fall behind with there bills which puts them below the Social Safety Net.

Because of these issues, Fort Severn cannot implement programs such as  housing rental program or even to charge user fees for water and sewage services.

The maximum shelter allowances are:

Benefit Unit Size:       Max Shelter Allowance
1                                  325.00
2.                                 527.00
3.                                 571.00
4.                                 621.00
5.                                 669.00
6. Or More                  694.00  

People depend on hunting and traditional activities to supplement the incomes and they need to freeze what they harvest.

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The prices used are based on last years costs of wood and heat and this year with the increasing cost of gasoline and fuel oils, the costs will go up significantly.
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From NAN News Releases web site

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAN COMMUNITY MEMBERS FUNDRAISE TO HEAT HOMES

THUNDER BAY, ON Wednesday October 12, 2005:

Fort Severn First Nation Chief Roy Gray was in Thunder Bay yesterday assisting one community member’s fundraising efforts to have her mother’s hydro reconnected.

“We’ve had 15 homes disconnected in the last month and as Chief, I’m supporting community efforts to find ways to settle these accounts and have the heat turned back on,” said Chief Gray during his visit to Thunder Bay where he sold crafts on behalf of the Fort Severn family at the Nishnawbe Aski Nation office.

Chief Gray is selling moccasins, mandelas, and other crafts to help raise funds to settle one family’s $8,000 hydro bill that has accumulated over approximately three years.

“The cost of living is so extremely high that far north,” said Gray of his community that rests on the coast of Hudson’s Bay at Ontario’s Northern tip. “The average hydro bill for Fort Severn is between $100 and $400 a month.”

The community fundraising comes one week after the federal government announced a $2 billion program to help with heating costs for “the most vulnerable in society”.

Chief Gray participated in discussions with Hydro One Remote this past summer in hopes to negotiate a payment deal for the many families who are now living without heat.

“Our people depend on their freezers to preserve caribou meat and other foods harvested on our traditional territory,” said Gray. “Being without power is a little ironic, considering much of the hydro power generated in Ontario is on the traditional territories of Northern First Nation communities.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s Victoria Avenue office in Thunder Bay will sell the remaining crafts on behalf of the Fort Severn community members.

Fort Severn is one of 49 First Nations part of Nishnawbe Aski Nation. It is the most northern community in Ontario.

For more information please contact:

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

Applications to Open for Beardy Hockey Fund

Parents Stan and Nellie Beardy, along with members of the Daniel Beardy Memorial Hockey Fund Selection Committee, announced an open call for applications for the annual award and scholarship fund at a news conference Friday October 14, 2005.

From NAN's NEWS RELEASE 

SELECTION COMMITTEE CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS TO BEARDY HOCKEY FUND

THUNDER BAY, ON Friday October 14, 2005:  Parents Stan and Nellie Beardy along with members of the Daniel Beardy Memorial Hockey Fund Selection Committee announced an open call for applications for the annual award and scholarship fund today at a news conference at Fort William First Nation Community Centre.

“The intent behind the memorial hockey fund is to build confidence and instill the idea in youth that with determination and the proper support their goals are unlimited,” said father Stan Beardy who is also the Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation – a political organization representing 49 First Nation communities across Ontario.  “Not only will the fund promote the success of young hockey stars, but it will celebrate Daniel’s life and the positive values he stood for.”

The hockey fund was established March 2005 to promote the success of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal hockey stars, while celebrating the life of Daniel Beardy who passed away August 2004. 

Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal hockey players between the ranks of ‘AA’ and Junior or active players in remote communities are eligible to apply for the various awards and scholarships distributed annually by the fund.  All applicants must be residents of Ontario and full-time students.  The Daniel Beardy Memorial Hockey Fund Selection Committee will choose applicants who best demonstrate commitment to hockey practice and game requirements, community involvement.  Selection will also be based on the applicant’s ability to act as a role model to other youth on and off the ice.

The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. November 4, 2005.

Some of the major sponsors of the Daniel Beardy Memorial Hockey Fund include Muskrat Dam First Nation, Northern First Nations Hockey Tournament, Wasaya Airways LP, Shaw Family Bakeshop, Independent First Nations Alliance, and Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.

Daniel Beardy played goalie for Fort William First Nation North Stars – a local Junior ‘A’ Hockey team that won the 2003-2004 Superior International Junior Hockey League Championship.  Beardy, who had been playing hockey since he was five years of age, was voted the top goaltender of the league for the same season.  He had a “goals against” average of 2.06 in the regular season which ranked him second among all goalies in the Canadian Junior ‘A’ Hockey League.  He lost only one game in the 21 he played. 

***

For more information please contact

Jenna Young,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Communications Officer
(807) 625 4952 or (807) 628 3953.

Today, Nishnawbe Aski Nation lost a friend and warrior with the passing of Les Meekis.

Les Meekis was a friend to everyone he met. He was a good man who loved to joke and laugh with everyone, strangers and friends alike. He could tell a good story, sharing his experience and knowledge with others in such a way that captured everyone's attention. He would always stop whatever he was doing to listen to what others were saying.

He was the kind of man a friend or stranger could count on in a pinch. He had character and a sense of humour even when it was difficult to exhibit either.

He was a community member who never forgot his roots and never forgot who he was serving. He believed in all the people across the north, never doubting the strength and wisdom of the elders and their relationship to the land. He choose to work for his people and to be the kind of leader and worker that others respected. He knew how to get things done and why they needed to get done.

Brian Beaton put it best when he described him, “as a good friend to all.” Les passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer.

Les achieved much during his time with Keewaytinook Okimakanak. He began working with KO as the Outreach Worker when he was offered that challenge and the opportunity to work for the people he loved. When the Smart First Nations demonstration project began he willingly accepted the challenge to take on the Community Manager position to serve the KO communities in this new venture. As the Community Manager, Les was responsible for planning, establishing, coordinating and evaluating support services for the local community programs and services being developed and delivered as part of the Kuh-ke-nah project. Under this project he worked with community leaders and administration to recruit and support local community K-Net employees. Les also worked with other K-Net staff coordinating the planning and overseeing of identified training programs for First Nation e-Centre Managers, Computer Technicians and the Multi-media Producers. He provided training and support and most importantly positive encouragement for all.

As KO's Outreach Worker, Les worked with Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nations to identify local employment and training opportunities. This position provided Les with an in-depth knowledge and strong working relationship with community members and the First Nation leadership. From 1994 to 1999, Les worked as Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Far North Fire Management Training Co-ordinator, in partnership with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Les graduated in 1992 as a Forestry Technician from The Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Les will be missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered as a role model for fighting to protect Nishnawbe Aski, the land and the resources. He was a true and honourable warrior who fought the good fight all his life!

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Click here for a short video about some of Les' finer moments of sharing, teaching and laughing - thanks to George Ferreira for putting this together.