Media.Knet.Ca

Canoe.ca article ...

Native rhetoric blasted - Minister 'fearful' of violence
By JORGE BARRERA, NATIONAL BUREAU

Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice says First Nations leaders will be responsible for the consequences if they continue their heated rhetoric about a coming summer of "barricades, blockades and balaclavas."

Many First Nations leaders across the country reacted with outrage to the federal budget, which they say ignored the misery in many of their communities. They warned of impending confrontations if government does not start taking them seriously.

'ON THEIR HEADS'

"I think people should be responsible in their public comments. I don't agree with or condone people who are calling for those kinds of things because I am fearful that somebody will get hurt," said Prentice. "If that happens, it will be on the heads of people who are calling for that kind of conduct."

Members of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte community planned last night to reclaim a quarry 20 km east of Belleville that sits on land they say the federal government has admitted was stolen.

The Assembly of First Nations has also called for a national day of action June 29 that is expected to shut down some rail lines, highways and ports across the country.

Nunavut Liberal MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell, an Inuit, said it's the Conservative government triggering the unrest. She said Prentice "doesn't respect" aboriginal people.

'HE DOES NOT LISTEN'

"I don't think he actually cares about them. He does not listen to the people," said Lindell, usually a soft-spoken MP. "What I see from this government is a 1960s style of doing things for us again, without input."

The increased strife overshadowed what should have been a good news day for the Conservatives, who unveiled a progress report on First Nations drinking water. The government cut the number of "high-risk" water systems to 97 from 193 over the past year, said the report. Prentice, however, could not guarantee all on-reserve Natives would have clean water by next year.

AFN, ITK, Metis press release ...

National Aboriginal Organizations Applaud Passage of Private Members Bill to Honour Crown's Commitments on 2005 Kelowna Accord

OTTAWA, March 22 /CNW Telbec/ - The leaders of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Assembly of First Nations and Métis National Council - today welcomed the vote by the House of Commons to adopt a law signifying the Government of Canada's dedication to honour its commitments in the 2005 Kelowna Accord to tackle acute housing, health and education hardships among Aboriginal peoples. The law would also require the Government of Canada to report back to parliament on the implementation of the Accord.

The passage of Bill C-292 does not compel the government to fund the commitments of the Kelowna Accord. However, the ITK, AFN and MNC strongly urge all Canadians to show solidarity with Aboriginal peoples and press the government to implement the commitments of the Kelowna Accord.

Mary Simon, President of ITK said, "It is encouraging to all Inuit that the majority of Canada's elected representatives at the federal level have stood up clearly for two things: overcoming shaming gaps in Aboriginal living standards, and honouring commitments made by the Government of Canada once they have been made. In doing so, we believe that MP's are behaving in the way that the Canadian public wants and expects. We are also pleased that former Prime Minister Mulroney has lent his timely and much appreciated support to the Kelowna Accord."

"I am deeply proud of this bill's passing in the House of Commons, as the Kelowna Accord represents the greatest commitment ever shown to the Métis Nation," President Clement Chartier added.

"First Nations want to express their appreciation to the opposition parties who showed their unwavering support for Bill C-292. It is clear to us and to all Canadians that the majority of elected representatives support the targets and objectives which will help improve the quality of life for First Nations," said National Chief Fontaine.

The 2006 Conservative Party election platform clearly states that a Conservative government will accept the targets agreed upon at the recent Meeting of First Ministers and National Aboriginal leaders, and work with First Ministers and National Aboriginal leaders on achieving these targets.

"Today, I remind Prime Minister Harper of this commitment to work together with us to meet the achievable and affordable non-partisan plan agreed to by all in Kelowna to make First Nations even stronger," concluded National Chief Fontaine.

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/For further information: Assembly of First Nations: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communication, (613) 241 6789 ext. 229, bhendry@afn.ca; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, (613) 241 6789 ext. 243, npine@afn.ca; Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami: Stephen Hendrie, Communications Director, (613) 277-3178, hendrie@itk.ca; Métis National Council: Zoran Vidic, Communications Officer, (613) 295-9298, zoranv@metisnation.ca/

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NAN sees Kelowna Accord as best base for closing gap

     THUNDER BAY, ON, March 22 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy agrees with Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Jim Prentice that self-sufficiency is the key to First Nation progress, however the two leaders disagree that the 2005 Kelowna Accord passed by Parliament yesterday is the way to reach what Prentice calls "financial independence".

