Media.Knet.Ca

Arctic is Warming Faster than Expected - Over 400 Scientists and Partners Gather to Discuss the Impacts of Climate Change on the Canadian Arctic

VICTORIA, BC, Dec. 15 - The Arctic, considered to be the barometer of global climate change, is warming faster than expected. With many varied and widespread environmental, socio-economic, human health and cultural impacts, there is an urgent need to understand and prepare for these changes. It is this urgency that brought together over 400 representatives of university, industry, Inuit communities and government and non-government organisations to attend the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting in Victoria, BC, the largest and most comprehensive Arctic science meeting in Canada. This meeting was jointly held with the 14th Annual Results Workshop of the Northern Contaminants Program.

ArcticNet brings together scientists in the natural, human health and social sciences and decision makers with their partners in Inuit organizations, northern communities, government and industry to help Canadians face the impacts and opportunities of climate change and globalization in the Arctic. Over 100 ArcticNet researchers and 300 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, research associates and technicians from 27 Canadian universities and 5 Federal departments collaborate on 27 research projects with more than 100 partner organizations from Canada, the USA, Japan, Denmark, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Russia, Greenland and France.

Highlights of the 2006 Annual Meeting include:

• As predicted by climate models, the reduction in the extent of the Arctic sea-ice cover is accelerating. Specialists fear that a tipping point has been reached as evidence accumulates that the "albedo" effect is kicking in;
• The spectacular penetration of Atlantic water along the Siberian coast harbingers an "atlantification" of the Arctic Ocean that will bring the progressive replacement of the unique Arctic fauna by Atlantic animals;
• The Northwest Passage was open to navigation for several weeks in late summer and fall 2006 with the research icebreaker Amundsen sailing unhindered through straits that are usually impassable;
• Permafrost and coastal erosion are also accelerating, threatening the infrastructure of the Canadian North;
• For reasons thought to be associated with climate change, the concentration of mercury in the western Arctic is increasing in key animal species such as the beluga;
• Although Inuit are still well protected against chronic diseases and diabetes compared to other aboriginal groups, some warning signs, especially in women, raise concern;
• The emergence of animal transmitted diseases in the Inuit population due to change in vector distribution might increase and deserves continuous monitoring;
• Inuit experts are increasingly involved in the full research process to the greater benefit of science and adaptation in the Canadian Arctic.

The urgency to better understand and prepare for these upcoming changes in Arctic Canada is reflected in three recent funding announcements. Université Laval and the University of Manitoba were awarded $10.9 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation Leading Edge Fund in collaboration with the Government of Quebec and Government of Manitoba to improve and increase research equipment onboard the Canadian research icebreaker CCGS Amundsen. Complementing this investment is a $3 million Canada Foundation for Innovation and Government of Quebec grant awarded to the Centre d'études nordiques of Université Laval to build a series of research stations throughout the eastern Canadian Arctic to augment land-based monitoring of environmental variables. ArcticNet was also recently awarded an $815K grant through the International Partnerships Initiative of the Networks of Centres of Excellence Canada. This grant will allow ArcticNet and Canada to increase and consolidate their joint research and networking efforts with other large Arctic research networks in Norway, Russia, the USA and France to better understand the effects of climate change on the circumpolar Arctic system.

ArcticNet is made possible through funding from the Networks of Centres of Excellence Canada. The Networks of Centres of Excellence Canada (www.nce.gc.ca) is a joint initiative of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and Industry Canada. Further information on ArcticNet can be found on the ArcticNet web site (www.arcticnet.ulaval.ca) and information on the Northern Contaminants Program can be found at the following web site (www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ncp).

For further information: Jaime Dawson, ArcticNet, Office: (905) 635-4595, Cell: (905) 407-6808, Email: jaime.dawson@arcticnet.ulaval.ca.

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From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2006/12/15/north-conference-wrap.html

Permafrost hot topic at Arctic conference
December 15, 2006 - CBC News

Scientists at a major Arctic conference in Victoria say northerners should prepare for a changing landscape because of melting permafrost and erosion.

More than 400 researchers, northerners and aboriginal representatives met in the B.C. capital this week to discuss issues that impact the northern environment.

Michel Allard, a permafrost specialist with the Center for Northern Studies at Laval University, warned that northern communities will have to improve their planning to deal with significant changes in the permafrost.

Permafrost is soil that remains under 0 C year round and can extend hundreds of metres deep.

It makes up almost half of Canada's land mass and is found in all three territories and the northern regions of most provinces.

Allard said a 2 C increase in ground temperature has led to more melting. Researchers have also found that permafrost areas are shrinking dramatically across the Arctic.

Quebec towns readying for changes

Some towns and hamlets in northern Quebec are already preparing for the changes by drawing up new maps that show where it's safe to build and areas where construction should be avoided, he said.

Nicole Couture is studying erosion along the Beaufort Sea coastline in the Yukon as part of her doctoral studies at McGill University.

Couture said her team estimates that about two million tonnes of sediment are being eroded every year along a 250-kilometre stretch of coast.

"The reason that the Yukon coast is particularly susceptible to erosion is that it has a lot of ground ice," she explained. "The ice is very easy to erode away, much more … than just frozen sediment would be."

