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AFN is seeking input from community members on their draft First Nations Blueprint for Health.

"Input and feedback from all First Nations is welcome and will be considered up until one month prior to the First Ministers Meeting on Aboriginal Issues (expected in late November 2005). It at this time that the AFN is anticipating hosting a Policy Summit to review all material to be presented at the 2005 FMM.

Please provide your comments and feedback to Bryan Hendry, AFN Health and Social Communications Officer, at 1-866-869-6789 ext. 229; cell 613-293-6106; bhendry@afn.ca."

From Assembly of First Nations web site at http://afn.ca/article.asp?id=3

NEWS RELEASE

Tuesday October 4, 2005 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

NAN SUPPORTS KAKEGAMIC WALK FOR JUSTICE

KENORA, ON:  Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic, together with Margaret and Isaac Kakegamic, Grand Council Treaty 3 Chief Ken Skead, and community members of North Spirit Lake First Nation gathered in Kenora, Ontario today to raise awareness of the prolonged criminal investigation of the death of Max Kakegamic and launch a legal fund and coroner’s inquest focused on moving the case forward. 

“We’re raising awareness not only for ourselves and our own quest for justice, but for all the others across the lands of the First Nations,” said Margaret Kakegamic - the mother of Max Kakegamic who was killed in Kenora October 4, 2000. “I cannot explain how saddening and frustrating it is that five years after our son’s death no one is currently being tried for his murder.  It is now time for us to take further action for justice.”

About forty people participated in a commemorative walk from Kenora Police Services to the corner of Matheson and 3rd Streets South where Kakegamic was killed five years ago today.

During a news conference at Matheson and 3rd Streets parents Margaret and Isaac Kakegamic launched the Max Kakegamic Justice Fund that will assist the family in securing a lawyer to further the investigation. 

“This Justice Fund will allow myself and my husband to seek legal consultation and develop a strategy to further our case,” said Margaret Kakegamic.  “In addition to our own local fundraising, assistance from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal individuals and organizations across the region, will put us in a position to carry our case forward and get the answers we deserve, not only as a grieving family, but as a People.” 

The Anishnaabe Peace and Justice Coalition in Kenora is accepting contributions to the Max Kakegamic Justice Fund. 

The family also announced their request for a coroner’s inquest that they hope will eventually lead to a public inquiry into the case. 

The hearing for one of two Kenora Police Services officers charged with misconduct in relation to the death investigation and charging of Justin Carambetsos – the original murder suspect - was recently rescheduled to January 2006. 

* * *

For more information please contact:

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

from http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com./story.php?id=188517

Call for coroner’s inquest
There were tears of pain and tears from the cold wind at Tuesday’s Kakegamic Walk for Justice, but everyone present shared a unity of purpose that kept every heart warm.

By Ryan Crocker
Miner and News
Wednesday October 05, 2005

There were tears of pain and tears from the cold wind at Tuesday’s Kakegamic Walk for Justice, but everyone present shared a unity of purpose that kept every heart warm.

About 40 people participated in the event, which paid tribute to Max Kakegamic, who was murdered five years ago, his body dumped on a street corner. It opened with speeches and a ceremony outside the Kenora police station, followed by a commemorative walk to the intersection of Matheson and 3rd streets, where Kakegamic was found.

“We’re raising awareness not only for ourselves and our own quest for justice, but for all of the others across the lands of the First Nations,” said Margaret Kakegamic, Max’s mother.

“I cannot explain how saddening and frustrating it is that five years after our son’s death no one is currently being tried for his murder. It is now time for us to take further action for justice.”

The family has requested a coroner’s inquest they hope will eventually lead to a public inquiry, something that usually takes a lot of hard lobbying over a long period of time to secure.

Margaret Kakegamic, with her husband at her side, also announced the launch of the Max Kakegamic Justice Fund, which will pay for a lawyer to represent the family and further the investigation.

The Anishnaabe Peace and Justice Coalition is accepting contributions for the fund.

“The justice fund will allow myself and my husband to seek legal consultation and develop a strategy to further our case,” she said.

“In addition to our own local fundraising, assistance from aboriginal and non-aboriginal individuals and organizations across the region will put us in a position to carry our case forward and get the answers we deserve, not only as a grieving family, but as a people.”

The ceremony ended with a solemn row of participants placing cedar and flowers on a concrete block, building a makeshift memorial. The cedar is tremendously important to aboriginals because it represents, above all else, strength.