     "I agree that First Nations people need to become financially independent, however it's the regulatory framework of both the provincial and federal governments that prevents the people of Nishnawbe Aski from participating in the country's economy," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy.

"With billions of dollars worth of natural resources being extracted from our territory annually, assisting in sustaining the prosperity of all Canadians, you'd think First Nations wouldn't have to be perceived as asking for hand-outs."

     Beardy also agrees with Minister Prentice that the Kelowna Accord needs further work to iron out details in terms of addressing the many underlying issues, however says it's a comprehensive package that could improve the on-reserve quality of life across the board.

     "I was hopeful coming out of the 2005 First Ministers Meeting that the agreement would lead to meaningful discussion and implementation processes that would prove to lessen the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians across the board," said Beardy of the Kelowna Accord which is the basis of former Prime Minister Paul Martin's Private Member's Bill C-292 passed yesterday in the House of Commons. "The passing of Bill C-292 provides a renewed hope, but without acceptance by the Conservative Government of Canada we'll continue to see the gap grow and continued and increasing frustration among First Nations, particularly the young people, who are seeking quality education and sustainable careers."

     The Kelowna Accord, reached by the Government of Canada, provincial Premiers, and Aboriginal leaders in Kelowna, B.C. November 2005, outlined more than $5 billion over the next five years to close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians in the areas of education, health, housing, and economic opportunities.

     "The Harper government had its chance to present Minister Prentice's theory two days ago when they announced their 2007 budget," said Beardy. "If the Government of Canada isn't going to accept a decision by Parliament, what alternative will they present?"

     NAN is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities across two-thirds of Ontario, including Kashechewan and Pikangikum First Nations, which have made recent national headlines exposing Third World conditions in the areas of housing, water, and sewer.

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/For further information: Jenna Young, Director of Communications, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, at (807) 625-4952, or (807) 628-3953 (mobile)/

Disappointment expressed by AFN National Chief and NAN Grand Chief as they react to today's Federal Government Budget (see both press releases below) ...

Statement on Federal Budget by National Chief Phil Fontaine: First Nations not Included in a "Stronger, Better" Canada - Another Missed Opportunity: First Nations Remain in Last Place

     OTTAWA, March 19 /CNW Telbec/ - "Today's budget was supposed to contain something for all Canadians, but today, First Nations are beyond disappointment. We don't see any reason to believe that the government cares about the shameful conditions of First Nations. We have tried dialogue and tabled a rational plan to address it. The only thing missing is a commitment from the federal government.

     It is encouraging to see this government re-new and expand programs where First Nations are demonstrating great success such as the Aboriginal Justice Strategy and the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership initiative.
However, the investments in Budget 2007 fall far short of a comprehensive plan. Similarly, while we are pleased to see money from last year's budget confirmed in 2007 for market-based housing on-reserve, the larger question of the pressing need for social housing remains unanswered.

     It is clear First Nations have been left out of the "stronger, safer, better Canada" painted by the Finance Minister.

     Today's budget goes far towards cutting taxes and paying down the national debt -- but there is no mention of dealing with the huge debt to First Nations in the form of outstanding land claims. I would like to remind this government of the recent Senate Report on specific claims -- Negotiation or Confrontation: It's Canada's Choice - the title says it all.

     I am also calling on First Nations leaders - especially women and youth -- to study the budget carefully, and provide their reactions to the Minister of Indian Affairs and the Prime Minister. I know that many Regional Chiefs will provide their own commentaries.

     Canadians believe in fairness, and trust that no one should be left behind in prosperous times. Some Canadians will welcome this budget, but many more would be alarmed if they knew about the devastating consequences for First Nations given the lack of attention that First Nations have received in this budget. The frustration of First Nations people is only growing, and this budget does nothing to allay their concerns.

     It is clear that the circumstances of First Nations peoples remain a black mark on Canada. It's an enormous burden, not just on First Nations people, but the whole country. We want to turn this situation around so that First Nations are more effective contributors to Canada's prosperity. First Nations need to be able create opportunities, not continue to miss out on them.

     Nowhere is the fiscal imbalance more apparent than in the critical under-funding of First Nations health, child welfare, education, housing and infrastructure. No other Canadian citizen has had to endure a two-percent cap on funding that has now lasted for over a decade. Our population continues to grow and the poverty gap continues to widen. Today's budget only contributes to the imbalance by providing $39 billion over seven years to the provinces, without any comparable attention to First Nations.

