KO Presentations to Nexus Tech 2003 gathering in Vancouver
April 15, 2003 - 9:22pm | by AnonymousThe Kuh-ke-nah Network of Smart First Nations presentation to the audience attending the Native Investment and Trade Association conference in Vancouver is now on-line in a PDF format (639K). As well, John Rowlandson, KO former Telehealth Project Manager presentation about KO's telehealth services is also available (1.2M PDF)
The technicians in Vancouver were able to get their equipment working with the hotel's IP connection and the video conference from KO's Sioux Lookout office was able to take place a day late. The slides could not be seen on the receiving end because the software being used would not accept that data. The video portion seems to have worked so most of the information was presented orally.
Thanks to the conference organizers and the folks at AlterNet Systems Inc for making this connection possible for us to share our story about connecting remote First Nations to broadband.
Video Conferencing during Conferences and other Special Events - Lessons Learned
April 15, 2003 - 4:25am | by AnonymousBroadband connectivity provides a "highway" that carries IP video conferencing, IP telephony and IP data traffic within a managed environment. These IP services work great when everyone understands the limitations and conditions being placed on that highway. Some call these the "rules of the road" – in this case, the ‘digital highway’.
On Monday, April 14, I was suppose to do a presentation to an audience attending the
Native Investment and Trade Association’s Nexus Tech 2003 conference, entitled "Aboriginal High Technology & Telecommunications" in Vancouver (the conference event brochure is available online). The plan was to deliver the presentation entitled, "Supporting First Nation Residents to Invest in their Communities" by video-conference from our office in Sioux Lookout. My presentation addressed the need to keep available dollars in the local economy as long as possible through local capacity building using ICTs instead of paying outside agencies for items such as consulting, travel, etc. I hoped to share the success stories surrounding the Kuh-ke-nah Network of Smart First Nations that we are developing using these ICTs and broadband connectivity.During the early planning stages for this conference event, K-Net staff recommended that ISDN lines be installed at the conference site and a video conferencing unit be borrowed to facilitate the video conference session. This is the usual way to ensure we have a dedicated connection for the presentation and a way to provide some Quality of Service for the video session. The conference organizers placed the responsibility for the connections in the hands of a firm that wanted to use an IP connection for the video session.
The connection tests were done from another site the week before the event. Everything worked as well as can be expected when one uses the public internet for the connection. Unfortunately the day of the event it was discovered that the folks providing the high speed connection to the conference site had a firewall that would not support the receipt of audio and video traffic over their internet service. So another planned video-conference connection did not take place, even though this session and connection had been advertised. Before the event, a few people wrote and phoned me about this presentation so I was anxious to see everything work the way it should have.
Does this failed attempt to demonstrate the importance of video conferencing mean that we should not be using these communication tools for these types of events? Does this type of experience set back the efforts of people to develop broadband opportunities in First Nations? I hope not!
I would suggest that there are lots of lessons learned from these types of experiences. The challenge is to ensure that everyone is getting the correct information whenever these types of situations occur. This is the third time that I have worked with different events where the "video conference" solution failed to provide the type of connection required for true two-way interactive video communication. Even with the ordering of ISDN lines, we have found problems with the local service in some locations. There is no fail-safe solution to avoid every problem BUT there are steps that should be taken to ensure a successful for everyone, especially the audience.
Some of the lessons, I take from these experiences include:
- Testing the connections from the actual sites using the equipment involved in the planned event as far in advance as possible helps to identify and resolve any technical problems before the actual event;
- Working with teams of people that include all those responsible for these connections ensures that everyone knows who to contact whenever there is a problem and provides a great learning opportunity for everyone;
- Supporting only one connectivity "solution" limits the potential for showcasing a variety of options for both the audience and the providers of these services;
- Sharing information and experiences with all the partners involved in the planning for these events supports everyone in their efforts to deliver a successful presentation for the audience (contact cell phone numbers are very helpful for those sitting in remote sites wondering what is happening);
- Knowing that these ICTs are communication tools that can fail for any number of reasons is an important consideration so contingency plans can be put in place (ie. Audio conferencing with the powerpoint presentation being delivered on-site);
- Planning for the real costs of these types of presentations and connections (people’s time and resources) is equally important as caring for those who are attending the event in person;
- Recognizing the importance of "walking the talk" in the use of these ICT tools requires the recognition of the opportunity to invite additional presenters and participants from remote First Nations that are embracing the use of these tools, thus making it more worthwhile for everyone to ensure a successful event;
- Understanding the ‘change management’ aspects of hosting events and sessions using these ICT tools ensures a growing opportunity for innovative exchanges and sharing of resources from anywhere.
I do hope everyone is able to gain from these experiences, even when they do not work completely as intended. I was able to meet some new people through this experience and learn about some products and resources that I never knew about before. Therefore I feel I learned some more things and that is important.
Native Teacher Education Program (NTEP) application deadline extended
April 10, 2003 - 7:55pm | by AnonymousThe application deadline for the next Native Teacher Education Program has been extended to Friday, April 18th. Call Brian toll free at 1-877-636-0667, ext. 25 for further information. Leave a message and he will call you back.
See K-News Article for NTEP qualifications.
Sandy Lake Storm takes the inaugeral KHL title
April 9, 2003 - 9:36pm | by AnonymousKeewaytinook Hockey League finally finished their first year of action in a tournament style of play. The tournament was held in Sandy Lake on April 3 to 6, 2003.
Sandy Lake Storm of the Keewaytinook Hockey League (KHL) went undefeated in KHL's inaugeral season. Storm finished off the regular season with a record of 24-0, scoring 359 goals and only allowing 69 goals.
