Media.Knet.Ca

..::WEBEQUIE NEW YEARS POWWOW::..

DATE: JANUARY 7,8,9 2005

WARM-UP IS ON THE 7th AND ALSO THE TRAVELLING DAY

8th AND 9th IS THE POWWOW

PLACE: SCHOOL GYM

HOST DRUM: OLDMANBEAR SINGERS

CO-HOST: ROUNDSKY SINGERS

..::CONFIRMED DRUMS::..

REDSTONE SINGERS

WHITE WOLF DRUM

WHISPERING WIND SINGERS

NORTH BUFFALO SINGERS

ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE!

P.S. FIVE SINGERS/DRUMMERS IN A GROUP IN ORDER TO GET HONORARIUM

Contact drummers:

Roundsky: Marcus wabasse-353-5530

Whispering Wind: Doreen Jacob-353-6419

North Buffalo: Kurtis Shewaybick-353-5525

RedStone: Bob"the government"wabasse-353-1270

OMBS: Leeyon Shewaybick-353-1434

"For more than a generation now, Aboriginal people have been on a journey of healing and renewal, taking slow, self-determined steps. Now, First Nations and Métis are gathering strength, midway on a path to recovery from an era of oppression."

The Summer/Fall 2004 issue of the Network Magazine put out by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario is called "Diverse Communities: Bridging Gaps in Mental Health Care". The article entitled "The Healing Dance" carefully presents the story of aboriginal people working together to build healthy individuals, families, communities and a nation using traditional gatherings and teachings.

"Few in number, Elders and traditional healers quietly go about their work in every community, usually outside of organizations and offices. People call on them at home, offering tobacco and simple gifts to sit with them at kitchen tables, around a fire, in sweat lodges and ceremonies."

Mary Alice Smith, or “Kokum Sam” as she is known to her family, wrote this article for the Network Magazine. She spends much of her time learning and sharing with others about how to “get along” in life. She has a BA in Conflict Resolution and 30 years of experience in community development and adult education with First Nations and Aboriginal organizations. A Métis (European-Cree) and lifelong resident of northwestern Ontario, Mary Alice lives near Kenora on the shores of Longbow Lake, where she enjoys gardening, walking, writing and jingle dress dancing.

The entire article is available on-line (without the pictures that are contained in the magazine). Click here to read the article.

For more information visit http://www.treatyninecommemoration.on.ca

Aboriginal Artworks Group of Northern Ontario (AAGNO)

Victoriaville Center Mall, Thunder Bay, ON

The students at Eel Ground First Nation are using information technologies in a special way to share their Christmas greetings with everyone. The Atlantic First Nation Helpdesk shared the following link to this year's on-line Christmas card. Everyone is invited to check out their Christmas presentation at http://firstnationhelp.com/2004christmascard

During this special time of year it is nice to see the children working so hard to produce such a special presentation that can be shared with everyone. Their singing, their background scenery, their video production work ... everything that went into posting this Christmas Card for everyone to see is an example of the type of quality work that every First Nation school is able to produce with these communication tools.

The situation in Fort Severn continues to deteriorate as more families feel the need to temporarily re-locate to urban centres so their children can attend school. While some families are moving out of the communities other residents continue to try to make the best of a very difficult environment. Using a combination of temporary facilities and home schooling, the teachers and students are trying to ensure that the students who remain in Fort Severn do not lose their school year.

Following up on previous correspondence with INAC, letters have now been sent to the Prime Minister of Canada requesting his assistance in resolving this situation in Fort Severn and inviting him to visit the community. A copy of this letter is available by clicking here. As well, the actual letter that was sent to INAC in response to their two previous letters can also be read by clicking here.

The links to other newspaper stories and information about this situation can be found by clicking here to read the Nov 28 K-News story.

On Saturday, December 11, Keewaytinook Okimakanak celebrated Christmas with the annual Children's Christmas Party.  It was a fun day with lots of activities for all who attended.  See pictures at http://photos.knet.ca/albun74.

The party started with entertainment from KO's Jim Teskey and his musical antics and a sing song.  

The KO kids participated in lots of fun and engaging activities including a tradition bone tossing game, a trip to Santa's Fishing Hole, Cookie Decorating, and Colouring.  The important event occured when a special visitor came.  Santa came loaded with bags of toys for all the kids present.

Lots of food made sure everyone left full and it definitely was "A Party to Remember".

The western campus dean, Dr. Dan Hunt and his team flew into Sioux Lookout yesterday to meet with First Nation leaders and organizations to discuss strategies for establishing placements for first year medical students in First Nations across the region. The team consisted of Dr. Hunt and Orpah McKenzie (Director of Aboriginal Affairs) along with four other members of their team.

A meeting at Keewaytinook Okimakanak continued the discussions around finding a strategy to work together to support First Nations across Northern Ontario to develop the infrastructure required to ensure every community is able to host a successful placement for first year students. Issues relating to accommodations, broadband infrastructure to support a successful learning experience, local hosts and other logistical matters were discussed.

Webequie First Nation

PRESENTS

NEW YEARS POW WOW 2005

January 7,8,9 2005

Host Drum

Old Man Bear Singers

Webequie, Ontario

Master of Ceremonies

Ralph Johnson

Sioux Lookout

Arena Director

Ron Kaminiski

Head Dancers

Bob Wabasse-Webequie

Esther Jacob-Webequie

Confirmed Drums

Redstone Singers-Webequie

Roundsky Singers-Webequie

Whispering Wind Singers-Webequie

North Buffalo Singers-Webequie

All participants must cover their own travel expenses

Accomodation will be available

Invited drums only

(maximum 12 drums)

Honorarium for singers and dancers

For more info please contact the following.

Bob Wabasse (807)353-6531 ext.245

Charles O'kees (807)353-1398/1027

There will be no alcohol or drugs allowed during this event