     In November 2005, First Nations had a plan that was unanimously accepted by the Premiers and Aboriginal leaders. As an Opposition MP at the time, Minister Prentice said: "the fight against aboriginal poverty is the most pressing social issue that our country faces ... and as Conservatives, we believe something has to be done."

     Beyond investment that is critically needed, First Nations of this country seek a commitment to structural change. The First Nations - Federal Crown Political Accord on the Recognition and Implementation of First Nation Governments (signed in May 2005) provides an exit strategy from the current policies and structures that restrict our communities and condemn our people to poverty.

     Minister Prentice committed to the process established under the Accord at a meeting of BC First Nations last year. I call upon him to act in accordance with the provisions of the Accord as a way to replace fundamentally flawed government processes and policies.

     We have patiently waited a long time for action. This budget only allows for enough money to continue the management of misery."

     Phil Fontaine
     National Chief
     Assembly of First Nations

     The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

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NAN disappointed 'the budget for every Canadian' contains only a fraction specified for First Nations

     THUNDER BAY, ON, March 19 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy is disappointed only a fraction of what's being called the budget for every Canadian is designated for the country's First Nations.

     "Given the build up to Budget 2007, I was hopeful the Harper government would address the need to close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians on a larger scale," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy following federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's speech today in the House of Commons.

"The Government of Canada needs to address the fiscal imbalance on a more comprehensive scale that includes First Nations along with provinces similar to the all-encompassing package committed to in Kelowna November 2005."

     The First Ministers Meeting on Aboriginal Issues, which took place in Kelowna, B.C. November 2005, had former Prime Minister Paul Martin's Liberal government announcing contributions of more than $5 billion over the next five years to close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians in the areas of education, health, housing, and economic opportunities.

     Today's Budget specifies supportive measures to provide training and job opportunities for Aboriginal Canadians, assistance in home-ownership for First Nation members, improvement of drinking water, and enhancing the Aboriginal Justice Strategy.

     Many of the 49 First Nation communities represented by NAN, such as Pikangikum (water and sewer) and Kashechewan (clean drinking water) First Nations, have made national news coverage in recent months showing living conditions similar to the Third World.

     "Increasingly, the honour of the Crown outlined in James Bay Treaty 9 is being denied, as First Nation people in NAN territory are not being provided adequate resources to meet a basic standard of life," said Beardy.

     The opposition is expected to vote on the Budget in the next two days. 

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/For further information: Jenna Young, Director of Communications, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, at (807) 625-4952 or (807) 628-3953 (mobile)/

Article from Canoe.ca ...

Status quo is 'the enemy'- Writer stirs up controversy with new book urging Natives to stop pointing the finger

By LICIA CORBELLA, EDITOR - Sun, March 18, 2007
 
"One who knows the enemy and knows himself will not be endangered in a hundred engagements. One who does not know the enemy but knows himself will sometimes meet with defeat. One who knows neither the enemy nor himself will invariably be defeated in every engagement." -- SUN-TZU, The Art of War

Thus starts the remarkable and often irreverent book, Dances with Dependency: Indigenous success through self-reliance, by aboriginal lawyer and entrepreneur Calvin Helin.

Helin, 47, a true Renaissance man who hails from B.C., admits his book is "politically incorrect."

Yet, unlike other politically incorrect tomes, this one is not sneeringly so. Indeed, this 300-plus page book is filled with hope and written out of deep love and concern for aboriginal people. ...

Just how politically incorrect?

In his book, Helin recounts a joke told by a well-known aboriginal comedian.

The comedian says the minister of Indian Affairs slipped and fell on the stairs and landed on his backside.

"He said: 'You know what happened when he landed? He broke the noses of seven Indian chiefs!'"

Despite the harsh criticisms Helin levels against chiefs in general, he says he has been called by many, who congratulate him for speaking the truth.

In the book, Helin sugarcoats nothing. While he recognizes and acknowledges the historical reasons and complexities behind the numerous social dysfunctions in Canada's aboriginal communities -- including massive unemployment, high incarceration rates, epidemic suicide rates, rampant addictions and tragic rates of child abuse and neglect -- Helin says none of that will change until Natives stop pointing the finger of blame at others and start to take responsibility for their own futures.