Erosion is a natural, ongoing process, but Couture said the process has accelerated with the melting permafrost and rise in sea levels.

Another factor, Couture said, is that shrinking sea ice allows bigger waves and storm surges to gouge the shoreline.

Both Couture and Allard said the key to dealing with the changers is for northerners to plan ahead and adapt.

Related CBC Story Links ...

Other Link - ArcticNet 

On Thursday, Dec 14, the team of K-Net and Matawa network technicians met at Nishnawbe Aski Nation's board room for a 2 hour orientation session for tower climbing safety. The course was organized by Jamie Ray as part of the First Nations SchoolNet program.

Participants in the training included:

• Jamie Ray, K-Net Helpdesk Technician (KO Sioux Lookout office)
• Terry Moreau, FNS Youth Technician (KO Thunder Bay office)
• Franz Seibel, KORI Researcher (KO Thunder Bay office)
• Terence Burnard, Network Analyst (KO Sioux Lookout office)
• Brian Beaton, K-Net Coordinator (KO Sioux Lookout office)
• Rob Wesley, Matawa Network Manager (Thunder Bay office)
• Adi Linden, K-Net Network Manager (KO Sioux Lookout office - via video conference)
• John Moreau, K-Net Helpdesk Technician (KO Sioux Lookout office - via video conference)

Training was provided by Jake Vandahl from Intola Safety (www.IntolaSafety.ca).

Read the NAN press release and the CBC coverage of this story following the AFN press release ...

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine says today's court ratifications represent a victory for Residential School Survivors

     OTTAWA, Dec. 15 /CNW Telbec/ - "Today's court ratifications are a victory for the tens of thousands of Residential School system survivors," said National Chief Phil Fontaine. "It means that we are on track for payments to be made out sooner than we expected. The Common Experience Payment (CEP), which benefits all residential school survivors, will likely begin in the summer of 2007.

     "As you may know, I have worked tirelessly for an early resolution to this historic $4 billion plus settlement," said National Chief Fontaine. "Today, we are happy that the courts have found it to be fair and just and have responded quickly to the certification applications.

     "This early resolution of the certification requirement shows the courts realize the importance of getting this deal completed, especially for the elderly and the sick," added the National Chief. "We expect court decisions in NWT and Nunavut will be rendered positively in the coming days."

     CEP payments are based on attendance at a residential school and will be calculated on the basis of $10,000 for the first year or portion of a year attended, and $3,000 per year or portion of subsequent years attended. The total amount of this fund is $1.9B.

     The much improved process for compensation for individual's who suffered abuse will start at the same time. The new process no longer discriminates between survivors depending on their geographic location or religion. It will compensate for more harms; it will be gender neutral; and it will provide more compensation than the present Alternate Disputes Resolution process.

     "The courts certification also means the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be starting its work next summer," noted National Chief Fontaine. "The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will ensure that all Canadians will understand the significance of the serious harm done to our people. First Nations are determined to send the message to the world that 'Never Again' will such a racist agenda be tolerated in Canada."

     The remaining piece in the ratification process is the ratification by the survivors themselves. They get the last word. They will have 6 months to review the deal to decide if they want it. The AFN has strongly recommended that they accept the deal.

     The AFN and the Indian Residential Schools Commission will soon begin a comprehensive communications campaign to inform survivors of their rights to compensation.

     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 to the National Chief, Cell (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca/

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NAN Welcomes Superior Court Rulings, but Urges Recognition of Additional Schools in Territory

THUNDER BAY, ON, Dec. 15 - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy is pleased with rulings by superior courts in six provinces and Yukon territory approving the residential school settlement plan, but urges the recognition of additional residential schools in the plan.

"We welcome the acknowledgement by superior courts across the country of the many years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that came with the residential school system and the attempt by the federal government to destroy the languages and traditions of Aboriginal people across the country," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy adding there are two schools in NAN territory that are not recognized in the plan.

Stirland Lake and Crystal Lake residential schools - both north of Pickle Lake - are not included in the settlement plan that includes a "common experience" average payment of $24,000 to surviving former students of residential schools.

"Until the two remaining schools within NAN territory are recognized we can't fully welcome the plan," said Beardy who represents 49 First Nation communities across Ontario.

NAN has also urged for a formal apology by the Prime Minister of Canada and continuation of programs focused on individual and community healing for the approximate 90 per cent of NAN members impacted by the residential school system.

"Acknowledgment by the courts is just one step in the healing process for not only the people of Nishnawbe Aski territory, but both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people affected by the residential school system across Canada," said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler who holds the portfolio for residential schools. "It's important to remember that the residential school system not only affects individuals, but it affects whole communities. Funding for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and other healing projects should continue so benefits from the healing services offered through these programs can be experienced at a community level."

Assembly of First Nations has been negotiating with the Government of Canada since December 2004 to reach a deal that will compensate more than 12,000 Aboriginals currently participating in lawsuits seeking compensation for the effects of the residential school system that uprooted Aboriginals children across Canada from their home communities.

Approximately 5,000 NAN members attended residential schools.