Strength certainly didn’t seem to be in short supply as Isaac and Margaret Kakegamic thanked everyone for taking the time to show their support and helping in the healing process. They ask the residents of Kenora to keep the pressure on, and help them find a sense of closure.

For more information and links about past marches and articles about the Max Kakegamic case CLICK HERE

http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com./story.php?id=188770

Regional chief optimistic about First Minister’s meeting
Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse is hoping to see federal funds soon for First Nations health and housing, as well as education and economic development.

By Mike Aiken
Miner and News
Thursday October 06, 2005

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse is hoping to see federal funds soon for First Nations health and housing, as well as education and economic development.

He’s also optimistic about the release of compensation for residential school survivors by March 31, 2006.

And all this money should go directly to band councils, he said Wednesday, during his visit to Big Grassy.

“Get it to the communities. That’s where it’s going to make the most impact,” he said.

Toulouse was selected in June to replace Charles Fox, who resigned early. He visited Treaty 3’s fall session of the National Assembly as part of consultations before the First Ministers’ Meeting on aboriginal affairs Nov. 25 in Kelowna, B.C.

The $700 million in aboriginal health money has been in the pipeline since the 2004 federal budget, and is supposed to flow to communities before the end of the year, according to Health Canada.

Similarly, $1 billion for aboriginal housing is in the works, Toulouse said.

“There’s still some hurdles that need to be overcome,” he acknowledged, noting one of the sticking points is the distribution of financing to bands in third party administration.

The regional chief is also taking up the torch on revenue sharing, and he spoke of renewing efforts to bring back Bill 97, which was quietly killed by the government earlier this year after it stalled in committee at second reading.

“In all our treaties, it speaks to revenue sharing agreements. We must have these treaties honoured,” he said.

A new $5-billion daycare agreement between the federal and provincial government also leaves room for optimism, as groups like the Sioux Lookout Area Management Board spell out how this new money could be used in Treaty 9 to alleviate some of their urgent needs.

Despite a population explosion in the North, 90 per cent of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is without facilities, he said, criticizing the obvious discrepancies between northern and southern Ontario.

Toulouse also supported efforts to use provincial employees to help with the assessment of special needs on First Nations in Treaty 3, as long as it was clear who had the authority and jurisdiction, he cautioned.

With regards to youth, Toulouse noted the need for action on issues of importance to the new generation.

“It’s not all a lost cause,” he said, noting young people are part of the present, not just the future.

Toulouse will also hold consultations with chiefs at the end of the month in Toronto, before heading west in November. The First Ministers’ Meeting is described as the culmination of the prime minister’s aboriginal roundtable process, which started in April 2004.

Assembly of First Nations Bulletin

AFN Residential School Survivors Update - September 23, 2005

More information can be found on the AFN’s website at www.afn.ca  

As you know, on May 30 2005, the Assembly of First Nations signed a Political Agreement with the Federal Government regarding the speedy resolution of all residential school issues. Over the past two months we have been actively involved in negotiations with the Federal Government’s appointed representative, former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci. As part of those negotiations, the AFN called for an immediate payment for the sick and elderly, a lump sum payment for all individuals who attended residential schools, and a better method of obtaining further compensation for those who are survivors of sexual or physical abuse. Those negotiations have not been concluded. It is not clear what the final agreement will look like.

We remain optimistic that a fair and just resolution of all issues will be reached. We are encouraging all parties at the negotiation table to be fair and to work hard toward reaching an agreement before March 31, 2006. This is the date set by the Political Agreement by which Frank Iacobucci must report to Cabinet with a settlement proposal.

One of the questions we are frequently asked is whether survivors, who have not yet hired a lawyer, should do so in order to be included in the settlement. The answer is no. The negotiated settlement, if successful, will apply to all former students (whether they have a lawyer or not), and will entitle all former students to receive a lump-sum compensation.

You do not need to hire a lawyer in order to ‘qualify’ for the lump-sum payment, if such a payment will be awarded. The AFN strongly recommends that individuals who have not yet hired a lawyer, wait to do so until the issues relating to the settlement are finalized.

If and when a settlement is reached, the AFN will provide all communities and survivor groups with information about whether a lawyer should be hired, and about legal fees. The AFN is working hard to ensure that if a settlement is reached, it would result in fair fees and equal treatment to all former students.

Many of you have already hired a lawyer. It is important to understand that as a client, you are the boss, and you have the final say on all matters that relate to your case. Your lawyer must act in your best interest, and must inform you, on an ongoing basis what your options are, so you can make the correct decisions.