"It's going to require an entire change of attitude and that's perhaps the toughest thing of all to do," he admits, "but we've taken the first step because most of us agree we cannot continue with the status quo and I think this book gives our people permission to speak frankly."

At that, Helin refers to a quote from the great children's book, Alice in Wonderland that he's included in his book, a national bestseller.

"'Cheshire Puss,' ...(Alice) began, rather timidly... 'Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'

'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.

'I don't much care where,' said Alice.

'Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat."

Native people, points out Helin, are at least in a better position than Alice.

"We know that the welfare trap is one path we shouldn't continue to take, that the status quo has to change," he writes.

"The system of welfare and transfer payments have literally rotted the souls of many and damaged their families beyond measure."

Helin points out that for 9,600 years, Canadian aboriginals were completely self-reliant. That started to change in the last 150 years or so.

"There's a quote in the book by Quebecois singer Felix Leclerc that says: 'The best way to kill a man is to pay him to do nothing,'" adds Helin, who visited Calgary recently to promote his book, which is causing ripples throughout the aboriginal community and beyond.

Former prime minister Paul Martin has met with Helin after reading the book and vows to get copies of it into the hands of his former Liberal colleagues.

Helin says aboriginal programming expenditures in 2005-2006 were around $9 billion with 88% of federal government spending going to reserves, where only 29% of Aboriginals live, and yet living conditions are on par with the Third World.

Helin says as one-third of the Canadian population reaches retirement age, Native communities are having more babies and have the youngest population in the country.

That's a reality he calls a "demographic tsunami".

"To those that might defend the status quo," writes Helin, "I would suggest they look carefully at the wholesale misery and poverty that the welfare trap is delivering now."

Helin says the time has come for all Natives to elect their national leaders rather than have chiefs -- many of whom are corrupt and want to continue riding their own personal gravy train -- do it for them.

"The book acknowledges our past but looks forward, not backward," says Helin.

The time has come, he adds, "to recognize that the status quo and our acceptance of that is our enemy. We must slay that enemy if we are to have a decent future."

About the Book - visit Orca Spirit Publishing

Dances with Dependency - Indigenous Success through Self-Reliance

Ever wondered how the lives of indigenous people and those in developing nations can be made better? Then this is the book for you! For the first time in print, real turnaround solutions are provided in answer to such poverty through focused strategic action. Take the 10,000 year mystical canoe journey through time and space. Learn how you can make a difference now! Detailed research and indigenous storytelling are dramatically blended in this groundbreaking publication—a publication that provides a fantastic gift of knowledge and understanding. Printed in full colour, with a beautifully embossed dust jacket, and featuring over twenty dazzling full-page art works by internationally renowned northwest coast artist Bill Helin. This hardcover book is sure to be a collectors’ edition.

"Helin’s book is above all a challenge for aboriginal people to recover their pride and self-sufficiency. It deserves to be widely read by B.C. and local politicians, and by aboriginal leaders as well…[and he] doesn’t pull any punches in recounting the history and the current state of aboriginal life in his native B.C. and around North America. He details how aboriginal populations are rising rapidly at a time when the general population is aging. A resource boom centered on northern and western Canada means the aboriginal workforce is urgently needed. And if aboriginal people don’t go to work to support themselves, they and their culture might not be the only thing destroyed...."

After a week of exciting hockey being played in Sioux Lookout by 32 determined teams from the First Nations across northwestern Ontario, it has now come down to 6 teams playing in the championships today.

Visit http://firstnationshockey.ca to see all the results of the 76 games played so far this week that have lead to the finals today.

Wawatay Radio has been broadcasting and webstreaming the play-by-play of every game. Visit http://www.wawatay.on.ca and click on the live webstream to listen to the game in an exciting mix of Oji-Cree and English.

Today's finals include:

• Michikan Mavericks (Bearskin Lake) and Pikangikum Stampedes
  A-Side Championship - 1 pm
   
• Bamaji Ice (Slate Falls) and Fort Hope Chiefs/Raiders
  B-side Championship - 11 am
   
• Keewaywin Hawks and Kasabonika Juniors
  C-side Championship - 9 am

From Language Conference web site

"Anishnaabemdaa Eta; Let's Only Speak the Language"

March 29, 30, 31, and April 1, 2007
at Kewadin Casinos Hotel and Convention Centre
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

The Board of Directors, Elder Senate and Youth Representatives of Anishinaabemowin Teg Inc. would like to welcome everyone to our site, hosted by the Union of Ontario Indians at www.anishinabek.ca.
 