For further information: Jenna Young, NAN Director of Communications, (807) 625-4952 OR (807) 628-3953

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From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2007/01/15/nwt-residential.html

N.W.T. court approves residential school deal
Last Updated: Monday, January 15, 2007 - CBC News

The Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories has approved the proposed compensation package for residential school students.

About 80,000 former residential school students across the country are eligible for the deal.

The N.W.T. is the last court that dealt with the package to make its decision public.

The deal offers $10,000 to each former student for the first year attended, plus $3,000 for each year after that. It offers extra compensation to students who were physically or sexually abused while students.

Former students who object to the deal have until Aug. 25 to register their objection.

The Assembly of First Nations is urging students to accept the package.

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From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/12/15/residential-schools.html

Judges approve residential school deal
December 15, 2006 - CBC News

Judges across Canada are giving their approval to a settlement plan worth up to $5 billion with former students of Indian residential schools.

Earlier this year, nine courts across the country were reviewing the deal proposed by the federal government, which includes $1.9 billion in "common experience" payments for everyone who attended the schools.

According to court documents released Friday, seven out of nine of the judges are in agreement with the settlement. Two northern judges are still considering the package.

The historic proposed deal, which requires the approval of all nine judges, was reached last year following discussions among the federal government, churches and former students.

It applies to about 80,000 former students who attended residential schools.

"This has been so many years in the making," said Phil Fontaine, the grand chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Fifteen years ago, he was one of the first to come forward with a personal story of his painful experience at a residential school. He said the settlement will put an end to that era in Canadian history.

"Never again will such a racist agenda be tolerated in Canada," he said.

Under the proposed deal, claimants will receive $10,000 for the first year they attended a school, plus $3,000 for each subsequent year.

"These people will finally be able to receive the compensation they are entitled to receive," said John McKiggan, a lawyer representing more than 500 Mi'kmaq and Maliseet in the Maritimes who attended the former Shubenacadie residential school in Nova Scotia.

Among those hearing the news Friday was Nora Bernard, a resident at Shubenacadie from 1945 to 1950.

"I'm so shocked," said Bernard, who grew up on the Millbrook First Nation and had been fighting for compensation for 11 years. "I knew it was coming, but it's hard to believe.

"Now my people will be able to try to put this to rest."

Bernard has bad memories of her time at school. She said she was often hungry and was forced to work cleaning and making clothes.

Under the compensation formula, Bernard expects to receive around $22,000.

In addition to the money for the common experience payments — averaging about $25,000 per former student — people who were sexually or physically abused or suffered psychological damage can receive additional settlements of between $5,000 and $275,000.

Court heard in Regina that when additional costs are tallied up, a total of $4 billion to $5 billion could be spent resolving claims and on associated programs.

The deal also includes an additional $125 million for the aboriginal healing fund, $60 million for a truth and reconciliation process and $20 million for commemorative projects. About $100 million is being spent on lawyers fees.

Money is expected to begin flowing by next September.

Over the past two decades, there have been more than 12,000 lawsuits launched against the federal government and churches alleging sexual, physical and other kinds of abuse.

Related CBC stories on Residential Schools

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The following Toronto Star coverage can be seen by clicking here

Historic settlement for school abuse victims - After a decade of dispute, thousands of former students of Canada's aboriginal residential school system win compensation in class-action suit
Dec. 16, 2006 - Toronto Star

TORONTO (CP) — What's been dubbed the largest and most complicated class-action settlement in Canadian history has been settled in favour of the thousands of abused former students of Canada's controversial aboriginal residential school system.

The decade-old dispute with the federal government largely came to an end yesterday after judges in six provinces and the Yukon gave the settlement their stamp of approval, leaving Nunavut and the Northwest Territories as the only jurisdictions left to approve the deal.

"I think that people are very happy that the courts have unanimously endorsed the settlement as fair and reasonable," said Jon Faulds, an Alberta lawyer who's part of a national consortium of lawyers representing the victims.

"It's the first time in Canadian history that so many courts have been involved in the approval of a class-action settlement. It's an enormous challenge and I think, apart from anything else, it should be hats off to the courts for having found a way to make this work."

While there are about 10,500 individual cases currently before the courts and some 3,000 more in a government alternative dispute resolution program, there's an estimated 80,000 people in total who are entitled to benefits.

The settlement includes a "common experience" payment of, on average, $24,000 which will be available to all former students who were ripped away from their families and sent to various institutions across the country.

The estimated 12,000 to 20,000 people who suffered physical and sexual abuse will be eligible for an additional $5,000 to $275,000 each and could get even more if they can show a loss of income.

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`Hats off to the courts for having found a way to make this work.'

Jon Faulds, Alberta lawyer representing victims

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While all the judges approved the basic provisions of the settlement, some identified a variety of "administrative wrinkles" that will need to be ironed out before the cash begins to flow.

"They are mostly about making sure the court has adequate powers to supervise the settlement as it's being implemented," Faulds said. "The courts want to make sure that adequate resources are devoted to the process to make sure that all of the claims are processed very quickly."

As with any class action lawsuit, there's a two-month window for parties to appeal the court judgment. Toronto lawyer Craig Brown, however, said none are expected in this case.

"We believe that compensation for the wrongs committed in the Indian residential school system will start to flow in the middle of next year," Brown said. "And that's great, great news for everybody."

