Media.Knet.Ca

The family of Murphy Quill is asking that if anyone knows of his whereabouts that they contact his family through the Deer Lake band office. Or have Murphy contact his family.

Murphy is 44 years old and from Deer Lake.  He has not been since July.  He was in Winnipeg the last time the family heard any news about his whereabouts.  Perry & Cecillia Quill traveled to Wpg to go look for him. They searched the shelters, Portage (just in case anyone seen him) and other place without any success.  They will be leaving again today to travel to Shammatawa.  There were rumors saying that he was living there with his girlfriend so they will go check if he's there. 

Crossing my fingers!!!

The following e-mail was received today from Steve and Shelley Jacko and is being circulated across Ontario by First Nation organizations ... Click here for a copy of the Word version of the petition 

Just in ... EVERYONE can sign the ON-LINE petition set up by Steve Jacko ... Click on the Public Concern regarding the safety of our children while at school Petition to Public Awareness was created by and written by Steve Jacko (steve.jacko@gmail.com). 

A CALL TO ACTION- OCTOBER 11, 2005

The attached petition is being brought forward by Steve Jacko who has asked the regional coroner for an inquest into the tragic choking death of his and Shelley’s beloved son, Jordan.  The Regional Coroner in Thunder Bay has refused an inquest and Steve and Shelley are launching an appeal that they hope to have this process initiated and completed to assure other parents of children’s safety in the public school system.  

Steve and Shelley want to prevent further incidents of this from occurring by ensuring all supervision staff, teachers, and support staff at schools are mandated to have First Aid and CPR training; that lunch time supervision and emergency response is reviewed and that all other issues of question that arose from this incident are answered to the satisfaction of the general public accessing services from the public education system.  You can help by printing out the attached petition and having your family, neighbours friends, co-workers sign it in support of the Jacko family, in support of the safety and security of all children attending school in the Ontario Public System. 

WE HAVE 10 DAYS TO COLLECT AS MANY SIGNATURES AS WE CAN.

A WALK OF SOLIDARITY, UNITY AND MEMORY OF THIS FINE YOUNG MAN WILL TAKE PLACE SATURDAY OCTOBER 22, 2005.  THE ROUTE WILL BE FROM THE KING GEORGE SCHOOL TO THE KENORA CEMETERY.  IT IS HOPED THROUGH YOUR SUPPORT OF THE PETITION AN INQUEST WILL FOLLOW AND NO FAMILY WILL NEED TO GO THROUGH A LOSS SUCH AS THIS ONE. 

In Memory of our son Jordan Jacko - April 5, 1996 - April 29, 2005 - Our hearts are heavy with sorrow from the sudden tragic loss of a young man.  As a family, saying goodbye to a son as beautiful as Jordan is the most difficult thing. You were mature and funny, selfless and such a pure, pure heart. You had a bright shining smile that made others smile along with you.  As parents, we love you. We are so proud of the strength you showed right up until the tragic end. Your brother and sister love you as much as the moon, the stars and the sun in the sky.  God must need a special Angel to call you to his Heaven.  Jordan is survived by grandparents, Arthur J. Jacko, wife Anne Gabow (predeceased), Veronica Manitowabi, grandparents Debbie Fisk, husband Raymond Turner (predeceased). As well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will be sadly missed by many, but will never be forgotten.  We love you forever, Jordan

Love Mom ( Shelley) , Dad( Steve) , Justin and Hannah Jacko

For more info call Steve or Shelley Jacko ( 807) 468 –4017  cell 466-7183
Mail completed petitions to :
Steve Jacko
PO Box  654
Kenora, On
P9N 3X6

Click here for a copy of the Word version of the original letter

Community  Based Conflict Resolution training will be taking place in Sioux Lookout. We are hoping that workers from different First Nation organizations will take this opportunity to take part. Please pass on this information to any other organizations that you think may benefit. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us here at the Sioux Lookout Anti Racism Office at 737-1501 or by e-mail to wfox@bellnet.ca

Click here for a PDF copy of the registration form.

Click here to see the ad that will is appearing in 2 issues of the Sioux Bulletin and one issue of Wawatay.  Please forward this email on to your colleagues and friends. Please note that the course is free.

Click here for a copy of the poster.

Please stay tuned for materials related to the Youth Restorative Justice Program Mediation Skills Development Course and the Workshop on Dealing with Conflict in the Workplace.

Have a great day!.