  Last year the Conference was a great success with over 900 participants from across Canada and the United States.  This year's conference will again be held on March 29, 30, 31, and April 1, 2007 at Kewadin Casinos Hotel and Convention Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. 

  This year's theme is "Anishnaabemdaa Eta; Let's Only Speak the Language". Our focus is to encourage every day use of the language at home, at school, and at work.  The language embodies our culture, our spirit, our identity as Anishinabek.  With this in mind, we look forward to ensuring you have a successful 4 days with us.   "Bi-wii-doo-kwish-naang"

  The Conference Poster is available via the website by clicking on the Conference Poster,at the bottom of this page, however, we will be forwarding the same by mail, later this month for maximum exposure to your community, educators, and students.  The package shall include a registration form, scholarship information, hotel listings, and vendors registration form.  Please keep an eye out for this package.

  Due to increasing costs to host this conference, we have been forced to increase conference registration fees.  Conference Registration Fees include admission to all workshops, all plenary sessions, opening and closing plenary sessions, sunrise ceremonies, 1 meal per day, and conference sponsored evening entertainment or traditional feast.

Press Release ...

Prentice Breaks Faith with Kashechewan: Conservative Inaction Leaves Residents Vulnerable to Impending Flood Season

2007-03-16 - Charlie Angus today condemned Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice for playing a cruel game with the people of Kashechewan. The minister has told community leaders he will not accept the results of a community consultation process that he commissioned to determine the future location for the flood-threatened community.

"We are on the eve of yet another flood season and the only thing Prentice has done since the last flood is delay and play games," said Angus. "Meanwhile the people of Kashechewan continue to suffer from squalid conditions and insufficient infrastructure."

Prentice has refused to accept the recommendations because he claims it will be too expensive.

"Prentice’s rejection of findings he commissioned is unacceptable. The people of Kashechewan have a signed agreement with the government of Canada to move them to safer ground," added Angus.

A thorough process was undertaken by Dr. Emily Fairies that determined the community overwhelmingly wants to be located to higher ground on their traditional territory.

The Kashechewan report debunks claims made by Prentice's personal envoy Allan Pope who claimed the community wanted to move off their territory to either Timmins or Smooth Rock Falls. In 2005, after sustained NDP pressure, the Liberal government moved to evacuate the residents of Kashechewan to save them from contaminated water that resulted in disease and squalid living conditions.

Angus says its time Prentice stopped dithering over Kashechewan.

"Prentice's own bureaucrats are speaking about a threat to life if the dike fails again. No steps have been taken to protect people from another flood. Prentice is gambling with the lives of the people of Kashechewan."

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From Timmins Daily Press ...

New subdivision offers homes for Kash residents

Scott Paradis - March 13, 2007

It's a quiet, late February Monday afternoon in this remote community of 1,900 people.

Much of the town's population had left for the weekend, and not everyone had returned yet. Some left Friday for a concert, an all-chiefs meeting or a basketball tournament in Moose Factory. Others have left Kashechewan to visit friends, or partake in other activities in Attawapiskat or Moosonee.

Hitting the road for any reason is tempting for the people living in a community that only has roads leading to other towns for little more than two months a year.

But Kashechewan isn't completely silent.

The sound of power saws slicing into wood, hammers pounding on the heads of nails and heavy equipment ripping through the frozen soil disrupts the otherwise quiet morning.

A work crew of more than 12 men operates the power saws, hammers and heavy equipment.

They are creating a new subdivision for the town that is said to be in desperate need of housing.

Deputy Chief Philip Goodwin said funding for the new units and renovations of the old units has been lagging.

"Construction, it's kind of slow," said Goodwin.

There will be some development come late April or early May, he said. Those units, nearly 30 of them, will go to families in desperate need of new homes.

The new homes are in addition to the ones that have been undergoing renovations.

The housing issue is a personal one for Goodwin. His home, like many others in the community, is filled with multiple generations.

It isn't uncommon for some families to have upwards of 12 people living in a two- or three-bedroom home.

"A lot of people, a lot of families are in need of new homes," Goodwin said.

When the Kashechewan band began deciding what families in the community were in need of new housing units, they compiled a list of 90 family names.