Sandy Lake Storm continued their domination over the other KHL teams that they faced in the play-offs and Championship game. The first team they faced was Kitchinoomaykoosib Icehawks (KI Icehawks) in a best out of three format. Sandy Lake went on to defeat KI Icehawks two straight games.
Storm then met the Kasabonika Jr. Kings in the Championship Bear Cup. Kasabonika had defeated Wunnimun Whiskeyjack in a hard fought play-off series that had to go to the deciding third game.
In the Championship game Sandy Lake Storm had a battling team to contend with. At the end of the first period the game was tied at 3 a piece and by the end of second period the score was 10-5. But the score did not indicate the closeness of the game. Storm held their composure and kept pounding the Kasabonika netminder with shot after shot. The eventual final score was 16 to 8 for Sandy Lake Storm.
Check out: www.sandylake.firstnation.ca for more info, pictures and trophy presentations.
Celebration of Recognition for students participating in the ACSW Program
April 9, 2003 - 9:29pm | by AnonymousOshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute presented Certificates of Recognition to the students of the Aboriginal Community Services Worker Program on March 27, 2003. The celebration took place at Confederation College in Thunder Bay. Congradulations to all! Check out the pictures at http://photos.knet.ca/albun20
First Nation Education Issues and Opportunities
April 9, 2003 - 7:38am | by AnonymousWendy Johnson, Education Policy Analyst from the Chiefs of Ontario Office distributed a briefing note to First Nation education advisors concerning recent developments and opportunities to work together. The document includes updates on:
- INAC's Engagement Strategy and COO's recommendations;
- Gathering Strength initiatve; and
- Federal Budget Announcement of $72 million for First Nation Education.
New chief and council in Cat Lake First Nation
April 9, 2003 - 5:19am | by AnonymousCommunity update for off reserve Cat Lake band numbers and for interested people:
New Chief: Wilfred Wesley - 95 votes
- Councillor: Allan Oombash - 143 votes
- Councillor: Gordon Wesley - 129 Votes
- Councillor: Vernon Wesley - 127 votes
- Councillor: Elsie Gray - 123 votes
- Councillor: Russell Wesley - 115 votes
New KO Telehealth Information Brochure
April 8, 2003 - 5:27am | by AnonymousKeewaytinook Okimakanak's Telehealth team produced a new information brochure for circulation. It is available on-line (650K PDF file).
For further information about KO's Telehealth Services, contact Donna Williams, Telehealth Coordinator or Gibbet Stevens, Telehealth Scheduler by e-mail or at 1-800-387-3740.
Mining Coordinator Job Opportunity at Nishnawbe Aski Nation
April 8, 2003 - 5:27am | by AnonymousNISHNAWBE ASKI NATION
Employment Opportunity (23K PDF)
MINING COORDINATOR
Nishnawbe Aski Nation is offering an exciting, and challenging opportunity for a results-oriented Mining Coordinator to plan and oversee the overall operations of the Lands & Resources Secretariat, Mines and Mineral Unit. The Mining Coordinator will offer technical advice and advocacy to the NAN First Nations to enable them to develop goals, capacity and activities for mining in their territories. The Mining Coordinator will also review, research, analyze and develop policy recommendations related to the mines and minerals sector.
The position is available for a possible three-year period up to March 31, 2005 and will require extensive travel to the northern First Nation communities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- B.Sc. University degree in Geology or in a related Earth Science field,
- Minimum 2 or 3 years of experience in the mining sector;
- Understanding of environmental and mining legislation in Ontario;
- Good familiarity with and knowledge of working with First Nations;
- Thorough knowledge of the decision making process for policy development, excellent networking, leadership, and managerial skills;
- Strong relationship building skills;
- Good oral and written communication skills;
- Good research and analytical skills;
- Computer literacy: Ability to operate a PC effectively, proficient with Microsoft Word, experience with related digitized data bases;
- Ability to speak Oji-Cree, Cree or Ojibway would be a strong asset.
LOCATION: Thunder Bay, Ontario
SALARY: $45,000 to $60,000, per year based on experience.
DEADLINE: April 22, 2003
If you require a copy of the job description please contact NAN Lands and Resources Department. Applications will be accepted by fax providing the original copy is forwarded with three references to:
NISHNAWBE ASKI NATION
100 Backstreet Road, Unit #200
Attention: Lands and Resources Department
PHONE: (807) 623-8228
FAX: (807) 623-7730
* Only those applicants considered for an interview will be contacted.
Morley Meekis 3rd Memorial Feast
April 7, 2003 - 9:12pm | by AnonymousOn Saturday April 5, 2003 at 6:00 pm, we held a feast in Deer Lake to honour my father's memory. It has been three years since he went to heaven. He remains much in our memory of course. Here is a litte something:
Say Again
If I could live one day again,
I know the one I'd choose.
It'd be the last day I saw my dad,
And I'd say again, "I Love You."
I'd wrap my arms around him,
And pray to God above,
To hold him in His loving arms,
And shower him in His love.
I'd also pray and let God know,
How thankful I have been,
To have had that man as my dad,
And how proud I am of him.
He faced his fate with a mighty strength.
You don't see in many men.
He stood tall and never failed,
To hold us up instead.
One of the saddest things on earth
Is to hear that someone's passed.
And finally go to heaven above,
To see God's face at last.
If I could live one day again,
I know the one I'd choose.
It'd be the day I said, "Good Bye"
And said again, "I Love You."
The family of the late Morley Meekis would like to thank the following for their donations and their help:
- Deer Lake Northern Store
- Grandma (Delia Kakegamic) We love you very much!
- Deer Lake First Nation - for flying our groceries in
- Deer Lake Children's Centre
- Zack and Kanina Meekis
- Barry and Angel Meekis
- Steve Meekis
- Christina Kakegamic
- and all the people that did the cooking. Thank you very much and god bless!!
