Media.Knet.Ca

Four stories in today's Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal highlight the importance of consultation with First Nations as plans are made that affect lands, resources, lifestyles and culture. The Supreme Court ruling that requires corporations and governments to work with First Nations before developments and plans move ahead is finally being respected. Unfortunately, the tone of the stories tend to reflect a rather biase media system.

The front page headline reads "Ear Falls hydro project on hold". It describes the frustrations of the Ear Falls reeve and how the "Ontario Power Generation plans to expand its hydro-power station at Ear Falls have been put on hold while the company “negotiates” with the Lac Seul First Nation and other area parties." Of course the story misses the important point that the people of Lac Seul have been trying to negotiate a settlement without any success to their flooded lands since  the dam was first constructed in the 1930's. Click here to read the entire story.

Another story entitled "Resource sharing talks continue" highlights the discussions about "how resources from traditional aboriginal hunting grounds should be accessed and shared". Click here to read this story.

Then the last story that is posted on-line is called, "First Nations get development help", covering the announcement from this past Thursday for the water and waste treatment plants in remote First Nations. The story is introduced with the statement "The federal government has earmarked almost $11 million for capital and economic development projects at five First Nation communities in Northwestern Ontario." Click here to read this story.

A fourth story is a copy of a commentary by a Toronto Star reporter James Travers and is called "Martin's chance to atone for native abuse". It talks about how the federal government is once again ignoring calls from First Nation groups from across the country as well as the Canadian Bar Association for the prime minister and his team to abandon their offensive Alternative Dispute Resolution process. Travers calls on the government to settle this "dark part of Canadian history" by working with First Nation leaders to identify a solution that addresses everyone's needs.

Hi, I'm Rob Wesley, I am very pleased to officially announce that Aboriginal Connections is back online (Sunday April 3, 2005) after a hiatus that was unfortunately unavoidable.

Web Directory - The Aboriginal Connections Web Directory has undergone an extensive upgrade and has been reorganized to better reflect all Indigenous groups worldwide.

http://directory.aboriginalconnections.com/

Forums - Also, I am pleased to provide you with a new addition to the site, the Aboriginal Connections Forums. An online venue to discuss various topics relating to all Indigenous peoples.

http://forums.aboriginalconnections.com/cgi-bin/gforum.cgi

Sincerely,

Rob Wesley
Aboriginal Connections
http://www.aboriginalconnections.com/

From Turtle Island Native Network ... Click here for the complete story

The Hupacasath First Nation on Vancouver Island is working with a number of partners to develop this environmentally friendly power plant. Read more from the various press releases and project background information ...

Nothing quite demonstrates sustainability like developing your own renewable energy resource. That's the path being taken by the Hupacasath First Nation. The small community in Port Alberni, BC, is developing a mini-hydroelectricity plant on China Creek that will produce 6.5 MW of 'green' electricity — enough to meet their own needs and sell the remaining to BC Hydro.

"What's really important for our community is finding diverse economic development projects that fit within our traditional values, such as sustainability," says Chief Judith Sayers.

The China Creek development is projected to offset greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10,000 tonnes each year. It's a small but important contribution to a bigger picture.

Contact: Judith Sayers, Chief Councillor , Hupacasath First Nation
Primary Phone: 250-720-9328
E-mail: judith@hupacasath.ca

Hupacasath First Nation . . .
http://www.hupacasath.ca/

INAC press release: GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS FIRST NATION HYDRO PROJECT

PORT ALBERNI, BRITISH COLUMBIA (April 1, 2005) - The Government of Canada today announced $2 million in federal funding to assist the Hupacasath and Ucluelet First Nations and their partners construct and run an environmentally-friendly, 6.5 Megawatt run-of-the-river hydro power facility at China Creek. The announcement was made on site during a groundbreaking ceremony for the facility’s powerhouse generator by the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

The Hupacasath First Nation and its joint venture partners, which include the Ucluelet First Nation, the City of Port Alberni and Synex Energy, have formed the Upnit Power Corporation. Upnit has a 20-year contract to supply power to BC Hydro.

This green power initiative will enable the Hupacasath First Nation as well as the Ucluelet First Nation to generate annual revenues that can be reinvested back into their communities to support other economic ventures. Other economic benefits include training and employment opportunities. Regional benefits include creating a new reliable and steady power source that will help to ease the increasing heavy demand by Vancouver Island users on the hydro grid.