Brown said judges in the territories need a bit more time to write up their decisions because of the travelling they're required to do in their daily work. They're likely to complete their judgments over the holidays and submit them to the court in early January.

The deal also includes $125 million for the aboriginal healing fund, $60 million for a truth and reconciliation process to document the history and legacy of government-run Indian residential schools and $20 million for commemorative projects.

The most controversial aspect of the settlement is an estimated $100 million set aside for legal fees.

When all is said and done, it's expected the federal government will have forked over as much as $5 billion in restitution.

AFN announcement ...

National Housing & Water Policy Forum and Tradeshow - AN ADVANCE NOTICE FOR DELEGATES, SPONSORS, AND EXHIBITORS

Conference Date: February 6-8, 2006

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DELEGATES MUST PRE-REGISTER NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2007 - LIMITED SPACE IS AVAILABLE

The policy forum is an opportunity to be informed and provide input on proposed options on legislation and the implementation of the government’s five-point action plan for safe water for First Nations, and provide input into the development of AFN Frameworks to guide the establishment of a First Nation Housing Institute and capacity development initiatives.

The Policy Forum is an opportunity to be informed and provide feedback on government and AFN actions to improve Housing conditions and water safety on First Nations. The conference will also address the critical issue of funding including how to maximize funding through the current funding regime and innovative approaches to funding construction, operation of water treatment infrastructure. Also, outline frameworks for capacity creation of appropriate First Nation institutions and related organizations will be examined.

A major part of the agenda will be the proposed options on the regulatory framework to ensure safe water on First Nations, and other actions contained in the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs’ five-point action plan announced by the Minister of Indian Affairs on March 21, 2006. The expert panel on First Nations water has heard from First Nations across the country and is expected to propose options for a regulatory framework in November 2006. The implementation of this regulatory framework will have a long-term impact on First Nations, administrative departments, Tribal Councils, and other support agencies. Attend the conference to be well informed of these major proposed changes and let your opinion on the proposed regulatory changes and housing framework developments be heard.

This forum will provide an opportunity to participate in breakout sessions to provide input on all issues such as:

Water Policy Forum Topics:

• Regulatory regime for safe water on First Nations including water & wastewater treatment.
• An update on the federal government’s five-point action plan.
• The latest policies for funding First Nations capital infrastructure and O&M, how to maximize contributions, and alternative forms of capitalization
• An update on operator oversight & training initiatives.

Housing Policy Forum Topics:

• Update on Matrimonial Real Property Rights
• Land Management Act Opportunities
• Private Public Partnerships
• Housing Institute/Trust
• Housing Authority Network
• New Housing Managers Organization and Capacity Development
• Federal Mould Strategy Implementation

Other issues of great importance to the First Nations Housing development sector and water treatment plant operators and managers will be addressed including the operator oversight program and training for certification.

Who Should Attend:

• First Nation Chiefs, CEOs, COOs, & CFOs
• Councilors responsible for Housing, Health, Public Works & Economic Development
• First Nation Administrators, including Directors of Public Works, Housing, Health
• Water Treatment Plant Operators, Environmental Health Officers & Legal Counsel
• Tribal Council Technical Managers
• Municipal officials in Public Works
• Environmental Health
• Civil Engineering Firms
• Project Managers & Consulting Engineers
• Environmental Health Officers
• Water & Wastewater Treatment System Suppliers
• Women

Information on Registration, Trade Show and Hotel bookings will be posted on our website at: www.afn.ca

For General inquiries call: 613-241-6789 or 1-866-869-6789
Lorie Gopher ext. 294 , email: lgopher@afn.ca.
or
Lillian Trapper ext. 279, email: ltrapper@afn.ca.

For Registration inquiries contact:
Angie Dione ext. 309, email: adione@afn.ca.

• Conference Registration Form
• Tradeshow Registration Form
• Sponsorship Form
• General Information

The following Toronto Star story is available online by clicking here ...

We move Kashechewan at its peril - Canada must listen to aboriginal people before making decisions on their behalf, says Marie Wadden - Dec. 13, 2006 - MARIE WADDEN

It's a shame Alan Pope, the former Ontario cabinet minister who has recommended the federal government move Kashechewan from James Bay to an area outside of Timmins, didn't speak to Jennifer Wynne when he was on the reserve.

She should have been his first stop.

Wynne is the community's NNADAP (National Native Alcohol and Drug Addiction Program) worker. That program is 25 years old this year and there's a drug addiction worker on most First Nations reserves who knows why their communities aren't working.

"He didn't come to my house, or my office either," Wynne says. "I wish he had."

Wynne would have been Anastasia Shkilnyk's first stop. Like Pope, Shkilnyk was sent by the federal government to a reserve devastated by water problems. It was 1976 and the community was Grassy Narrows near Kenora, where mercury from a pulp and paper mill had polluted the local river.

She found a community devastated as much by alcohol as by mercury. She documents the social chaos in her book, A Poison Stronger than Love.

She learned the downfall of these formerly self-sufficient Ojibway was caused by their forced resettlement from one reserve to another; from self-sufficiency to dependency. A delicate balance in their lives had been upset by policy-makers who went ahead with plans that ignored the wishes of the very people they were supposed to be "helping."

