OTTAWA, Jan. 12 /CNW/ - Thirty-three national organizations today released a two-page declaration calling on the Federal government to preserve and promote basic telecommunications goals.
"Telecommunications performs an essential role in the maintenance of Canada's identity, sovereignty, social cohesion and economic health," the declaration reads.
The Declaration identifies specific principles and protections in the Telecommunications Act to be defended and promoted by the government, including consumer protection and improved access for rural communities and persons with disabilities.
"Regulating the telecommunications industry in Canada is essential to the economic health of many communities including rural communities which companies may feel are too expensive to service and to lower income people who can't afford access," says Michael Janigan, Executive Director of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC).
"The Declaration affirms grassroots support for these principles - which are under direct attack by large telecommunications companies. The Declaration is a direct response to the government's Telecommunications Policy Review presently underway," adds John Lawford, Counsel for PIAC.
"Canadians want to defend and strengthen the public interest in telecommunications, not weaken it."
The Declaration has been submitted to Hon. David Emerson, Minister of Industry and to the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC).
A pdf copy of the Declaration is at: http://www.piac.ca/TPRP_Declaration_Signed.pdf
For further information:
John Lawford, Counsel, Public Interest Advocacy Centre, (613) 562-4002 x25;
Michael Janigan, Executive Director and General Counsel, Public Interest Advocacy Centre, (613) 562-4002 x26
Native youth step up to the plate in special TVO presentation
VOX Talk: On the Rez: Should I Stay, or Should I Go?
Sunday, January 22, 6 pm - 60 minutes - Produced by TVO
TORONTO, Jan. 11 /CNW/ - Young aboriginals are one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the country, yet they remain one of the most marginalized, grappling with a variety of social issues. Lack of education and career opportunities are forcing many of them to leave their reserve communities for urban centres. But leaving is a tough choice, as they weigh heritage and family against dreams and ambitions. At the heart of their dilemma, is a long legacy of colonization and racism.
Should I stay or should I go? VOX Talk explores this question with a group of dynamic and outspoken aboriginal youth at the Six Nations Reserve outside Brantford, Ontario. Guests include Thunder Jack, a youth counsellor with The Little Embers Youth Program, and Kody Doxtator, who leads the Native Youth for Life Program. Their thoughts and experiences provide keen insights into today's native youth culture, and through their stories, we learn what they are doing to take control of their own futures.
VOX Talk is TVO's weekly youth talk show hosted by Max Valiquette. On the Rez is a special hour-long edition that will air on Sunday January 22 at 6 pm.
Viewers can also participate in a live webchat and webcast by logging on to voxtvo.org.
VOX Talk is produced by Alison Bruce.
For further information: Rosanne Meandro, Telephone: (416) 484-2600 ext. 2389, rmeandro@tvontario.org
Press Release - 1/11/2006
APTN Special 90 MINUTE ELECTION Edition DEBATE 2006 -Friday January 13 @ 7 pm eastern, 4 pm pacific - Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
Join host Madeleine Allakariallak and special guest journalist David Wiwchar from Ha-Shilth-Sa newspaper in Port Alberni as we bring you DEBATE 2006.
Aboriginal affairs critics from the major parties state what they would do for aboriginal people if they made the next government.
Participants include:
Also join professor Leah Gazan from Red River Community College and journalist David Wiwchar for a half hour analysis after the debate.
That's this Friday at an earlier time -- 7 pm eastern, 4 pm pacific (APTN National News Primetime is pre-empted this day only)
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy and Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic are travelling to Kashechewan today to be with the families and communities as they mourn the tragic deaths of two young community members. The fire also injured 3 NAPS workers trying to free the young men from the building.
Click here to read the Nishnawbe Aski Police Services (NAPS) press release about the fire.
From the CBC News story about the fire at http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/01/08/kashechewan-fire-060108.html
Fire kills two jailed men on Northern Ontario reserve
Mon, 09 Jan 2006
The Ontario and federal governments are facing fresh accusations that they have failed the reserve of Kashechewan, after a fire at a jail that killed two prisoners and badly injured a police officer.