“The Government of Canada is committed to working with First Nations to support community economic development in British Columbia,” said Minister Scott. “The initiative shown by the Hupacasath First Nation is a testament to their commitment to build a strong economy for their members while creating opportunities that provide benefits for their neighbours and the region.”

“Once complete, this unique facility will assist in reinvigorating a region hard-hit by the softwood lumber dispute,” said Minister Owen. “Western Economic Diversification Canada’s involvement in this initiative is reflective of the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping communities build long-term sustainability.”

“Having representatives from all levels of government here at the groundbreaking signifies the importance of progressive community development projects like China Creek that help Canada meet its Kyoto commitments in reducing greenhouse gases (GHG),” said Upnit Power Corporation president Chief Councillor Judith Sayers. “The project removes the equivalent of 8,000 cars off the road in reduction of GHG’s.”

An additional $925,000 in a repayable loan for this initiative was provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada through its Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative. The $110-million initiative is a national program designed to address the adjustment and transition needs of forest-dependent communities across Canada. In B.C., over 2,500 jobs have been created or maintained in more than 140 communities.

An additional $250,000 for planning and development was provided by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada through its Aboriginal and Northern Community Action Program. The program, which promotes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, is focused on engaging Aboriginal and northern communities to become partners in taking action to address climate change.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, through its economic development programs, is helping to foster strong First Nation communities and economies by facilitating partnerships with the private sector, reducing obstacles and increasing access to economic opportunities.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western Canada through activities that promote and assist Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Communities.

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Project Background

PWGSC was instrumental in helping the Hupacasath First Nation set up an advisory group to identify renewable energy projects of economic, environmental and social benefits to Vancouver Island First Nations. It also found funding to assess the environmental impacts of the China Creek plan and helped the band council make contact with financers, such as a credit union, to pay for the $16 million project.

As a Pacific Region representative for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), PWGSC is taking a lead role in carrying out the mandate of the national Aboriginal and Northern Community Action Program (ANCAP) — working with First Nations communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop sustainable energy resources.

Many isolated BC First Nations communities want alternatives to costly and environmentally harmful energy sources such as diesel generators. PWGSC's role, for INAC, is to reduce the isolation and help generate solutions.

"We are working as a team with First Nations to create strategic linkages — to work with other partners that can help them develop solutions for alternative energy sources," says Biren Juttun, PWGSC's representative for INAC.

"These projects build capacity, skills and create jobs," says Mr. Juttun. "But this work is also very important because we are working with First Nations to help the Government of Canada fulfil its commitment to reduce greenhouse gases."

"We are really excited about creating sustainable electricity,” says Chief Sayers. "We want to be part of the solution."

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by teaming up with First Nations and other Government of Canada departments is another example of PWGSC reaching out to create partnerships for a better future.

For more information on the Pacific Region ANCAP strategy, please contact Biren Juttun at (604) 666-9747 or biren.juttun@pwgsc.gc.ca

- - - - - - -
BUSINESS BACKGROUND

Synex International invests in China Creek Project
TSE : SXI

VANCOUVER, Dec. 16, 2004
Synex International Inc. announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, Synex Energy Resources Ltd. has invested $500,000 for a 12.5% share of the Upnit Power Limited Partnership (the "Limited Partnership") which includes a 12.5% share of the General Partner of the Limited Partnership. The other limited partners are the Hupacasath First Nation, the Ucluelet First Nation and the City of Port Alberni. The Hupacasath First Nation holds the majority of the shares of the Limited Partnership and the General Partner.

The Limited Partnership was formed to develop, own and operate the 6.5 MW China Creek Hydroelectric Project to be located near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The China Creek project is currently under construction and is scheduled to be in commercial operation in the fall of 2005.

The electrical output is to be sold to BC Hydro under a 20 year electricity purchase agreement that was executed November 5, 2003. Sigma Engineering Ltd, an affiliated company to Synex Energy Resources Ltd., has been providing engineering services during the development of the project and anticipates providing engineering services during the construction and operation phases.

