KO ICT projects (telehealth, KiHS, research) featured in latest on-line journal

June 7, 2005 - 5:19am | by Anonymous

The Keewaytinook Okimakanak Research Institute (http://research.knet.ca), the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Telehealth project (http://telehealth.knet.ca) and the Keewaytinook Internet High School (http://kihs.knet.ca) are included in the latest issue of the online Community Informatics journal - Vol. 1, No. 3 (2005) of The Journal of Community Informatics has now been published online at http://www.ci-journal.net/viewissue.php?id=7. Congratulations to the team for having their work recognized by academics and other community ICT programs from around the world.

Editorial
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Editorial: Putting Our Work in Context
Michael B. Gurstein, New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA http://www.ci-journal.net/viewarticle.php?id=106


Articles
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Is Community Informatics Good for Communities?  Questions Confronting an Emerging Field
Randy R Stoecker, University of Toledo
http://www.ci-journal.net/viewarticle.php?id=14

Community Democratization of Telecommunications Community Cooperatives in Argentina:  The Case Of TELPIN
Susana Finquelievich, LINKS
Graciela Cecilia Kisilevsky,
University of Buenos Aires, Faculty of Social Sciences
http://www.ci-journal.net/viewarticle.php?id=84

Crisis, Farming & Community
Chris Hagar, Graduate School of Library & Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaigne
http://www.ci-journal.net/viewarticle.php?id=89

Cybercafés and their potential as Community Development Tools in India
Anikar Michael Haseloff, Universität Augsburg
http://www.ci-journal.net/viewarticle.php?id=68

ICTs and Community and Suggestions for Further Research in Scotland
Anna Malina, e-Society Research and University of Dundee
Ian W. Ball, University of Dundee, Scotland
http://www.ci-journal.net/viewarticle.php?id=52

Structuration, ICTs, and Community Work
Larry Stillman, Monash University, Melbourne Australia
Randy  Stoecker, University of Toledo
http://www.ci-journal.net/viewarticle.php?id=54


Points of View
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Community Networking as Radical Practice
Garth Graham,
Victoria, Canada http://www.ci-journal.net/viewarticle.php?id=88


Notes and cases from the field (practitioners)
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Position Paper: Turning the Corner with First Nations Telehealth
Geordi Kakepetum, Keewaytinook Okimakanak
http://www.ci-journal.net/viewarticle.php?id=105

Report From the Field: The RICTA Meeting Video
Susan O'Donnell, National Research Council Canada
Brian Walmark, Keewaytinook Okimakanak Research Institute
Cal Kenny, Knet, Keewaytinook Okimakanak
http://www.ci-journal.net/viewarticle.php?id=104

KiHS: Bridging the Traditional and Virtual Classroom in Canada's First Nation Schools
Brian Walmark, Keewaytinook Okimakanak http://www.ci-journal.net/viewarticle.php?id=34


The Journal of Community Informatics
http://www.ci-journal.net/

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KO team flys to Fort Albany, Kashechewan and Marten Falls to discuss broadband

June 2, 2005 - 9:10am | by Anonymous

K-Net's Network Manager (Dan Pellerin) and Operations Administrator (Jeannie Carpenter) took a charter to visit three remote First Nations today. They picked up Bill Blair and another member of his team from Blair Electronics in Thunder Bay for the trip.

Marten Falls is part of the FedNor funded initiative to put a C-Band satellite earthstation in place to deliver a community broadband connectivity solution to support health, education and economic development initiatives. Fort Albany and Kashechewan are exploring ways to establish an interim broadband service for their communities while their planned fibre network gets constructed over the next three years.

Keewaytinook Okimakanak was invited by Fort Albany (lead by EDO Chris Metatawabin) to work together to put a solution into place as soon as possible so they can use these tools to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the signing of Treaty 9 with the world.
View Photos

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Election results in Fort Severn for chief and council

June 2, 2005 - 8:23am | by Anonymous

Chief Roy Gray was re-elected for another term as Fort Severn's leader. Dennis Bluecoat takes on the role as Deputy Chief. New councillors include Connie Thomas, Kenny Thomas and Mike Bluecoat.

Congratulations to everyone who ran for election and best wishes and lots of successes to the Fort Severn Chief and Council for the upcoming term.

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On-line traffic continues to increase on K-Net servers

June 1, 2005 - 4:56am | by Anonymous

The various on-line services provided on the Kuhkenah Network (K-Net) continues to show a monthly increase in usage on the traffic monitoring graphs that can be seen at http://linux.knet.ca/~tech/monitoring/webalizer/.

MyKnet.org continues to push the boundaries on traffic and popularity with another marked increase to over 110 million hits during the month of May. Despite a decrease in the number of visits, it seems that people are checking out more sites while they are on-line. The increased use of on-line C-boxes on individual homepages probably explains these dramatic usage numbers.

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KO First Nations getting IP telephone systems installed

May 31, 2005 - 6:28pm | by Anonymous

K-Net technicians are now travelling to the KO First Nations to install new IP telephone management systems. The new phone system will be operated out of the community e-centre and help support the ongoing operation of the local community network. This Keewaytinook Okimakanak project is funded by FedNor as a local economic development initiative.