Only two months earlier, the province ordered a mass evacuation of the reserve, which is on the shore of James Bay, after long-standing contaminated water problems became a national scandal.
Tragedy struck again on Sunday afternoon when a blaze started in the building that housed the jail and killed two young men who were locked in their cells.
An officer that tried to open the cell doors was seriously injured and has been flown to the burn unit of a Toronto hospital for treatment.
Another officer and a civilian guard were treated for smoke inhalation, the Nishnawbe-Askia police force said.
It wasn't immediately clear what caused the fire or why the officer couldn't open the doors.
But New Democrat legislator Charlie Angus, the MP for the Timmins-James Bay riding, said the jail was substandard and lacked proper doors and padlocks.
"It just was in terrible, terrible condition, holes in the walls, the cells were inadequate," he told the Canadian Press late Sunday.
"It looked more like something you see in Sarajevo than the province of Ontario."
Angus blamed the provincial and federal governments for the conditions, calling it yet another example of the lack of infrastructure on the reserve.
In late October, the Ontario government ordered the evacuation of the Kashechewan First Nation after E. coli bacteria were found in its water supply.
About 1,500 people were temporarily relocated to other parts of Ontario.
Angus also played a key role in exposing the community's plight at that time.
2006.01.05
From Heritage Canada Press Release at http://www.pch.gc.ca/newsroom/news_e.cfm?Action=Display&code=5N0321E
Minister Frulla Announces Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2006
OTTAWA, November 23, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced the names of the five communities that will be the Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2006. The following communities have been designated:
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
More than 125,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $2 million
- St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
50,000 to 125,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $750,000
- Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec
Less than 50,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $500,000
- District of West Vancouver, British Columbia
Less than 50,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $500,000
- Wikwemikong, Ontario
Less than 50,000 population category -- maximum contribution: $500,000
The winning municipalities and Aboriginal community will receive contributions from the Department of Canadian Heritage of up to $2 million, enabling them to undertake a range of cultural and artistic activities.
"The Government of Canada has made a commitment to give all Canadians access to the arts and culture, as well as to encourage creativity and excellence," said Minister Frulla. "The Cultural Capitals of Canada recognize and highlight the important role municipalities play in the arts and culture. They provide their residents with access to the arts and enable them to explore the rich diversity of our culture. At the same time, they give our artists an opportunity to demonstrate their talent."
Unanimously recommending the successful applicants to Minister Frulla was an independent advisory committee composed of the mayors of the Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2005. Experts in the field of arts and culture acted as advisors.
The Department of Canadian Heritage launched the Cultural Capitals of Canada program on May 31, 2002. The program is open to municipalities, First Nations governments, and Inuit and Métis communities.
The program highlights applicants' past achievements that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the arts and culture. The funds enable recipient communities to hold special events that celebrate the arts and culture and to organize activities that create a legacy for the future and ensure that arts and cultural issues are integrated into municipal planning. Designations are awarded based on merit, the quality of the project proposal, and the applicants' earlier achievements.
The deadline to apply for a 2008 Cultural Capital of Canada designation is March 15, 2006.
Please visit the Canadian Heritage Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room for backgrounders attached to this release. They summarize the projects of the successful applicants, indicate the maximum amount that can be awarded to each Cultural Capital, and include a complete list of this year's applicants.
Funding under this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Jean-François Del Torchio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for
Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
Jean-Guy Beaupré
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
FACT SHEET - 1
Cultural Capitals of Canada 2006
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Category: Population over 125,000
Maximum contribution: $2 million
With all the brilliance to be expected of a city with such a rich cultural heritage, Saskatoon will be sparkling for its 100th anniversary celebrations. Among the many projects scheduled are the Centennial Celebrations, which will include a humorous look backward at Saskatoon's history; a national symposium on Aboriginal performing arts; and a strategy for creating an arts and cultural district especially for cultural meetings and exchanges. With its residents' overflowing energy and great creativity, Saskatoon is truly the picture of a cultural capital.