Synex International Inc. is a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange with businesses that cover the development, ownership and operation of electrical generation facilities and the provision of consulting engineering services in water resources, particularly hydroelectric facilities.
----------------------
Greg Sunell, President
For further information: Greg Sunell, President, 400 - 1444 Alberni Street, Vancouver BC, V6G 2Z4, Phone (604) 688-8271 Ext. 309, Fax (604) 688-1286, E-mail: sunell@synex.com
Web Site: www.synex.com

To find out what is happening across the remote parts of Northern Ontario, a lot of people are spending time visiting some of the Kuhkenah Network (K-Net) on-line services. The month of March is once again showing a marked increase in on-line traffic on a number of services.

MyKnet.org traffic once again increased dramatically with nearly 100 MILLION hits (98,561,022) in March from over 1 MILLION visits (1,014,887). This is a result of DAILY traffic from over 32,000 visits (32,738) with over 3 million hits (3,179,387).

The KNet.ca server also experienced a noticeable increase with over 6 million hits in March (6,352,979) and over 218,000 visits (218,051) throughout the month. On a daily average, there were 204,934 hits and over 7 thousand visits on this server.

Click here to see the on-line traffic reports but please note that due to some hardware and software configuration changes and upgrades over the past few months, all the reports are not complete.

From Keewaytinook Okimakanak's boardroom in Balmertown, Roger Valley announced several Federal government funded initiatives. The announcement was web cast and is available at http://streaming.knet.ca/RogerValleyannounce.wmv

The Government of Canada, through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, has provided a total of almost $11 million for four major projects being managed by northwestern Ontario First Nations:

• $5.4 million for a new water treatment plant at Kasabonika Lake First Nation (construction is expected to begin in June 2005 and be complete in early 2006);
• $4.1 million for a new water treatment plant at the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation (construction began in October 2004, and the plant is expected to be operational by September 2005);
• $1.3 million for a new wastewater treatment lagoon at Fort Severn First Nation, (operational since the Fall of 2004); and
• $162,000 to the Nibinamik First Nation, to be used by Nibinamik working with Wunnumin Lake First Nation to negotiate an impact benefit agreement with De Beers Canada, a mining company interested in exploration in their traditional territories.

For more details read the complete news release at the INAC web site ... Northwestern Ontario First Nations Moving Forward on Capital and Economic Development Projects

• Backgrounder - First Nation Water/Wastewater Improvements and Economic Development in Northwestern Ontario

The "Where Are The Children" exhibition was created by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, the National Archives and the Legacy of Hope Foundation. It is one of the many ways the Healing Foundation has achieved its goal of educating Canadians about the federal government's residential schools and their effects on Aboriginal people and communities. The exhibit is now touring Canada and is scheduled to be in Thunder Bay Victoriaville mall starting April 1.

A new web site located at  http://www.wherearethechildren.ca/en/home.html provides a wealth of information about this part of Canada's history.

On March 30, Howard Hampton asked the Ontario Minister of Education two questions in the Ontario Legislature about what the Ontario government is doing to help the children in Fort Severn obtain the education they are entitled to as citizens of this province.

Click here to read the hansard ... Here is the text of the two questions asked by Howard Hampton, Leader of the New Democratic Party and MP for the Kenora-Rainy River Riding.

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Minister of Education. Fort Severn is the most northerly community in Ontario. The school in that First Nations community is closed for public health reasons. Toxic mould is found virtually everywhere in the school building. As a result, children and their families have been forced to move hundreds of kilometres to communities like Sioux Lookout or Thunder Bay just so their children can attend school and get an education. But many in the community can't afford to move to Thunder Bay or Sioux Lookout, so their children are now doing without.

These students are citizens of Ontario. They need access to education. You are the Minister of Education for Ontario. What will you do to help these students receive the education they deserve?

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): I know the member opposite, and no member of this House, would want to politic with the future of those particular children, who are facing more than the average challenge of students in this province.

The member opposite is fully aware that there's a federal government responsibility and a dispute in that community. What I should say is that the education ministers of Canada recently had a meeting in Toronto and have decided to make aboriginal education, notwithstanding any level of government's ostensible and constitutional responsibility, part of their business; in fact, one of their three top priorities. There is work going on right now with my office and the offices of other education ministers to try to find a way that we can collaborate.