"People are very emotional in Kashechewan right now," Wynne says. "They don't know what to do. Whenever we talk about moving, people start to cry. They're depressed."

Wynne is describing a people who are at the very edge of their resiliency; their ability to cope with change and setbacks. Many on the reserve have dysfunctional ways of coping, mainly through alcohol and drugs.

Wynne estimates nine of every 10 adults in the community abuse alcohol, when they can get it. Like most aboriginal reserves, Kashechewan is supposed to be dry.

Wynne says bootleggers make $80 to $100 selling an average size bottle of vodka or rum on the reserve in the fall. The price drops in winter when the ice creates a road to the nearest liquor store, several hundred kilometres away. The price of bootlegged booze is usually a good indicator of a community's need to escape reality.

In the course of the Atkinson series, Tragedy or Triumph: Canadian Public Policy and Aboriginal Addictions, we've learned a lot about the high cost, financially and socially, of making and enacting policies for aboriginal people that does not engage them and that ignores their social fragility.

Two evaluations criticize the strategies Health Canada and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development have used to help relocate the Innu of Davis Inlet, Labrador, to a beautiful new place called Natuashish.

The evaluators say our failure to properly involve the Innu initially when their healing plan was created and to ignore their social healing needs, have set back the community's recovery. New housing and a better infrastructure have given the former residents more motivation to stop drinking, but the healing is still in its early stages.

Kashechewan needs healing, too, and it should start now, before any move takes place. It will take years to build new houses wherever the people decide to go and this time must be used wisely.

Wynne needs a lot more help. Funding for a vital Health Canada position — a "wellness worker" — ran out this summer. The wellness worker runs addiction prevention programs. Why is there no one in this job? If ever a place in Canada needed a wellness worker, it's Kashechewan.

Wynne would like more training, especially in counselling. She is concerned that talk of moving permanently will create divisions in the community and upset people already weakened by addiction and its partners — sexual abuse and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Kashechewan has only one mental health worker.

According to Health Canada's formula (one drug addiction worker for every 700 people) Wynne should have a partner. She'd like it to be a man because, she says, men in the community are not comfortable talking to her.

"I was sexually abused," she says openly, "and I know I couldn't talk about that with a male worker, I needed to speak to a woman. If we're going to help the men with their problems, they need men to talk to."

A team of mental health and wellness workers is needed in Kashechewan right now to help prepare the people for the big decisions ahead.

If we've learned anything from our short but disastrous history of interference in aboriginal lives, it's that they must be active participants in all decisions made.

We move Kashechewan at its peril. Kashechewan's troubles won't go away because the children have access to more arenas and public swimming pools, and their mothers can work behind the A&W counter or sling hamburgers at a McDonald's.

Ask the people who live on reserves that encircle Kenora, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Goose Bay, or Williams Lake in B.C., if their lives are better than those of the people of Kashechewan. They'd say "no." You don't see many aboriginal people working in these towns, nor do their children feel welcome in many of the local public facilities.

The social problems on the reserves surrounding Canadian towns and cities are often so extreme that people are too insecure to leave the reserve.

Joe Linklater, the chief of Canada's most remote and socially healthy aboriginal community, Old Crow in the Yukon, told us you don't have to live near an urban centre to be a healthy aboriginal community. What is needed is a large land base to continue nurturing the aboriginal cultures' spiritual relationship with the natural world.

We have a lot to learn in Canada about making good policy for suffering aboriginal communities. We won't learn until we start to listen to the people who must always bear the brunt of our "good intentions."

One informed Kashechewan resident is telling us her people need to heal their hearts and minds before they can move anywhere and we should be listening.

From http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com/News/275148.html

Overcrowding growing concern at Whitedog school
By Mike Aiken - Miner and News - December 13, 2006

Barb Mach tries to keep focused on a tutoring session, but it’s hard to do.

Her lesson’s taking place in a converted staff room at Wabaseemoong School with 15 special ed students from a Grade 7/8 class.

“It’s exactly the environment they have trouble in,” she said.
Due to bureaucratic foot dragging, the building built for a capacity of 260 children from kindergarten to Grade 12 had 320 in September. The new construction promised for next fall 2007 might be ready for 2009.

“Students have been given hope so many times,” said Wabaseemoong (Whitedog) First Nation band councillor Waylon Scott on Tuesday. “It’ll get to a point where they’ll say ‘It’s not going to happen’.”

Since classes began, an estimated 50 have dropped off the rolls. With 70 per cent of enrolment in Grade 3 or younger, the band’s education authority is considering some drastic solutions.

One includes sending the high school students to Kenora, where they can get access to shops, optional courses and more extra-curricular activities.

While it may allow children access to classrooms, it may not solve related problems including the high drop-out rates among aboriginal students at local schools.

The vice-principal at Wabaseemoong First Nation School, Gaye McDonald, said the two-hour bus ride would make it very difficult for the senior students who have family responsibilities.
McDonald noted many of them are already parents, which would make the commute or a billeting situation very difficult for all involved.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada spokesman Tony Prudori said Ottawa has approved design work on the new building, as well as the assignment of two portables to ease overcrowding.