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Category: Population between 50,000 and 125,000
Maximum contribution: $750,000
St. John's is noted for its residents' pride in and commitment to the arts and culture. Important initiatives in 2006 will seek to attract as many people as possible to arts and cultural events in the area. Among the many projects planned is the expansion of the summer noontime concerts, an initiative that involves presenting concerts, stories, and theatre with free admission. The "St. John's, Cultural Gateway to the Province" project will promote the province's shows and cultural activities. The creation of cultural tourism infrastructure will provide a lasting legacy, bearing witness to the city's support for the arts, heritage, and cultural groups.
District of West Vancouver, British Columbia
Category: Population under 50,000
Maximum contribution: $500,000
The celebrations being planned will delight people of all ages and backgrounds, with activities designed to bring everyone together. This dynamic community will add new activities to its extensive cultural programming. The Symposium on Aboriginal Sculpture will provide mentorship opportunities for young Aboriginal artists so that they can preserve ancestral techniques and knowledge. Booktopia will expand its literary activities targeting young people. The summer festival will feature a world music component celebrating and recognizing the many professional artists from West Vancouver's various ethno-cultural groups. The activities will reflect the community, and everybody will be invited to take part. The programming recognizes that culture is essential for a dynamic society.
Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec
Category: Population under 50,000
Maximum contribution: $500,000
The town of Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce is well known for its entrepreneurship and famed as a centre of ceramic art. The theme "The History of Entrepreneurship," is an invitation to travel through time, following the development of the first craft businesses. An original initiative will allow veteran craftspersons from the best-known ceramics centre of the time, Céramique de Beauce, to pass on their know-how to high school art students by reproducing five collectors' pieces. In addition, a series of concerts, shows, and art exhibits will demonstrate that work can be combined with fun. The people of the town and surrounding areas and all Canadians will be invited to celebrate the growth of a region through its folk culture and its traditional crafts, which reflect the original form of artistic expression of our country's founders.
Wikwemikong, Ontario
Category: Population under 50,000
Maximum contribution: $500,000
The reserve of Wikwemikong, located on Manitoulin Island, is noted for the vitality of its culture and the quality of its traditional art. This community of 6,800 people will host many workshops for exploring the diversity of traditional arts, Aboriginal dance and lodge construction. Further, the cultural festival programming will be expanded so that visitors can learn about the traditions of other Aboriginal communities, including Inuit throat singing. Finally, visitors will be able to take part in a colourful fall fair, highlighting the farming heritage of this dynamic community. All the activities will encourage community members to learn more about their culture, their history and their language, and will cast light on the contribution of the Aboriginal community to Canada's history.
FACT SHEET - 2 -
Applicant communities -- Cultural Capitals of Canada 2006
Since 2003, the Cultural Capital of Canada designation has been awarded to individual municipalities or groups of communities with qualifying proposals. The proposals are for activities that seek to celebrate and build a lasting legacy for the arts and culture. Awards are divided into three categories based on population size.
Population Over 125,000
Calgary, Alberta
Laval, Quebec
Regional Municipality of Durham, Ontario
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Population 50,000 to 125,000
Strathcona County, Alberta
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Population Under 50,000
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
District of West Vancouver, British Columbia
Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec
Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador
Wikwemikong, Ontario
++++++++++++++++++++++++
From the January 2006 issue of Birchbark News at http://www.ammsa.com/birchbark/birchbark-Jan1-2006.html
Community gets cultural funding
By Cheryl Petten, Birchbark Writer, Wikwemikong
Members of cultural organizations on Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve will be able to spend less time trying to raise funds and more time planning and holding events in 2006, thanks to funding from Canadian Heritage.
The money-a maximum of $500,000 according to the press release from Canadian Heritage-comes along with the community's designation as one of five Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2006 and is to be used to fund cultural and artistic activities.
Doris Peltier is program manager of the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization (WHO), the organization that submitted the winning application to Canadian Heritage. Peltier stressed that putting together the application was a team effort, with a number of community organizations contributing. That same team effort will be present throughout the year as each of funded activities takes place.