Don DeGenova
REsolve Project Manager
Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee
Sioux Lookout  807-737-7492
Ottawa 819-595-8572
Cell 613-298-0551

From the AFN web site http://www.afn.ca/article.asp?id=1748  - the AFN Education Sector has an RFP (Request for Proposals) Framework from the Joint AFN-INAC Post Secondary Education Review Working Group (PSE WG)

Review of the Indian Studies Support Program Component of the PSE Program,

Including

An Analysis of Indigenous Institutes of Higher Learning:

Foundations, Frameworks, Funding and Management Support

General Background

Upon direction from the Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE) and the National Indian Education Council (NIEC), the AFN Education Sector in collaboration with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) established a Joint Working Group to review INAC’s Post-Secondary Education program and to develop a renewed policy framework and management regime for the program.

The Post-Secondary Education (PSE) program has two parts:  the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP), including University and College Entrance Preparation (UCEP) and the Indian Studies Support Program (ISSP). The PSSSP and UCEP fund eligible students attending recognized institutions for tuition, books and supplies, travel, & living allowances for a set period of time.  For the ISSP, up to 12% of the PSE budget may be used to support programming designed to enhance First Nation and Inuit PSE achievement.  This includes funding for existing Aboriginal institutes of higher learning. 

The mandate of the Joint PSE Working Group is to use and share technical expertise and knowledge of members working with First Nation educational institutes, as well as in areas related to student support (including support during transitional programs), on the entire spectrum of issues covered by the PSE Program including, but not limited t funding, institutional support, and policy.   INAC will utilize the information to write the business case for Ministerial approval of a new PSE Program and management regime with meaningful consultation of First Nations through AFN.

The joint PSE Working Group work plan contains six key elements within each of the student and institutional support work plans.  The institutional support work plan also contains a seventh element, that of recognition of courses, programs and institutions (similar to accreditation).

These elements will form the basis of the review:

1)                  Goals and Objectives
2)                  Roles and Responsibilities
3)                  Current and Future Capacity to Meet Needs (First Nations’ priorities)
4)                  Data Collection and Monitoring
5)                  Program Resources
6)                  Program Management
7)                  Recognition of programs and institutions (ISSP)

A detailed list of specific issues with respect to each element is attached as Annex A.

Specific Background

Education has long been acknowledged as the primary vehicle for developing, strengthening and sustaining strong and healthy cultures. The Indigenous population in Canada is expected to grow from 1.1 million in 1996 to over 1.6 million by 2010, and the Indigenous youth population is the fastest growing demographic in Canada.

As a consequence of population growth, Indigenous peoples have the potential to assist Canada in addressing projected labour shortages while improving their quality of life and their experiences in life long learning. However, this potential can be realized only if Indigenous peoples have increased participation in the labour market, and a strengthened skill and knowledge base.

The Indigenous population in Canada has, in the past decades, become more educated, more entrepreneurial, and more employable than in previous generations. Yet the education gap between Indigenous peoples and the non-Indigenous population in Canada remains large and continues to grow.

Many young Indigenous adults have inadequate levels of education. It has been recently found that forty-one percent of Aboriginal people 25-34 years old have not completed high school, compared with eighteen percent of Canadians of the same age. In 1972, the National Indian Brotherhood’s (now the Assembly of First Nations) policy paper entitled, Indian Control of Indian Education, laid out the principles of local control and parental responsibility as the basis for First Nations jurisdiction over education. The document called for the recognition of the inherent and treaty rights of First Nations to control their own education.

Purpose of Proposed Research

The purpose of the proposed research is to examine the current scope and capacity of ISSP; analyse the benefits and positive impacts that Indigenous Institutes of Higher Learning (IIHLs) have for Indigenous learners and Indigenous communities; and, based on First Nations recommendations, propose a new policy and management framework and rationale for supporting courses, programs and institutions that increase educational opportunities for First Nation and Inuit students.

Approach

The work should address the factors of First Nations need, culture, demographics, geography, funding, accountability, and management of the institutional support component of the PSE Program, and provide the basis for the development of a new policy framework and management regime. 

The work should be grounded in, but not limited to, a literature review based on the attached bibliography which will include and further build on existing recommendations in the area of Indigenous institutes of higher learning.