Negotiations with the former Liberal government had included a personal pledge by Treasury Board President Reg Alcock to oversee the project. However, he and his government were defeated last January, causing further delay in the tendering process.

In recent years, renovations have helped with a sinking foundation, shifting walls, buckled floorboards, bent doorframes and an electrical panel that was separating from the wall.

A breakdown in the aging furnace last Christmas caused the plumbing to burst and flooding in the gym. The rebuilding of the 34-year-old school could cost an estimated $18 million.

The library and radio room have been converted for space, along with the front room in a teacher’s home, which has become a classroom for up to 20.

In the fall, National Chief Phil Fontaine paid a personal visit, along with MPP Howard Hampton. Both have applied pressure to federal government staff, leading to personal contact with senior staff at Indian Affairs and Treasury Board.

Regional Chief Angus Toulouse and Grand Chief Arnold Gardner were scheduled to visit the school Tuesday, but cancelled the night before. Band council received a note after 11 p.m. Monday saying the trip was off, Scott said, but he didn’t elaborate on the reason for the cancellation.

Fog grounded flights in and out of Kenora Tuesday morning, but it isn’t clear how this affected the regional chief since he was due to arrive in the city the day before. Calls to the Chiefs of Ontario and Treaty 3 offices weren’t returned Tuesday. The meeting was scheduled even though the two political bodies announced their split late last week.

The new school would have a capacity of between 400 and 450, which would solve many of the issues with crowding, said McDonald. It would also bring children in care home to the community, she added, noting the lack of classrooms is an obstacle.

The community has an on-reserve population of 876, but there are an estimated 200 children in care. Bringing these wards of the state back into the First Nation is an important issue for the band leadership.

In recent years, Whitedog has seen the creation of a new water treatment plant, water tower, children’s aid office and renovations at the youth resource centre. However, the completion of the Treaty 3 police substation continue to linger, as it also deals with a shifting foundation.

Much of Whitedog is located on clay or swamp, which makes it difficult for engineering.

The following two news stories dealing with Indigenous rights show how the government is trying to "take care of" First Nations by doing what they think is best for the people and their communities without consulting with them. The first story from CBC deals with the recent announcement that the government is repealing section 67 of the Canada Human Rights Act. The second story addresses the issue of the government's efforts to block the United Nations Indigenous Rights Declaration from being passed.

From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/12/13/prentice-bill.html

Native groups warn of 'disaster' over rights act changes - December 13, 2006 - CBC News

Native groups slammed the federal government on Wednesday for not consulting them on proposed changes to the Canadian Human Rights Act that would give aboriginal people the right to challenge federal legislation governing First Nations.

Aboriginal people in Canada currently cannot launch complaints about the Indian Act under the Canadian Human Rights Act, because of a specific section in the law that exempts the Indian Act.

At issue is Section 67, which says: "Nothing in this Act affects any provision of the Indian Act or any provision made under or pursuant to that Act."

Federal Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice, who introduced the changes Wednesday in Parliament, called the section "a block which prevents Canadian First Nations citizens from having the same rights and protections that you and I have."

Repealing the section "without engaging in meaningful consultations with Aboriginal Peoples could only lead to disaster," said Bev Jacobs, president of the Native Women's Association of Canada in a release Wednesday.

If passed, the change is expected to prompt hundreds of discrimination claims.

Transition period ignored, groups say

Phil Fontaine, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, said human rights must be protected, but Prentice never responded to calls by aboriginal groups for a crucial transition period recommended by the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

"This is simply a recipe for ineffectiveness and will add new costs for First Nations governments already under-resourced," said Fontaine Wednesday in a release.

Prentice told reporters outside question period Wednesday that the government has held "extensive discussions about this for an extensive period and discussions will certainly carry on."

The groups said changing the act might seem like a good idea to non-natives, but they have traditional laws that work and they consider them important as well.

"Our people are fully capable of dealing with these matters themselves," said Katherine Whitecloud, a regional chief of Manitoba.

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The following CanWest news story is available online by clicking here

Fontaine joins global lobby on native rights treaty -Steven Edwards, CanWest News Service - Wednesday, December 13, 2006

UNITED NATIONS - Canada's First Nations Chief Phil Fontaine joined indigenous leaders from around the world Tuesday to launch an international campaign aimed at reigniting support for a treaty on native peoples' rights negotiated over 20 years.

He said the new push will focus first on trying to convince African nations to reverse their newly voiced opposition to the draft Canada and other European-colonized countries such as the United States and Australia have also rejected in its present form.

Indigenous groups hope that winning back African support will have a snowball effect that pressures the other countries into changing their positions.

The African caucus stunned the international indigenous community last month when they voted in a key General Assembly policy committee to postpone action on the draft treaty after approving it in the United Nations' Human Rights Council in June.

The document, which calls for international recognition of native peoples' right to self-determination and control over their traditional lands, needs General Assembly endorsement before it can be offered to states for signature and ratification.

"Over the next weeks and months we will be canvassing all member states, starting with the African coalition," said Fontaine, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

"We were shocked and disappointed at the recent postponement, and we feel Canada's stance is a stain on its human rights (reputation) internationally."