We thank you for your support and patience as we proceed through negotiations for a fair and just resolution of the Indian Residential School legacy.

___________________________________________________________________ Assembly of First Nations - 473 Albert Street, 8th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 5B4 | www.afn.ca

The Chiefs of Keewaytinook Okimakanak, as the Board of Directors for the organization, met together in Thunder Bay to discuss KO programs as well as community and tribal council matters. The meetings are taking place at the Landmark Inn (October 5, 6, 2005). Click here for pictures from the meeting

ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY Resolution no.  14/2005

July 5, 6 & 7, 2005, Yellowknife, NWT  

SUBJECT: ANNUAL FIRST NATIONS WOMEN’S DAY

MOVED BY: Chief Patricia Sparvier, Cowessess First Nation, SK

SECONDED BY: Chief Maureen Chapman, Skawahlook First Nation, BC

DECISION: Carried By Consensus

WHEREAS First Nations women have contributed to the success, livelihood and survival of our communities; and

WHEREAS it is important for people in our communities to support and recognize the need to acknowledge and honor First Nations women; and

WHEREAS AFN Resolution 111/2004 was passed at the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly held on December 7-9, 2004 in Ottawa, Ontario which declared 2005 to be the Year of First Nations Women; and

WHEREAS the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chiefs-in-Assembly passed a resolution, on June 8, 2005, to recognize 2005 as the Year of the First Nations’ Woman; and

WHEREAS the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission and their Advisory Circle has recommended that as part of the legacy of the Year of the First Nations’ Woman, October 5, 2005 be declared as the first annual First Nations Women’s Day.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AFN Chiefs-in-Assembly support October 5, 2005 to be declared the first annual First Nations Women’s Day.

INAC Press Release:  2-02712

CALSTOCK, ONTARIO (September 30, 2005) - The residents of Constance Lake First Nation, today, celebrated the grand opening of their new $13.3 million Holistic Education Centre.

Attending, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Brent St. Denis, Member of Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, spoke at the opening of the community’s pride in its new education facility.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to be a partner with communities such as Constance Lake in creating a better life for its children,” he said. “As promised in the October 2004 Speech From the Throne, we will continue to ensure - step by step, day by day - that the gaps in life chances between Aboriginals and other Canadians are reduced. This facility, and others like it, will help us reach that goal.”

“Our children are the future of this community,” said Chief Arthur Moore. “By creating a healthy and safe learning environment, it is our hope that these children will become well-educated young adults who will preserve and enhance the well-being of this community and the region.”

Funding for the new education centre was provided through a partnership between Indian and Northern Affairs Canada ($11.9 million) and the First Nation ($1.4 million). The new 4,142m2 education centre provides approximately 400 spaces for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students and teachings in the traditional Cree language.

Designed by Don Courtnage and built by Pennco Construction Ltd of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the school’s teepee style front entrance opens to a circular foyer with a colour scheme of earth tones to emphasize the holistic philosophy of the First Nation, and highlight the importance of the Oji-Cree culture.

The Constance Lake First Nation is located 40 kilometres northwest of Hearst, with a membership of approximately 1,400 and an on-reserve population of 758.

For further information, contact:

Tony Prudori
Communications Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Ontario Region
(807) 624-1535

Stella Etherington
Director of Education
Constance Lake First Nation
(705) 463-1199 

Langreen hands over keys to Chief Raymond Mason

Please contact De-ba-jeh-mu-jig for more details at http://www.building.debaj.ca/site/home.html

Professional Aboriginal Arts Animator Program

De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group is conducting a National Search for the 2006  Intake to the Professional Aboriginal Arts Animator Program. They are  seeking storytellers, actors, writers, singers, multi-media artists, arts  administrators, directors, designers, technicians and visual artists.

First Year

• 50 week residency on Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron, Ontario - learning skills.

Second Year

• 50 week residency with regional, national and international opportunities - sharing the skills.

Third Year

• Professional Arts Animator Internship by invitation - Individual Dream Pursuit - making your skills your own (Financial Assistance Available)

For more information, send a letter of interest and how you can be contacted to:

De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group
Attn: PAAAP Search
8 Debajehmugig Lane
Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve
Manitoulin Island, Ontario
P0P 2J0
http://www.building.debaj.ca/site/home.html

Acknowledgements: Canadian Heritage, Canada Council for the Arts, FedNor, and the Ontario Arts Council.