Indigenous Institutes of Higher Learning

Indigenous Institutes of Higher Learning (IIHLs) in Canada have grown significantly over the past thirty years.  They provide opportunities for Indigenous peoples to exercise greater control over the education of their peoples and establish a framework to improve educational outcomes.  IIHLs also address the unique learning needs of Indigenous peoples—including learning styles and culturally appropriate curriculum requirements—using unique educational models that utilize culturally-specific curriculum, pedagogy and learning environments.  Many IIHLs report retention rates of 80-90% or greater. The impact of IIHLs on Indigenous human resource development is highly significant, yet little research has been done to quantify this view on a broad scale.  This lack of information on IIHLs hinders their ability to gain resources and recognition.

IIHLs could play an increased role in addressing Canada's need for a skilled and knowledgeable labour force. Currently, they offer Indigenous peoples an alternative to mainstream education by addressing their unique learning needs (including learning styles, community and cultural sensitivities, and pedagogical requirements). As well, they use educational models that use culturally-specific curriculum, pedagogy, and learning environments.

IIHLs are also autonomous and Indigenous-controlled—thereby offering learning programs that are inclusive of the cultures, values and learning styles of Indigenous peoples. They do this by celebrating diverse Indigenous cultures and languages, by recognizing Indigenous histories and communities, and by focusing on student academic success through an understanding of the economic, geographic, social and emotional needs of individuals. IIHLs are also involved at every level of education, including the training of early childhood educators, developing curriculum for elementary school, offering alternative secondary and training programs, in addition to post secondary diplomas, degrees, advanced degrees and certificates.  IIHLs are an integral aspect of the development of integrated, effective, Indigenous lifelong learning systems for individuals, organizations, communities and nationally.

The need for greater awareness and understanding of the benefits that IIHLs offer Indigenous learners is paramount. Examining the successes achieved by IIHLs will not only highlight the economic and social impacts that these learning institutes have on Indigenous people's human resource development, but will also shed light on the issues and challenges affecting the capacity development of these Institutes. There are opportunities for communities, governments, businesses, and other learning institutes to learn from IIHL best practices and to replicate them across Canada. There are currently approximately 47 IIHLs across Canada, each offering a distinctive learning experience to thousands of Indigenous learners

Stakeholders

Stakeholders of the proposed research should include: learners; IIHLs; First Nation education councillors, students, communities, governments and organizations; federal and provincial governments; private sector employers; universities and colleges offering post secondary Indigenous programs, and, education-related associations.

Research Goals

The research project should be national in scope while honouring regional and community differences.  The project processes and results should be credible and should incorporate Indigenous education perspectives and student needs.  Researchers should, at a minimum, ensure the involvement of First Nation researchers while at the same time striving for multi-sectoral perspectives.

The goals of the research are to

• examine current scope and capacity of ISSP, identifying gaps between what is available and what is needed;
• review scope of authority for funding First Nations University of Canada to determine applicability and/or non-applicability of the model to other IIHLs;
• report on the background, outcomes and demand for IIHLs;
• identify the unique qualities of IIHLs and identify how this contributes to student success; identify how to establish and document success of students;
• identify the issues and challenges facing IIHLs, including any gaps that hinder the effectiveness of IIHLs;
• identify the various roles that IIHLs could fulfill in the larger picture of Indigenous self-determination and human resource development, including community roles, health, and capacity;
• document the benefits of a system of publicly recognized and adequately funded IIHLs;
• identify appropriate approaches to and levels of funding for IIHLs.

Research Tools, Products

A broad range of research tools should be identified in the proposal along with examples of how and where they would be utilized throughout the research project.  Products should be multiple and tailored to appeal to specific audiences (e.g., reports, Internet links, case studies, etc.) and be inclusive of gender and cultural concepts/language within the design, methodology, research itself, and final product.

The contract will directly follow and address the work plan provided by the Working Group for the specific purpose of this research area (please see Annex A) and address all Research Goals identified above.

Project Time Line and Budget

The anticipated time line for this work is approximately 3 months. A draft report must be completed by January 2, 2006 with a final draft completed incorporating comments by the working group by January 18, 2006.

Proposal

Proposals should include a project schedule with benchmark deliverables and a corresponding budget not to exceed $165,000.  