Canada had been at the forefront of talks that began 20 years ago to create the first comprehensive treaty recognizing rights of native peoples, but withdrew support several months ago amid concern some of the finer print wasn't getting a full hearing.

In a position document, Canada said "parts of the text are vague and ambiguous," setting the stage for competing definitions that could, for example, enable native groups to reopen negotiations on already-settled land claims.

"I don't think anyone is acting in bad faith, rather it's just that countries feel there are some issues that need further discussion," said Fred Caron, assistant deputy minister in the Indian Affairs Department.

UN officials are working to get talks restarted for General Assembly action by next fall.

"It's not clear what can be achieved in nine months when this treaty has been so many years in the making," said Fontaine.

But Caron said much of the current draft had been written in the last year or two after years of deadlock.

"We're aiming for a declaration which advances indigenous rights in a fashion that leads to harmonious relations with the states in which they live," he said.

The document as it stands retains the support of Latin American countries, where indigenous peoples make up a large part of the electorate, and of Europe. But African countries _ which vaguely define their indigenous peoples as those who maintain traditional ways of life _ withdrew their support over the self-determination clauses.

While some African diplomats said their countries feared the provision could spark rebellions, a few indigenous activists charged developed countries such as the United States and Canada had pressured African nations into changing their votes.

NAN press release ...

NAN Supports Wahgoshig's Demand for Recognition of First Nation Child and Family Service

THUNDER BAY, ON, Dec. 12 - Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy says given the inherent right to self-governance, First Nation child and family service agencies, specifically Timmins based Kunuwanimano, should be recognized as the primary service for First Nations rather than the Government of Ontario's Children's Aid Society (CAS).

"The most recent practice of CAS brings back many memories of the 'Sixties Scoop' not only for those directly involved, but for the community of Wahgoshig and the First Nations of NAN as a whole," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. "Without proper recognition of First Nation child and family service agencies as the ideal and primary service, First Nations across Ontario will continue to feel victimized as a result of history seeming to repeat itself."

After a public retrieval of an infant by two workers from Timmins and District Children's Aid Society and City Police at a Timmins shopping centre last week, Wahgoshig First Nation (one of NAN's 49 First Nation communities) declared Friday the community is restricting CAS and Ministry of Youth Services from entering the community.

"We are losing our children to a system that does not belong to us," said Wahgoshig First Nation Chief Dave Babin adding this is an issue that must be addressed throughout the North. "Ideally all First Nations should be governed by a First Nation Child and Family Service not a government CAS. If it is a case of a First Nation then it should be handled by a First Nation organization."

Kunuwanimano is a First Nation Child and Family Service Agency serving 11 of NAN's 49 First Nation communities. It operates out of Timmins, Ontario.

The "Sixties Scoop" refers to a period between the 1960s and 1980s where a documented 17,000 First Nation children were taken from their homes to be adopted by non-native families across Canada, United States of America, and Europe. Wahgoshig Chief Babin considers this period an attempt at genocide and is seeking reparation under the Genocide Convention Act (1949), including establishing a national inquiry to investigate policy and period purpose.

Babin says one of his community's objectives is to negotiate with the Ministry of Youth Services, however Wahgoshig First Nation will be closed to them and CAS until Kunuwanimano is designated and CAS adheres to its workplan.

Wahgoshig First Nation together with Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services will host a news conference at the Wahgoshig band office tomorrow.

For further information: Jenna Young, Director of Communications - Nishnawbe Aski Nation, (807) 625-4952; OR Wahgoshig First Nation Chief Dave Babin at (705) 273-2055 or (705) 262-2770

Press Release ...

Northern First Nation Prepares to Stop Operations in Kenogami Forest

Thunder Bay, ON: Chief Sam Kashkeesh announced today that his community of Aroland First Nation is ready to bring a stop to all operations in the Kenogami Forest if the Ministry of Natural Resources and industry continue to shut the First Nation out of discussions regarding the Kenogami Sustainable Forest License (SFL) transfer to Buchanen (Terrace Bay Pulp Inc.) and on going developments within the territory.

Despite continued lobbying and requests from the First Nation since the spring to be included in any forestry planning negotiations affecting the Kenogami territory, the people of Aroland First Nation have been excluded.

“I want to make the position for Aroland First Nation very clear to the public,” says Chief Kashkeesh. “Our First Nation does not want to be disruptive or put increased pressure on the forestry industry within our region. We do not oppose the sale of the Neenah Mill to Buchanan – our families also depend on the forestry industry for their employment and livelihood like other regional municipalities.”

“All we are asking is that we should have been included and consulted with in the awarding process of the Kenogami Forest license. We want to be consulted by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Our people also care about their future job security like all others and while we are being ignored, there are people from out of province now harvesting just one kilometer outside our community. This is not just a matter of respect, mutual prosperity and regional collaboration, but also an issue of legal duty and equality for Aboriginal people in forestry management. The non-cooperation from the government and industry is insulting and in very, very bad taste.”

“We do not want to resort to drastic measures to get the attention and communication we deserve, and we should not have to, continues Chief Kashkeesh. “The level of frustration amongst my people is increasing on a daily basis and as Chief; I am saddened that this government is willing to let these situations get to the boiling point.”