Some of the funding will be spent on the community's annual cultural festival, which celebrates its 46th anniversary in 2006. The festival, scheduled to be held Aug. 5 to 7, will not only provide a showcase for the songs, dances, arts and culture of the Anishnabe people, but will also feature exhibitions of Inuit culture.
"We'll be doing Inuit dance and drum demonstrations and will also be providing Inuit traditional games as workshops to the youth of the community."
Organizers of the festival try to feature different cultures in the event each year, Peltier said. "I think it helps provide not only the visitors to the community, but our community members, with the option to see different cultures that might not be accessible to get to."
A seven-week cultural awareness conference is also planned, scheduled to run from June 21 to Aug. 4. There will be a different theme for each week of the conference, based on the Seven Grandfather Teachings-love, respect, humility, bravery, honesty, truth and wisdom.
"We'll start off with lodge building, and hopefully once the lodge is completely covered, that's where we will conduct most of our workshops," Peltier said. "The Seven Grandfather Teachings workshops will be done within that teaching lodge, as well as talking about the seven clans-the origins of the clans, the different clans-so that people can come in and begin to understand what their clan is and what their responsibilities are."
The conference will also teach participants about moccasin making, traditional dance, traditional arts, harvesting of wild plants and traditional cooking.
The Wikwemikong Agricultural Society will be hosting a rodeo as a way of recognizing the important role agriculture played in the history of the community, Peltier said. In addition to the rodeo events themselves, there will also be opportunities for people to learn more about that agricultural tradition.
"They will be having information booths set up and talking about 4-H and how we want to bring that back to the community, and things like that."
Wikwemikong artists will also take part in commemorating the Cultural Capital of Canada designation by hosting an art show.
Currently these are the only events in the works, but Peltier is hopeful the funding from Canadian Heritage will allow the community to organize even more cultural and artistic events throughout 2006. To keep track of any new events or activities added to the schedule, she advises people to check in periodically on the WHO Web site at www.wikwemikongheritage.org.
The other cultural capitals of Canada for 2006 include Saskatoon, which will receive up to $2 million, St. John's, which will receive up to $750,000 in funding, and Saint-Joseph-de Beauce, Que. and the District of West Vancouver, B.C., which will each receive a maximum contribution of $500,000. The 2006 cultural capitals of Canada were selected by an advisory committee comprised of representatives of the 2005 cultural capitals of Canada- Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, Ont., Toronto, Victoria, Annapolis Royal, N.S. and Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Que.
Neskantaga is hosting their 5th Annual "World Youth Day" Gospel Jamboree. The dates for this Jamboree is on January 26 - 29, 2006.
This year marks the 5th year of this annualy celebration of the World Youth Day cross that came to Neskantaga 5 years ago. 5 years ago also marks the first ever Gospel Jamboree in Neskantaga, which influenced our youth and other community members to start singing and playing music for the lord.
This year's theme is from Acts 2:17, where it says: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
We would like to invite you all to come and fellowship with us and praise the lord through songs. God Bless you all.
For further information, please contact:
Duane Moonias (W) 807-479-2565 (H) 2663
Edward Moonias (W) 807-479-2570
Kelvin Moonias (W) 807-479-2745/2668
or visit our site: http://mooniasbrothers.myknet.org
or
E-mail us: mooniasbrothers@knet.ca
God Bless and See you all here!
ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS PRESS RELEASE
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Seeks Answers to Seven "Key Questions" from Federal Political Party Leaders: Seeking Response by Friday, January 6
OTTAWA, Jan. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine has presented the leaders of the major, national political parties with a set of seven key questions that will be used to assess each party's commitment to a progressive and productive agenda for First Nations and Canada.
"We are seeking clear statements of commitment to a new relationship between First Nations and Canada, and the seven key questions we have put to each party leader will help us determine their commitment to a new relationship and a new, positive agenda for our people and all Canadians," said AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine.