Proposals must include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cover letter with contractor’s background information such as work experience and evidence of ability to complete the report
• Work plan including research and data gathering methodologies incorporating all aspects covered in this RFP
• Time frame for each element of work plan
• Budget break down for each element
• Names, background and CVs of the First Nation and all other resource persons which will participate

Deadline

Please submit, by fax or mail no later than (2 weeks after date of posting), 2005  at 5pm to the attention of:

Assembly of First Nations, CEO Office
473 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON
K1R 5B4
Fax: (613) 241-5808
rjock@afn.ca

ANNEX A

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

History of the program to provide context

History of First Nations University of Canada

Identify existing stated goals of current authorities

Should the program be separated from the student support program

Gap analysis

Scope entails how different recipients have used the program funding, program results and how the program could be tailored to best meet the contemporary needs of First Nations and Inuit communities.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Existing roles and responsibilities

Linkages with other programs, including AHRDS protocols

Provincial requirements for licensing, credentialing, etc.

Provincial systems, review for policies, and key issues around education

Current and Future Capacity to Meet Needs

(First Nations’ Priorities)

Student support needs

Factors that influence student success

Current institutional capacity

Needed institutional requirements to meet student needs

Occupation/labour market demands of First Nations

DATA COLLECTION AND MONITORING

Performance indicators, based on program objectives

Quality assurance indicators

Reporting requirements, based on performance indicators

Tracking systems (e.g., including dropouts/stopouts)

PROGRAM RESOURCES

Key Existing First Nations PSE Institutes – funding history

How First Nations have funded their institutes

Existing program funding levels

Funding of mainstream institutes through ISSP

Models for institutional funding, province by province, for mainstream institutes

Research funding

What funding is available (and shortfalls) from all sources

Distance education and e-learning

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Recommend funding allocation methods

Examine existing ISSP allocations and document recommendations on allocations

Program approval requirements

Course approval requirements

Articulation agreements

Collaboration with other First Nation and mainstream institutions

Planning and research capacity (including community human resource planning)

Curriculum development a priority

Communication with stakeholders

Communications strategy

Clarity of terms and conditions for the program

Training/professional development for program management

RECOGNITION

See bibliography

Reference document for the quality assurance measures, AIC (Ontario)

Government of Canada Invests $9.45 Million for New School in Sachigo Lake First Nation

SACHIGO LAKE FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (October 12, 2005) - Kenora MP Roger Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today the official opening of the new Martin McKay Memorial School in Sachigo Lake First Nation. The announcement was made at a ceremony at the school today.

"Aboriginal youth are poised to make a significant contribution to Canada's society and economic growth, but must have the education and skills needed to succeed." said Mr. Valley. "This school is an excellent example of the working partnership that the federal government and First Nations are building in order to improve lifelong learning opportunities for Aboriginal Canadians."

The new 2,381-square-metre community school, offering Kindergarten through Grade 12 programming, is expected to accommodate approximately 210 students. The new school contains a total of eight classrooms, a computer room, a library, a gymnasium and shower facilities, as well as play areas for kindergarten and elementary students. INAC provided $9.45 million to Sachigo Lake First Nation, which managed design and construction of the school.

Chief Alvin Beardy said he's pleased with the new facility. "Bringing all our students together under one roof, and allowing them to finish high school in the community, will help our youth become better prepared to contribute to the growth and strength of the First Nation, of Ontario and of Canada."

The Sachigo Lake First Nation is located approximately 420 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout, Ontario. The First Nation has a total of 720 members, with approximately 460 residents living on the reserve. It is accessible by air year-round, and by ice road during the coldest months of the winter.

- 30 -

This release is also available at: http://www.inac.gc.ca

For further information, please contact:

Tony Prudori
Acting Senior Information Officer
INAC Communications
(807) 624-1531

Chief Alvin Beardy
Sachigo Lake First Nation
(807) 595-2527

The Chiefs of Ontario Education, Health and Social departments co-hosted a one day Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Dialogue session on September 26, 2005 in Toronto,Ontario.  Approximately 80 individuals took part from across the Ontario region.  Participation included First Nations professionals from the Health, Social, Education and AHRDA fields; government representatives from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Human Resources Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and Health Canada (HC). The purpose of the dialogue sessions was to bring together First Nation people to discuss and provide recommendations on the design of and transition to, an ELCC program for children in First Nations and Inuit communities. 

Regional Perspective:
First Nations child daycare and child welfare services in Ontario (along with general welfare and homemakers’ services) are provided primarily under a federal/provincial cost-sharing arrangement known as the 1965 Indian Welfare Agreement.