As of today, Aroland First Nation will prepare to take appropriate action within the Kenogami Forest until a process for consultation is forthcoming from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Aroland First Nation is road accessible and located 482 kilometers Northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario, north of Geraldton, Ontario. The current population of Aroland First Nation is 507 members. Approximately 352 people live on reserve.

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Notes to Editor: Please see attached petition to cease and desist cutting in the Kenogami Forest.

For more information contact: Stephanie AshFiredog Communications: Tel: (807) 767-4443 or email: stephanie@firedogpr.com  

See the Industry Canada press release after this CBC news story ...

From http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/12/11/phones.html

Ottawa accelerates deregulation of local phone service
December 11, 2006 - CBC News

Canada's established phone companies have won their longstanding fight for less regulation of their local phone business — a move the telcos say will benefit consumers.

On Monday, Industry Minister Maxime Bernier gave BCE (Bell Canada), Telus and the country's other incumbent telcos the power to set their own prices, as long as there is sufficient competition in the local area.

Current policy has prevented the big telcos from charging what they want for local phone service.

In a directive released last April, the CRTC declared that deregulation of the local phone business would not be allowed as long as the established phone companies held at least 75 per cent of the market in a particular region. As of 2005, they had 92 per cent of the market nationally.

The broadcast regulator was worried that without a minimum foothold in the marketplace, "new entrant" competitors could be driven out of business by price-cutting incumbents.

But the former phone monopolies have been lobbying for more deregulation for years. They say they've lost hundreds of thousands of customers to rival providers of local phone service — especially the cable companies — who can charge what they want for phone service.

Monday's move throws out the old CRTC threshold policy and further reinforces Bernier's reputation as a minister who favours free-market solutions to telecom issues.

The new proposal "replaces the CRTC's market-share test with one that emphasizes the presence of competitive infrastructure in a given geographical area," a release from Industry Canada said.

60 per cent of Canadians will benefit: Bernier

At a news conference, Bernier estimated that 60 per cent of Canadians, mainly in urban markets, would benefit from the change in policy. In rural areas where there is little competition, it would be "status quo" for now, he said. 

"Where consumers have access to telephone service from a traditional telephone service company, a cable company offering telephone service, and at least one unaffiliated wireless provider, deregulation will occur," Bernier said.

Last week, amendments were introduced to the Competition Act designed to "deter anti-competitive behaviour" in deregulated markets. 

Telus welcomed the policy change, calling it a "positive development" for consumers and the industry.

"By giving the market more freedom to determine outcomes, we can begin to unleash the full benefits of competition for our customers, and foster enhanced innovation and investment in the Canadian economy," said Darren Entwistle, Telus president and CEO, in a release.

Bell Canada also praised Bernier's announcement, saying it "catches up to market reality."

"He is trying to give consumers more choice and Canada a telecom framework that is internationally competitive — and that is a most welcome development both in terms of the Canadian economy and in terms of Canada's productivity and competitiveness," Michael Sabia, president and CEO of BCE and Bell Canada, said in a release.

In June, Bernier told the CRTC to rely more on market forces and less on regulatory fiat when drafting policy for the phone industry. That followed the March release of a major federal panel report that "Canada should rely primarily on market forces" and a drastic deregulation of the rules that govern the country's phone, cable TV and internet services.

Last month, Bernier also overruled the CRTC on the regulation of internet phone service (VoIP), saying there is no reason to regulate some telephone services offered through broadband internet connections.

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Industry Canada press release ...

Canada's New Government Proposes to Accelerate Deregulation of Local Telephone Service in the Interests of Canadian Consumers

OTTAWA, December 11, 2006 -- The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, today announced a government proposal to change a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) that would put in place a revised framework to determine when to deregulate retail telephone prices of the former monopoly telephone companies.

"Canada's new government has an ambitious policy agenda for the telecommunications sector, the essence of which is a new regulatory framework that is more modern, flexible and efficient," said Minister Bernier. "The government's proposal is intended to stimulate competition and innovation among local telephone service providers so that Canadian consumers and businesses will benefit from even more choice, improved products and services, and lower prices."

In June of this year, Minister Bernier tabled a proposed policy direction to the CRTC, signalling the government's intention to direct the CRTC to rely on market forces to the maximum extent feasible under the Telecommunications Act and regulate only when necessary.

Earlier this year, the CRTC issued Telecom Decision CRTC 2006-15 (Forbearance from the regulation of retail local exchange services), which laid out a framework for price deregulation of local telephone service provided by traditional telephone companies. Minister Bernier consulted and reviewed this decision, and will now propose to replace the CRTC's market-share test with one that emphasizes the presence of competitive infrastructure in a given geographical area.

The proposed variance is linked to proposed amendments to the Competition Act that would establish financial penalties to deter anti-competitive behaviour in deregulated telecommunications markets, which were introduced by the Minister in Parliament on December 7, 2006.

"This initiative reflects our agreement with the advice we've received from the Telecom Policy Review Panel to rely on market forces to the maximum extent feasible," said Minister Bernier. "This is another step towards our goal of reshaping telecommunications policy so that it supports an internationally competitive and robust telecommunications industry here in Canada."

For more information, please contact:

Isabelle Fontaine
Office of the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502