The almost 30 homes now being constructed in a new subdivision will go to the families from that list considered most in need, Goodwin said.

At the construction site, progress is on track to provide the community with the new homes by spring.

"We're probably right now at this stage, about 25 per cent complete for the whole project," said Bill Aitken, technical co-ordinator for the construction project.

"Some of them will be done in about (four weeks)," Goodwin said, estimating that about 12 per cent of the total project complete by then.

A lot of building materials are still coming to the community via a winter road from Moosonee.

Aitken said those materials have to get to the community quickly, before the road begins to thaw, but he's hopeful that there won't be any problems.

Currently there are 13 carpenters, two mechanics, and three people working on sewer and water systems, and five heavy equipment operators.

"Most of them are local," he said.

When those materials do get to Kashechewan, Aitken said there shouldn't be anything in the way of the project being completed on time.

Aitken said he just hopes the project moves forward a little more comfortably in the coming weeks.

"I just hope it warms up," he said.

From CBC News ...

Ottawa balks at $500M cost of moving Kashechewan within traditional land

Thursday, March 15, 2006 - Canadian Press: SUE BAILEY

OTTAWA (CP) - Residents of the besieged Kashechewan reserve have turned down a recommended move to Timmins, Ont., in favour of rebuilding within their traditional land - an option government estimates suggest will cost $500 million.

Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice promptly balked Thursday at the cost despite repeatedly saying the people could choose whether to relocate. The tiny Cree First Nation wants to move on to high ground along the flood-prone Albany River about 450 kilometres north of Timmins.

"(Prentice) said he cannot accept that because where will the money come from?" said Stan Louttit, grand chief of the Mushkegowuk Council representing Kashechewan.

"It's going to cost too much."

Kashechewan leaders say the move within their traditional hunting grounds near James Bay was promised by the former Liberal government. An agreement to rebuild the remote fly-in reserve was reached in October 2005.

It came just days after photos of toddlers with skin rashes blamed on dirty water made Kashechewan an international poster child for aboriginal poverty and federal neglect.

"Certainly that was not the consensus of the community - that they move to Timmins," said Louttit. "That's what (Prentice) wanted."

The minister wasn't pleased with the community's own consultation called the Voice of the People, Louttit said.

"I think the chief will have to go home and tell the people of Kashechewan that the government does not support what they want. It's going to be very, very devastating."

Prentice was not immediately available for comment. He has himself described living conditions on the reserve as "deplorable."

Still, whopping cost projections have cast the issue in a new light, said his spokesman Bill Rodgers.

"They were given the choice to make their own decision, and that's what they've done," he said after the meeting with Kashechewan leaders wrapped up. "According to the calculations we've seen, it's the most expensive option there is.

"If the cost estimate remains in the range we're looking at right now, it's unlikely the government would go for that option."

Relocating from scratch about 35 kilometres up the Albany River would cost an estimated $500 million, say internal government documents obtained by The Canadian Press. "This scenario will not provide any additional economic opportunity for the community."

Prentice appointed former Ontario cabinet minister Alan Pope to study options and poll the people. Pope recommended last fall that Kashechewan be rebuilt on the outskirts of Timmins - an option that would cost about $200 million, say the federal documents. It's among the cheapest of several relocations studied.

"The reserve on the Albany River would continue to be their reserve," Pope said last November in response to concerns about assimilation.

"There would be means of accessing their traditional lands for traditional activities such as hunting and fishing."

Timmins would offer better job prospects, health care, education and policing, Pope stressed. But the vast majority of Kashechewan members have returned, even after repeated evacuations, to the only home they've ever known.

Louttit says no one has ever done a detailed study of related costs. "We have some estimates, but nothing accurate."

Ottawa moved the people against their will to the low-lying land in 1957. The original name Keeshechewan - Cree for "where the water flows fast" - became Kashechewan after it was misspelled by federal officials.

The reserve has been evacuated three times since 2004. Ottawa has spent millions of dollars to remove residents twice for severe spring flooding and once amid a tainted-water crisis. This, as the community of about 1,700 people grapples with squalid housing, domestic violence, addiction and a recent spate of 21 reported youth suicide attempts, including by a nine-year-old.

Former Indian Affairs minister Andy Scott pledged to relocate 50 new houses a year for 10 years. The Conservatives later backpedalled, saying the Liberals never formally set aside required funding.