This week Jamie Ray travelled to North Spirit Lake and John Moreau travelled to Fort Severn to install these new systems and provide training for the local Network Technician in the operation and maintenance of these systems.

Dan Pellerin, K-Net's Network Manager drafted a system description about this IP telephone project. The VOIP network description inculdes information how in this broadband application works in each participating First Nation and has some of the lessons learned from our experience with the development of this on-line service.

The development of the open source Asterick servers for local community management and development of their own IP telephone service is a great unforeseen spin off from this project. The community solution as well as the program applications for the Keewaytinook Internet High School classrooms along with IP phones being located in the local community Telehealth offices is providing a good expansion of the service into the other neighbouring First Nations.

Click here to read K-Net Network Manager's description of the KO VOIP system.

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Some Aboriginal organizations in Ottawa sign "new deal" with federal government

May 31, 2005 - 6:28pm | by Anonymous

The meeting with some of the national Aboriginal organizations and members of the federal government cabinet has resulted in more agreements to work together being signed. The Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapirit Kanatami and Metis National Council signed separate deals toward defining aboriginal rights.

Press coverage of this "new deal" can be seen at:

FEDERAL MINISTERS AND NATIONAL ABORIGINAL LEADERS PARTICIPATE IN JOINT POLICY RETREAT

Ottawa, Ontario (May 31, 2005) - The Prime Minister, members of the Cabinet Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and the leaders of five National Aboriginal Organizations met today for a Policy Retreat in a new spirit of cooperation and to address long-term challenges.

The leaders of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the Métis National Council (MNC), the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) also signed joint accords with the Government of Canada that will ensure their direct involvement in Aboriginal policy development.

“Today marks an important step in building a stronger and more positive relationship between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal Canadians,” said the Prime Minister. “The Canada-Aboriginal Roundtable Process that we launched a year ago, and the work we have done today, moves us closer to our goal of closing the gap in the quality of life for Aboriginal peoples.”

Agreement was reached on directions for change in health, education/lifelong learning, housing, economic opportunities, negotiations/relationships and accountability for results.

“The Roundtable process and this Policy Retreat demonstrate new collaboration and partnership,” said the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and Vice-Chair of the Cabinet Committee of Aboriginal Affairs. “While there is still much work to be done and the issues will not be resolved overnight, this inclusive process has will help ensure First Nations, Métis and Inuit people can take their place in the federation and exercise greater control over their social and economic aspirations. The accords signed today underline our shared commitment to continue working together.

The Prime Minister recognized the involvement and commitment of Ministers Dosanjh, Fontana, Emerson, Scott and Alcock, who were each responsible for leading one of the Policy Roundtables, as well as AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine, ITK President Jose Kusugak, MNC President Clément Chartier, CAP Chief Dwight Dorey and NWAC President Beverly Jacobs.

For more information of the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable please visit www.aboriginalroundtable.ca , or contact::

Campbell Morrison
Press Secretary
Minister Andy Scott's Office
INAC
(819) 997-0002
morrisonc@inac.gc.ca

Backgrounder - Strengthening Relationships

A First Nations - Federal Crown Political Accord on the Recognition and Implementation of First Nation Governments

Partnership Accord Between The Inuit of Canada as represented by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Her Majesty The Queen in right of Canada as represented by The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

Métis Nation Framework Agreement between Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and The Métis National Council

Accord on Cooperative Policy Development between the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and the Government of Canada

Accord on Cooperative Policy Development between the Native Women’s Association of Canada and the Government of Canada

Extract from "Backgrounder - Strengthening Relationships" document.

http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nr/prs/m-a2005/02665bk_e.html

Education/Life-Long Learning

The Government of Canada recognizes that culturally relevant curriculum and learning programs that reflect Aboriginal values, traditions and languages are essential to achieving positive education outcomes for Aboriginal students.

Agreement was reached during the Roundtable process on moving forward with transforming First Nations elementary and secondary education. New initiatives will be developed with Aboriginal, provincial and territorial partners to encourage school innovation at the community level both on and off reserve; support First Nations education systems; and create new reporting tools to ensure greater accountability in Aboriginal education outcomes.

Agreement was also reached on the integration of Aboriginal children’s Early Learning and Child Care programs through the creation of a “single window” approach. This will provide access to programming more effectively for children and families and reduce administrative burden.

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Equay-wuk announces new "Healthy Families Healthy Nations" project

May 31, 2005 - 5:56pm | by Anonymous
Equay-wuk (Women'sGroup) is pleased to announce approval of the Minoyawin Dibenjigewining Minoyawin Tashekewining - Healthy Families Healthy Nations Program.
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AFN to negotiate compensation packages for residential school survivors

May 30, 2005 - 4:06pm | by Anonymous

During a press conference in Ottawa today, the federal government announced a mediator to work with the Assembly of First Nations and the various churches involved with residential schools. Together, they hope to determine appropriate compensation packages that will address this century old legacy that continues to haunt Aboriginal communities, the survivors and Canadian society. Click here to read AFN's press release on this announcement.

National coverage of this announcement can be seen below ...

Click here to read CBC's coverage of this development.

Click here to read the Canadian Press story.

Lawyer for victims criticizes AFN - Federal Gov't residential school plan

Aboriginal healing centres funded under Aboriginal Healing Fund closing their doors

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Peawanuck leadership planning with KO team for satellite broadband connections

May 30, 2005 - 5:07am | by Anonymous

The trip to Peawanuck First Nation, on the Hudson's Bay coast, on May 2 included meetings at the local school, at the band office and in the nursing station. Blair Electronics conducted a site survey of the community to locate the C-Band earthstation strategically in order to accommodate a local cable plant (if and when additional funds are acquired for the local loop). Carl Seibel from Industry Canada's FedNor and the KO team met with the Chief and Council and other community organizations to discuss the installation of the earthstation and getting their offices connected so they can access applications such as video conferencing and telehealth.

FedNor is providing the funding necessary to construct the C-Band earthstations in Attawapiskat, Marten Falls and Peawanuck. Health Canada and the First Nations SchoolNet program are supporting this project to get the local health centres and schools connected to this service.

Cal Kenny, K-Net's Multimedia Producer, put together a 2:30 minute video clip about this trip, the people involved and some great footage of the beautiful and challenging environment where the people live and work. Click here to watch the video.

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Fort Severn school building remains closed as another study required by INAC

May 29, 2005 - 9:50am | by Anonymous

The May 19 issue of Wawatay headlines "INAC insists on fourth study in effort to save mouldy school"

The reporter included an interview with the local MP, Roger Valley who clearly understands Fort Severn's concerns with the present school and its location with his comments in a side bar article about his visit to Fort Severn.

INAC insists on fourth study in effort to save mouldy school by Joyce Hunter joyceh@wawatay.on.ca

One study? Two studies? Maybe three studies will do. So far, Fort Severn has commissioned three studies in its bid to convince government bureaucrats one of its buildings is no longer safe to use. Wasaho School closed last spring because of mould contamination. Throughout the school year, Fort Severn’s leaders have continued to negotiate with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada for school facilities for its kindergarten to Grade 8 students. Despite the community’s attempts to get “code compliant” temporary school facilities as a short-term fix and a funding commitment from INAC for a permanent new school, INAC is moving ahead with plans to conduct another study. George Kakekaspan, Fort Severn’s band projects manager, said INAC rejected the community’s proposals in favor of seeking the completion of an independent study on whether the community’s mould-contaminated school could be salvaged. “Fort Severn First Nation has commissioned three previous studies (on the now closed school) which identified health and safety concerns,” says a band council resolution, which grudgingly supports INAC’s proposal to fund a fourth study on the building. The 79 students, meanwhile, were reassigned to a home school program for the 2004-2005 school year because there were no alternate safe buildings for them to be schooled in, Kakekaspan said. “The parents want a proper school for their children,” he said. Tony Purdori, communications officer for INAC, said the department is interested in the independent study because there were such a wide range in estimates previously provided by different firms on the closed school. “A consultant was hired by the community who recommended that the school could be remediated,” Purdori said. “The First Nation got a second estimate (condemning the school).” Because there was such a wide range in the estimates, Purdori said the department felt compelled to pursue an independent study. Kakekaspan, on the other hand, calls this pursuit “a waste of time.” He explained the studies varied so widely in estimates because one, done by a firm specializing in indoor environmental pollutants, spoke only to the mould affecting the school. Kakekaspan also said the other two studies took into account the structural integrity of the school in addition to the mould. Kakekaspan said both studies condemned the building when structural integrity and mould were both factored into the study. “The second study, done by a contracting firm rather than an engineering firm in January of 2004, did not examine the fact the septic field is gone, the floor is rotten making it prone to collapse, or that the heating, ventilation, and recovery systems need to be replaced,” he said, adding there is a long list of structural problems with the school, which makes it unsafe. Kakekaspan said the study’s cost estimate failed to include local resources such as local labour, equipment, and accommodations, along with the non-construction costs associated with any project. “In 1999-2000, MCW/AGE Power Consultants out of Winnipeg, which did the original study, basically condemned the building,“ Kakekaspan said. The study is not even being mentioned by INAC. “In May 2004, Cook Engineering did the third study and that report condemned the building also. This study was a very detailed study that would address all concerns and was not mould specific.” A contractor has been named to carry out the independent assessment. Kakekaspan said the contractor will arrive in Fort Severn June 14. At that time, the school will be re-opened for a thorough examination and a report filed when the study is complete. Once the study is complete, INAC will know if it can be remediated. The community has petitioned Indian Affairs saying all remediation efforts will “ultimately prove unsuccessful” because the present site, which is located on top of a natural spring, is “far too ideal for mould growth.” In addition, no consultant, contractor or government agency will provide a ‘No Health Risk’ stamp of approval after remediation, Chief Roy Gray said. “They couldn’t guarantee any work that they do,” he said. “Also, we’ve had parents tell us they won’t bring their children into that school even after it’s remediated.”

Wawatay News Vol.32 #10 (May 19, 2005)

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