Letters and questions were sent on December 14, 2005 to the leaders of the Bloc Quebecois, the Conservative Party, the Green Party, the Liberal Party, the New Democratic Party and the newly-formed First Peoples National Party of Canada. The letters requested that party leaders provide information about the policy positions of each party on key subject areas of interest to First Nations by January 6th.
"We will note the responses we receive and do not receive from the various parties and share this information with First Nations and the general public so they can make an informed decision on how to vote," said National Chief Fontaine.
The National Chief stated that the role of the AFN is not to tell First Nations citizens how to vote, but to provide them with best information and analysis of party platforms and commitments so they can make an informed decision when casting their ballot.
"This is part of our overall initiative to encourage First Nations voters to exercise their right to vote, to go to the polls, and to make our voices heard," said the National Chief.
Currently, there are at least 62 federal ridings in which Aboriginal peoples comprise a substantial portion of the electorate and 25 ridings where Aboriginal peoples make up 10% or more of the voters.
National Chief Fontaine stated: "First Nations can be the deciding factor in these ridings. We can have a real say in who forms the next government. If this election is as close as predicted, that means First Nations voters have tremendous influence over the final outcome. Every vote counts. This reality should compel all the parties and their leaders to speak out about First Nations issues and their agenda for change."
The Assembly of First Nations will make available responses from the various parties as they are received. The responses will also be posted on the AFN website.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
Seven Key Questions for Party Leaders
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For further information:
Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director,
(613) 241-6789 ext. 320, cell: (613) 292-2787;
Ian McLeod, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer,
(613) 241-6789 ext. 336, cell: (613) 859-4335;
Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief,
(613) 241-6789 ext. 243, cell: (613) 298-6382
Equay-wuk (Women's Group) is sponsoring:
"Nishnawbe Women in Leadership Workshop - 2006"
January 24-26, 2006. in Sioux Lookout, ON.
* Women - Are you thinking of running in an election?
* Want to learn about campaigning?
* If you are interested in running in a Band Council or First Nation election, this is the workshop for you.
The main goal of this project is to promote women's participation in First Nation elections.
Equay-wuk (Women's Group) will be hosting the "Nishnawbe Women in Leadership 2006" workshop for women from remote aboriginal communities in northwestern Ontario. The workshop will be carried out using the resource, "Nishnawbe Women in Leadership - A Handbook for Aboriginal Women Running in First Nation Elections."
Click here for an agenda and registration form.
Visit www.equaywuk.ca for further details.
Contact: Darlene Angeconeb, Project Coordinator
(807) 737-2214 phone
(807) 737-2699 fax
1-800-261-8294 toll free
email: equaywuk@nwconx.net
The Aboriginal Human Resource Development Council of Canada (AHRDCC) was established in 1998 as a public-private partnership with the mission to increase Aboriginal peoples’ participation in the Canadian labour market. The Council is in the start-up stage of a new three-year national project designed to increase Aboriginal participation in trades and apprenticeship. The $2.6 million funding for this New Trades and Apprenticeship Project is from Human Resource Partnerships Sector Council Program at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).
The three year project aims to increase partnerships with AHRDA holders (such as the Sioux Lookout Aboriginal Area Management Board - SLAAMB - http://slaamb.on.ca), colleges, unions and other organizations focusing on Aboriginal employment and, in turn, better respond to industry's demand for a skilled workforce.
As part of the networking activities, the Council will hold six College Forums, an Eastern Aboriginal Trades Symposium and a National Aboriginal Trades Symposium, and develop an Aboriginal Engagement, Facilitation and Partnership Building workshop to be held in five cities.
From The National Report on Aboriginal Inclusion (Issue #8) at http://ahrdcc.com/en_pdf/newsletterissue8.pdf
The Council is currently recruiting for two positions as Trades Liaison Manager. These positions will work closely with the Council’s partners on the successful completion of the project. As team members for a national organization the Managers will have an opportunity to work with a broad cross-section of interests and priorities that cut across provincial jurisdictions. Trade Liaison Managers will focus on the regional picture as a seamless component to the national scope of the project.
For more information about AHRDCC, its newsletters, services and other resources, visit http://ahrdcc.com