The Ontario First Nations Chiefs had mandated a Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) to guide implementation of AHS when it became available to First Nations communities in 1998. Following the federal announcement of a First Nations/Aboriginal ECD Strategy in 2002, the Ontario leadership broadened the RAC mandate to reflect the wider ECD agenda including AHS and all federal/provincial initiatives targeting age 0 to 6. The RAC is made up of representatives from Health Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Aboriginal Health Office and the Chiefs of Ontario Health, Social and Education Coordination Units.
In FY 2002-03 the RAC conducted a regional mapping/environmental scan to lay the groundwork for an ECD Strategy that would reflect the needs of Ontario First Nations. It revealed that although the bulk of current ECD funding to Ontario First Nations is spent on licensed daycares and Brighter Futures projects, less than half of Ontario First Nations communities have daycare services. There are no ready sources of capital funding, and as noted, most Brighter Futures funding in Ontario First Nations goes to support programs for other age groups beyond 0 to 6.

Ontario First Nations leadership mandated the asset mapping process by resolution of the Chiefs-in-Assembly. The process was co-led and supported by Health Canada on behalf of the federal government departments.  Asset mapping supported Ontario First Nations in defining ECD for themselves, examining current ECD activity and developing ECD Plans and additional activities building on existing community strengths.   From July to November, 2004 a total of 102 First Nations across Ontario participated in the community-based asset mapping sessions In January 2005 representatives from an additional 16 Ontario First Nations engaged in asset mapping group sessions to support their ECD community planning, bringing the total number of participating communities to 118 (out of 134 First Nations in Ontario).

At the 2004 All Ontario Chiefs Conference resolutions 05-29 and 05-32 were passed by the Chiefs in Assembly.   Resolution 05-29 (attachment A) states “in recognition of the principle of universal funding, support and approve the implementation of the Early Childhood Funding Allocation Formula for Early Childhood Development/Aboriginal Head Start (ECD/AHS) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) for First Nation communities in Ontario.”  Resolution 05-32 (See attachment B) resolved; that the Ontario First Nation Community Planning – Asset mapping process and the transition process for allocation must be maintained; those Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreements handling Early Childhood funding shall be part of all meetings on these matters; that First Nation participation must be maintained through the Chiefs of Ontario, regionally and nationally, in the planning and development of the transition plan, which will include assessing the impacts of the single window approach and the design and development of an administration regime in preparation for the transition of the four programs under INAC; and that the four programs must increase program effectiveness, and must not result in a reduction of funding for First Nations.

All of the aforementioned documents have been reviewed in the development of this report.

Click here to read the entire report from the Chiefs of Ontario web site (Word Document)

The Ontario Aboriginal Sports Circle is hosting the Team Ontario Volleyball Tryouts for the North American Indigenous Games.

In Thunder Bay, October 22-23, 2005 at the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, 315 North Edward Street.

Registration at 8:30 a.m. 

For more information  See here:

The Chiefs of Ontario office is requesting First Nations post-secondary students, past and present, to please fill out a questionnaire concerning INAC's Post-Secondary Education Policy.

All completed questionnaires should be returned to Cara Martin (teresa@coo.org) at the Chiefs of Ontario. 

The deadline for responses is October 31, 2005.    
  
Click here to download the Questionnaire (PSE review ON workbook 05.doc (153 kb)  from the Chiefs of Ontario web site.
 
To view this Word Document you must have Microsoft Word installed on your computer.

The Aboriginal Health Conference being planned for October 25 - 26 in Thunder Bay, is a new initiative being spear-headed by the regional Ontario Hospital Association (OHA).  This event will bring together health providers, including the hospitals and other agencies with the end-users of aboriginal health care in Northwestern Ontario. The focus from the Ministry of Health is toward integrated services across the region.  The OHA feels it is important, at this time, to bring these all parties together for shared education, information and networking. 

The education and information is important, but the networking that will be available at this event is equally important to facilitate understanding and collaboration.

The theme of the conference is: Integration, Coordination and Collaboration – Building on Successes. The conference will allow for better understanding of how to successfully integrate Aboriginal healing processes, programs and services into "mainstream" healthcare in Northwestern Ontario.

Cost for this three-day event is $175 for the conference only, $225 for the conference and dinner/entertainment, October 26, 2005. For more information and registration information visit http://www.ohanorthwest.ca/?Aboriginal_Health_Conferenc

Speakers include: Colin Wasacase, Barbara Hall, MOHLTC, Bernice Dubeck, Pat Chilton, Rene Southwind, Geordi Kakepetum, Robin and Katherine Greene, Josie Potson, Ron Wakegijig, Janet Gordon, Garnet Angeconeb, Grand Chief Stan Beardy, Lawrence Martin and more ....