Press Release ... 

Beaucage Launches Bid for AFN National Chief

"With all that my spirit will muster, I accept that call in being their agent for change," said Grand Council Chief John Beaucage.

OTTAWA, Feb. 3 - Change is coming to the Assembly of First Nations.

Today, alongside youth, Chiefs and grassroots supporters, Grand Council Chief John Beaucage of the Anishinabek Nation, launched his bid to become the next National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).

The Think North Summit took place today (February 3, 2009 9:00-5:30 EST) in Thunder Bay.

The event was webcast live and the archive of the speakers and the event is available online at the event's Meeting Place.

INAC press release ...

Government of Canada Reintroduces Legislation to Provide Matrimonial Real Property Rights on Reserves

Ottawa, Ontario --(Feb. 2, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, today reintroduced the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act legislation addressing the issue of matrimonial real property on reserves.

From the Globe and Mail

Why Canada has to wait for its Obama moment

JEFF ROBERTS - February 2, 2009

Many Canadians shared in the sweet sense of pride as they watched the first black U.S. President take his oath of office. That moment, still lingering, symbolized an opportunity for Americans to feel free of their racial demons.

From New America Foundation ...  

An essay from First Nations House  

Can Indigenous Education Save the World?

Tuesday, January 27, 2009
By Deborah McGregor

I have been giving this subject much thought recently, particularly as my 12-year-old son queries me about the discrepancy between what he is learning in school about Aboriginal Peoples and what he experiences in his life as a First Nations person.

From The Star Phoenix

Take advantage of stimulus: Strahl

Luke Simcoe, The StarPhoenix - January 31, 2009

Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Chuck Strahl had five words Friday for those contemplating taking advantage of the Conservative government's new spending incentives: "Use it or lose it."

Joint Statement of Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners Claudette Dumont-Smith and Jane Morley

We announce today with sadness our intention to resign as Commissioners of the Indian Residential School Truth and Reconciliation Commission, effective June 1, 2009.

Keewaytinook Okimakanak is partnering with DMTS to support the development and operation of cellular phone services in the remote First Nations across NAN. These community owned cellular systems will be able to access the same services described in the following DMTS press release.

DMTS press release 

DRYDEN MOBILITY TO OFFER NORTHERNERS NEXT GENERATION WIRELESS SERVICES

Dryden, Ontario – January 13, 2009 – Dryden Municipal Telephone System (DMTS) operating Dryden Mobility announced today it will operate a GSM network in Northern Ontario.

The Community Coalition for Healing and Reconciliation
Invites everyone to

Let the Dialogue Begin
Residential Schools – From Legacy Toward Healing

With guests

• Aideen Nabigon, Executive Director, Truth and Reconciliation Commission

• Jim Morris, Executive Director, Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority

Friday February 13
7 PM
Sunset Room, Sunset Inn