I want to assure the member opposite that we agree there is no excuse for any school-aged student in this province not to be getting a quality education. We will work, and we invite the member opposite to work with us, to find a resolution wherever that is taking place. But we have initiated that through the federal government, through our colleague ministers. We are looking into our responsibilities. It's certainly in our sights, and we will help find a solution for the situation he's describing.

1510

Mr. Hampton: The minister should know that, yes, the federal government has primary responsibility here, but the federal government is dithering on the issue of building a new school. Meanwhile, these students have to follow the Ontario curriculum. They have to pass Ontario literacy tests and other standardized tests, just as children all across Ontario have to pass those tests. They are citizens of Ontario, just as someone who lives in Toronto or Ottawa or Thunder Bay is a citizen of Ontario.

I'm asking you to do two things: Will you get in touch with the federal ministers responsible and say to them, "It's not acceptable in Ontario that children go without an education just because they're aboriginal children"? And, in the interim, will you help those families who've had to move to Thunder Bay or Sioux Lookout in order that their children can receive an education? Will you do those two simple things, Minister?

Hon. Mr. Kennedy: Again, I think, at root, one of the most serious challenges we have in this country is the future of aboriginal children. The education system that should be giving them a boost forward -- and I think everyone is in agreement -- is not doing that to a sufficient degree.

I would say to the member opposite that when it comes to these particular kids, more is required than what you have offered. What you have offered, frankly, isn't about their specific needs. There's a problem to be solved. I ask the member opposite to lend his good offices to untangling the mess in that particular community, and I offer to do the same. They deserve a school in their home community, they deserve not to be dislocated and they deserve not to get ensnarled in machinations, whether it's the federal bureaucracy or provincial politicians. So I say to you, member opposite, that these kids need to have a direct involvement from the federal government. That is their responsibility. However, there is a need for third parties, wherever they can come from, to actually roll up their sleeves and help solve this problem.

We are providing additional resources to the communities where First Nations people are receiving an education, and we'll continue to do that.

David Meekis Memorial School is using Information and Communication Technologies and the Deer Lake First Nation broadband cable service for their telephone, data and video connections. Dan Pellerin, K-Net's Network Manager, is working with Jeremy Sawanas, the school's IT Technician and the school administration to develop and maintain these systems. He travelled to Deer Lake this week to provide training and technical support for Jeremy and the school.

Adam Fiser, the University of Toronto PhD candidate, accompanied Dan on this visit. Adam is under contract with the First Nations SchoolNet Regional Management Organization to produce a report about the SchoolNet youth employment initiative being delivered by Keewaytinook Okimakanak.

TORONTO, March 30 /CNW Telbec/ - Federal Minister of State for Public Health, Carolyn Bennett and Manitoba Minister of Healthy Living, Theresa Oswald, are co-leading, along with the Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, George Smitherman, today, a roundtable to develop public health goals for Canada.

This roundtable is part of a Canada-wide consultation process that is designed to advance commitments made by First Ministers to work together to improve the health status of Canadians by developing public health goals.

"Keeping as many Canadians healthy for as long as possible means looking beyond health departments to broader determinants of health, such as poverty, violence, the environment, shelter, education and equity," said Minister Bennett. "Involving Canadians in this process will ensure the goals we set will be relevant, responsive and will increase our understanding of the complexity of health."

Click here to read the entire press release

A summary of this roundtable will be posted on the Public Health Goals website http://www.healthycanadians.ca. Additional information for Canadians on the Canada-wide consultation process will be available on the web site, giving Canadians the opportunity to become directly involved in the process.

Peter Campbell, KO Public Works Manager and Kevin Houghton, KO Telehealth Manager are attending this week's Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs' Assembly being held in Timmins. As well, chiefs from KO First Nations attending this assembly include Chief Archie Meekis from Deer Lake, Chief Roy Gray from Fort Severn and Chief Raymond Mason from Keewaywin. Peter is acting as a proxy for chief Jimmy Rae from North Spirit Lake.

Some Assembly highlights include the second of three fundraising discussion dinners commemorating the centennial of the James Bay Treaty (Treaty No. 9) and the official Grand Opening of the NAN Eastern Office.

Click here for meeting details.

Click here for a draft agenda of the three day Assembly.