Caught in the middle are men, women and children who've been repeatedly uprooted from cramped, decrepit living conditions.

Pope painted a grim picture of life on the reserve, especially for young people.

"Community-based services in Kashechewan are incomplete, inconsistent and inadequate," he found after reviewing historical records, band finances and the results of door-to-door surveys.

Regular health care simply isn't available. A round-trip flight to the closest major centre, Timmins, costs about $600.

"Dental care is rarely available," Pope said. "Domestic violence is a major issue that remains unaddressed. Dietary and healthy lifestyle issues have not improved, and the high cost of fruit and vegetables makes their resolution unlikely."

Pope described chronic under-funding that has only worsened as yearly contributions from Ottawa fail to keep pace with population growth. He noted that financial reports are late - something the new chief Jonathan Solomon promised to fix - and said much of Kashechewan's crippling $5-million debt is because of ongoing housing shortages.

Kashechewan should not be penalized for trying "to provide adequate housing for the band members," Pope said.

"Elementary and secondary school students are sharing one facility and attendance and curriculum are reduced accordingly. Elementary students have neither gym classes nor recess.

"Class hours for secondary students of 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. have cut attendance in half."

Louttit says the people of Kashechewan are doing their best to prepare if unpredictable spring weather brings another disastrous wave of water.

"The community has had a very rough two or three years."
 

Race Relations Week 2007: Our Community.  Our Family.  Our Future.
 
Race Relations Week in Sioux Lookout, starts Friday, March 16, with a youth Dance at the Rec Centre and will wrap up on Sunday, March 25 with the ever-popular Multicultural Potluck Feast and presentation of the People Making Changes - Mary Carpenter Award. 

Download copies of the week's agenda and activity posters below.

Friday (16th) is the deadline for nominations for the Mary Carpenter Award.  If you know someone who has contributed to positive race relations in Sioux Lookout, please nominate them for this award.  You can pick up a nomination form from the Sunset Suites, the Anti-Racism Committee office, off the web site (www.slarc.ca) , or by calling Laurel Wood (737-2174). 

You can also check out all the events planned for the week on the web site. There's something for everyone in Race Relations Week 2007. Come celebrate with your family and community.

Download and post the following WORD documents:

• Sioux Lookout Proclamation
• Activity Chart / Agenda
• Square dance
• Shirley Cheechoo films
  

AFN press release ...

National Chief welcomes today's 2007 Alternate Federal Budget's commitment to close the First Nations poverty gap with rest of Canada

     OTTAWA, March 15 /CNW Telbec/ - The 2007 Alternate Federal Budget, released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, allocates a total of $6.1 billion in spending for First Nations over the next three years.

     "This represents an ideal budgetary response to the needs of First Nations. It meets the requirements of First Nations after years of failed promises and commitments that have not been met. It is also consistent with what was promised in the 2005 Kelowna Accord," said National Chief Phil Fontaine. "This is a fair, reasonable and achievable response to the kind of investments that First Nations are seeking in the next three years. It will enable us to be real contributors to Canada's economy."

     The alternate budget addresses critical funding issues such as First Nations child welfare, housing, land claims, education, environment, and Non Insured Health Benefits. The budget also eliminates the Department of Indian Affairs' two per cent funding cap that has been strangling First Nations communities since 1996.

     "I can only hope that this Monday's federal budget will closely resemble the fiscally prudent and balanced alternate  budget presented to Canadians today," said National Chief Fontaine. "First Nations want to assume their rightful place in Canada - socially and economically. This alternate budget addresses the current loss of First Nations economic potential, as well as the loss of labour force potential that our young and growing population represents.

     "Chiefs are tired and frustrated with managing First Nations poverty," commented the National Chief. "The bottom line is that we want to create opportunity and become much stronger contributors to the economic fabric of this country. I'm sure this sentiment is shared by all Canadians."

     For the 2007-8 fiscal year, the Alternate Federal Budget allocates $801 million for fiscal sustainability; $500 million for land claims; $420 million for housing, $405 million for NIHB; $200 million for education, $125 million for health, $125 million for child welfare; $110 million for environmental stewardship; and $38 million for economic development - a total of approximately $2.9 billion in First Nations spending.

     The 2007 Alternate Federal Budget is available at www.policyalternatives.ca.

     The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

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/For further information: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications,(613) 241-6789, ext. 229, cell (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor - Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789, ext.243, (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca/