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Everyone has until December 25 (Christmas Day) to submit letters to the Ontario Energy Board and Hydro One Remote Communities to have either "observer" or "intervenor" status in the proceedings to change electricity rates in remote communities served by Hydro One. The Notice of Application was published in the Dec 15 issue of Wawatay and states that "Your request must made by letter received no later than 10 days from the publication date of this notice." Click here for a PDF copy of the Notice as it appears in Wawatay.

The notice also states "Hydro One Remote Communities Inc. is seeking approval of $35.552 million as the revenue it requires." It then goes on to say that some customers who are able to conserve electricity and maintain lower kilowatt per month usage will have their cost decease. But what is not stated is the penalties that will be charged to those users who might need more electricity to heat their poorly insultated homes or operate their businesses and organizations in these communities. There are many unanswered questions in this Notice of Application, so hopefully different organizations and communities will establish intervention status with these proceedings to protect the interest of the people who live and work in the far north.

Further information on how to participate in these proceedings can be found at http://www.oeb.gov.on.ca or by calling the Consumer Relations Centre at 1-877-632-2727

The Bolivian population which Indigenous people make up two-thirds of the total population of 8.5 million, has elected their first ever Indigenous president.

From http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/12/18/bolivia-election051218.html

Bolivia elects first-ever indigenous president

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 00:02:29 EST

A leftist candidate appears set to win an election and become Bolivia's first indigenous president, after his main rival conceded defeat amid reports that he was trailing far behind.

Evo Morales, a former coca farmer and union leader, has raised hackles in Washington with promises to fully legalize coca leaf production and nationalize the country's oil and gas industry.

Presidential candidate Evo Morales waves to supporters after voting during general elections at Villa 14 de Septiembre, some 170 km from Cochabamba, Bolivia. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)

Unofficial results tabulated by four local television stations gave between 47 per cent and 50 per cent of the votes in Sunday's election to Morales, who heads the Movimiento al Socialismo (Movement Toward Socialism or MAS) party.

Two independent surveys released after polling stations closed also indicated that Morales held the lead, with between 44 per cent and 45 per cent of the ballots.

His closest contender, conservative Jorge Quiroga, appeared to be trailing at between 33 per cent and 34 per cent, according to the exit polls.

Morales, 46, thanked a crowd of supporters in Cochabamba for his "great triumph," while warning them to wait for the official results.

"I am very content, very emotional about this," he said.

Quiroga conceded defeat Sunday night.

"I congratulate the candidates of MAS that have carried out a good campaign," said Quiroga, a former president who has strong support in areas that are rich in oil and gas production.

Morales support higher than expected

Morales appears to have won much more support than pre-election polls had predicted.

If he captures more than half the votes, he will be able to declare an outright victory. Otherwise, he will have to wait for the country's legislators to declare a winner in January.

Bolivians, who live in South America's poorest country, were also voting to choose a new parliament and regional governors.

Pledge to legalize coca worries U.S.

Morales, an Aymara Indian, has alarmed Washington with his pledge to fully legalize the production of coca.

Coca has traditionally been used by the country's indigenous population, including as tea.

However, it's also used to make cocaine and Bolivia is the third biggest producer of the drug, after Colombia and Peru.

Morales has never said he plans to legalize cocaine, but that hasn't reassured U.S. politicians who regard him as an enemy in their anti-drug campaign.

He's also antagonized Washington by flaunting ties to Venezuela's outspoken leftist President Hugo Chavez and Cuba's Fidel Castro.

"If [the U.S.] wants relations, welcome," said Morales, who waved a coca branch as he went to vote on Sunday. "But no to a relationship of submission."

Morales appeals to disenfranchised native population

Morales' promise to nationalize Bolivia's energy industry has raised alarm among the wealthy, largely white elite in Bolivia.

But it has won him widespread support in a country where about half the population of 8.5 million people is considered to live in extreme poverty.

Even though two-thirds of the population is indigenous, Morales is the first native leader to come within striking distance of the presidency.

Many of the country's natives feel the free-market economic policies of recent years have enriched the white elite at their expense.

Quiroga poses a stark contrast

His closest political rival couldn't be more different. A fair-skinned engineer educated in the United States who has already served in a previous government, Quiroga is pushing for closer ties with the United States and inviting more foreign investment.

Quiroga, who served as president from 2001 to 2002 after then-president Hugo Banzer became sick, has promised to continue a hard-line stand against coca production.

Bolivia has seen five presidents in four years, with street protests forcing out two presidents in the past two years.

Eduardo Rodriguez has acted as caretaker president since largely indigenous street protests ousted Carlos Mesa after only 18 months in office.

News Release - December 15, 2005

Lake of the Woods broadband service upgrades will stimulate Northwestern Ontario economy

Provincial Funding Helps Bring High-Speed Internet Technology to Area

KENORA – The Ontario government is boosting economic development opportunities in the Lake of Woods area by expanding broadband Internet availability to communities outside the current service area, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today.

"Our government is pleased to help bring modern telecommunications technology and its inherent benefits to small northern communities," said Bartolucci. "With this infrastructure in place, personal and business communication will be enhanced favouring new opportunities for economic development and job creation."

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is providing $575,000 to the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation to expand broadband service in the greater Lake of the Woods area, west of Kenora. Broadband service will be extended to 15 communities, including five First Nations and other rural areas.

"I am delighted our government supports the expansion of broadband technologies in First Nation communities in the North," said David Ramsay, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. "This project will help attract new business opportunities and enhance virtual service delivery of all kinds in small remote First Nations."

"Ensuring this communication medium is available in Northern Ontario is an important step in fostering economic development in our region," said Bartolucci, who chairs the NOHFC. "Projects such as this provide residents and businesses with access to web-based services and opportunities that were previously unavailable."

This NOHFC project is part of the government’s Northern Prosperity Plan for building stronger northern communities. The Northern Prosperity Plan has four pillars: Strengthening the North and its Communities; Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally; and Providing Opportunities for All.

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Contacts:

Laura Blondeau
Minister’s Office – Sudbury
(705) 564-7454

Michel Lavoie
MNDM/NOHFC – Sudbury
(705) 564-7125

www.nohfc.com      www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca

Press Release from http://www.ahf.ca

THE ABORIGINAL HEALING FOUNDATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO CONVENE 2006 REGIONAL GATHERINGS

(OTTAWA, Ontario, November 29, 2005) – The Aboriginal Healing Foundation’s Board of Directors have today announced that they will be gathering in six cities across Canada to engage in dialogue with Aboriginal people and to present a summary of the forthcoming AHF Final Report. The Aboriginal Healing Foundation last held Regional Gatherings in early 2004.

The 2006 AHF Regional Gatherings will take place in the following locations:

• Winnipeg, Manitoba: January 26, 2006
• Vancouver, British Columbia : February 20, 2006
• Iqaluit, Nunavut : March 9, 2006
• Yellowknife, NWT: To Be Announced
• Quebec City, Quebec: To Be Announced
• Halifax, Nova Scotia : To Be Announced

The first Regional Gathering will occur from 2 PM to 8:00 PM, on Thursday,
January 26, 2006, at the Children of the Earth School, 100 Salter Street, in
Winnipeg.

The public is welcome to attend each gathering. There is no cost to attend, but participants must cover their own travel costs to the event, as well as the cost of accomodations. The Foundation will provide refreshment and a meal at no cost.

Details for the upcoming Regional Gatherings will be posted at http://www.ahf.ca.

For more information or to register (encouraged, but not necessary):

(613) 237-4441 or toll-free (888) 725-8886
To register by email: programs@ahf.ca

The Aboriginal Healing Foundation supports community-based initiatives which address the legacy of physical and sexual abuse in Canada’s Indian Residential School System, including intergenerational impacts.

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An agreement of cooperation and communication was signed between Chief Gordon Anderson and Minister Rick Bartolucci.

Since 2001, Kasabonika has been engaged in mineral development issues in and around its' community landbase.  Ongoing discussions with government and the private sector have culminated in a watershed agreement between Kasabonika and MNDM that formalizes their relationship.  In addition, the development vision crafted by community members and their leadership is being realized at a pace, and on terms, that the community determines.  As an example, the infrastructural base, which includes the hotel, will be modernized in order to support the community's mineral exploration efforts, tourism development, and the service sector.  For further information, please contact Deputy Chief Eno H. Anderson at (807) 535-2547, ext. 240.

Renewal Commission's 18-month long study affects all First Nations peoples

OTTAWA, ON, Canada – December 7, 2005 – The Assembly of First Nations Renewal Commission (AFNRC - http://www.afnrenewal.ca/english/home.htm), formed 18 months ago to examine the purpose and structure of the national organization representing nearly a million First Nations citizens across Canada, today released its nearly 300-page report containing 47 recommendations for the renewal of the AFN.

Among other recommendations, the report calls for the National Chief of the Assembly to be elected through a universal vote of all First Nations citizens. It says the AFN should be given greater standing in the Canadian confederation. And it recommends that the AFN focus on political advocacy of aboriginal rights and issues, forging protocols and strategic alliances with First Nations themselves and with other aboriginal organizations to develop a unified voice and to facilitate the delivery of services to First Nations communities.

The report, subtitled “A treaty among ourselves,” will be presented to First Nations leaders at a Special Assembly in December, at which time the recommendations will be considered by the First Nations-in-Assembly.

The Renewal Commission was struck in December 2003 when National Chief Phil Fontaine requested its creation to examine the charter of the AFN and make recommendations on how to improve the organization. The AFN was more than 20 years old, and its structures and processes had not evolved in step with the First Nations communities. With recent court cases and land claims literally changing the landscape of Canada's First Nations, a huge contingent of First Nations peoples living in major urban centres, and an increasingly young demographic, it was time for a change.

First Nations citizens responded enthusiastically to the renewal initiative, and their input is the basis of the report, said Commission Co-chair Wendy John. “We listened to the First Nations peoples of Canada and this report is wholly representative of our peoples' thoughts and wishes for the national organization that represents them,” she said. “The recommendations are far-reaching, covering topics from self-government to women's rights, from organizational structure to youth initiatives.”

Co-chair Joe Miskokomon said the report is a powerful opportunity for AFN chiefs to strengthen their ability to represent their people, and he called on First Nations people to get behind the report. “The recommendations in the report effect all of our peoples,” he said. “The citizens' voices can and must be heard by the AFN chiefs. Our peoples need to become champions of their recommendations so that their chiefs will support the report.”

About the Assembly of First Nations Renewal Commission

The Assembly of First Nations Renewal Commission was struck in December 2003 to consult widely with First Nations people and to make recommendations on improving the only national organization representing all First Nations citizens. Its 11 commissioners were experienced individuals who, collectively, were representative of different geographic regions and of the different interests within First Nation society, including elders, youth and women, and urban, rural and remote communities. The Commission held 24 hearings across Canada attended by more than 1,100 people. More than 380 presentations were made at these meetings, with further input coming from three focus group sessions and nearly 90 additional submissions delivered by mail or email.

Media contact – For further information or to arrange interviews:

Linda Woods
inmedia Public Relations Inc.
(613) 234-7227 x234
(613) 769-7386 (cell)
lwoods@inmedia.com

Click here to download a copy of the report

National Chief Phil Fontaine challenged participants attending the AFN Special Chiefs Meeting in Ottawa this week to judge the work done and ignore the innuendo and conjecture that some people have been spreading about the First Nations meeting with the First Nations on Aboriginal Issues last month in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Fontaine described the settlement as “just”, “comprehensive”, “wholistic” and will “finally bring closure” for Residential School Survivors. It allows for payment for general damages immediately and still leaves the door open for legal cases for specific damages such as physical and sexual abuse.

Fontaine said there are three specific goals for the Residential School Schools settlement; healing, reconciliation and investment and development.

“Any deal,” he said, “must deal with the legacy of the past.” He told the Chiefs that this process is quicker and fairer for the victims than putting them through the court system.

Under the terms of the agreement, each residential school survivor will receive a flat fee of $10,000 and additional $3,000 for year of attendance. “The settlement is only for lost of language and culture,” he said. “Claims of abuse are beyond the lump sum payment.”

Fontaine said the proposed truth and reconciliation commission will provide a vehicle for residential school survivors to talk about their experiences. “More importantly, it will ensure that all Canadians understand the past and the present,” he said.

He said that this is a court-ordered agreement and not will not change if a new political party forms the government after the next federal election in January.

Key Elements of the Settlement:

• Age 65 and over as of May 30 2005 – advance payment of $8000 for “common experience” will be issued in a matter of 6-8 weeks or less
• All residential school survivors are eligible for the”common experience” lump sum payment of $10,000 for loss of language and culture.
• There will be no legal fees for lump sum payment.
• A simplified one-and-a- half page application form will be introduced.
• Lawyers are not to charge for advice or assistance to complete this form.
• These cheques will be issued in November of 2006 (except elderly) as there is a 6 month period for the 15,000 individual claims presently in court, and the 21 class action law suits to be collapsed before proceeding – the 6 month period will allow survivors to accept or reject the settlement package. Survivors previously compensated under the old package are now also entitled to the lump sum payment.
• Residential School survivors who accept the “common experience” payment will be required to sign a form releasing the government and church from further liability. Severe abuse harms are an exception. Survivors are advised to retain the services of a lawyer for these severe harm issues.
• There is approximately $275,000 compensation available for severe harm abuses, plus $250,000 for loss of income.
• The Federal government has agreed to pay 15% of the legal fees in these severe abuse settlements.
• Also available is a $3000 additional payment for each year spent in residential school

The AFN estimates survivors spent an average of 5.2 years in the residential school system therefore this would equal a payout of $28,000. There is an estimated 79,000 living survivors of which 80% are estimated to apply, while the remaining 20% will not pursue. The $1.9 million available for this payout is in an interest bearing account and the interest will go to the survivors through an additional $3000 for individual survivor healing strategies and the remaining dollars will go to the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. This will be in addition to the $125 million being directed to the AHF.

Catholic schools are now part of this process. Therefore if individuals received only 70% of their settlement they may now go back and apply for the remaining 30%.

This new process includes:

• One grid system for all provinces
• Unique harms experienced by women (pregnancy, abortions) recognized
• Student-on-student abuse recognized
• Student abuse by non-employees is recognized
• Psychological abuse/harms are recognized
• Compensation for injuries is recognized

A further $60 million is available for a “Truth & Reconciliation Process”. This will include the recording, sharing, education and informing Canadians of the Residential School Experience. This is a 5 year project and includes 3 commissioners and an advisory body consisting of former students and regional representatives. The project will include two initiatives; community based initiatives, and a 2 year national component.

A National Archive and Research Center will be established. School records from governments and churches will be open in this archive while respecting privacy legislation.

In addition, $125 million is being allocated for Aboriginal Healing Foundation activities. Since the AHF is administered by survivors rather than government, the AHF mandate will reflect the change of ownership.

The total funds available in this settlement are $4 billion.

Items not part of the package include:

• An apology. No court can address the crown or government to apologize however negotiations are underway regarding the “tune and substance” of this apology.
• The deceased are not part of this settlement.
• Intergenerational Harms are not directly compensatable however these harms are addressed through the Aboriginal Healing Foundation programming and the “Truth & Reconciliation Commission”.

A question was presented regarding eligible schools in the compensation package. Chief Fontaine responded that the schools are listed on the AFN website but this is not a finalized list – claims should still be filed and can still be paid.

For more information go the AFN website at http://afn.ca. To see the AFN, questions and answers link about the residential school settlement.

Watch for more stories about the Special Chiefs meeting in Ottawa this week by Cheryl Klassen and Brian Walmark

During the Chiefs briefing on the First Ministers Meeting Health Blueprint, there were plenty of questions and few answers for now.

Bill Erasmus, the co-chair on Health and Regional Chief O’Brien, and Saga Williams from the AFN promised to return on Wednesday with the answers.

The “Blueprint on Aboriginal Health: A 10 year transformative plan” was accepted by the Federal, Provincial governments and National Aboriginal Leaders.  There was initial concern from the provinces regarding off-loading by the federal government however, it was stressed that this was an “exercise of governance and recognizing jurisdictions of First Nations”.  The blueprint deals with new and existing federal initiatives.  It is a framework with guidelines – intended to be flexible to recognize regional differences.

The First Nation Framework includes several commitments:

• Recognition of First Nation jurisdiction in health
• Investing in First Nation health system
• Joint comprehensive review of First Nation health programs & services
• Strengthening the role and capacity of First Nation governments in delivering health services
• Addressing gaps in services.

5-year funding

• $870M – stabilize First Nation and Inuit Health System
• $445 M – Promote transformation/building capacity.  Bill Erasmus reports that there is no clear priorities for this pocket of funding.

Following this brief presentation a myriad of questions arose regarding priorities and assurance as the Federal government has not honoured the political accord.  Concerns regarding “The One Window Concept”, “Pan Aboriginal Approach”, or “Horizontal Aboriginal Framework” were expressed.  While questions regarding moving this forward to achieve policy were also presented.

The “recognition of regional differences” statement generated the following comment “a common approach is better than regional as it is divisive and causes AFN to act as the police”.

Generally participants expressed difficulty with understanding the Blueprint’s benefit to First Nations.  In addition, it is a difficult framework to implement.  Further discussions and meetings are planned.  The AFN has declared that it is responsible for membership wherever they reside including off-reserve.

No link available at this time for the Blueprint document.

Peter Garrow has not been the AFN Director of Education for very long, only four months, but he is already making waves.

Called out of retirement as the head of the Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education and taken away from his research to write a book about this grandmother who went to the American Supreme Court to fight for cross border commercial rights, Peter is once again fighting for better educational opportunities for First Nations children and youth in Canada.  “There is no room for empire building in education,” he told participants at the education workshop at the Special Chiefs Meeting in Ottawa this week.  “It must all start and remain at the community level,” he said.  He told the participants that communities need to regain control over jurisdiction and they need adequate resources.  He says the goal of the First Nations meeting on Aboriginal Affairs in Kamloops was designed to move towards those goals.

During the education briefing, he said that we need to support the teachers at First Nations schools.  He said at Akwesasne, sixty per cent of the teachers are community members.  The board has a good professional development policy and each teacher, Native or Non-Native, has a career plan.  “A good teacher is a good teacher,” he said.  “When you get a good one, you keep him.”

He says we need to encourage First Nations schools to partner with universities to provide science camps and create “back to the land” camping experiences with the communities.

He says communities need to feel a sense of ownership and pride in the local school.  “To do that, they need to control the jurisdiction of education.

Chief Natham Matthews, the co-chair of the AFN’s Chiefs Committee on Education, told the participants that First Nations are feeling pressure from the provinces.  “The provinces are providing education to off-reserve First Nations and Metis youth and they want a piece of the promised 1.8 Billion for education renewal.  Provincial schools are not doing a good job of educating our youth but many First Nations schools are doing worse.  We need to work together if we are going to get to a better place.”

David Paul Anepineskum, the Executive Director of Nishnawbe Aski Nation told the briefing that First Nations must do a better job of supporting our own institutions.  First Nations post secondary institutes need more resources and more students.  “We need to make our institutions a priority for future growth,” he said.

Peter wants more young people, women and Elders to participate in the various education tables that are currently under discussion including: band operated funding, special education and post secondary education.

Peter is a strong supporter of the proposed Keewaytinook Okimakanak Regional Digital Library.  He introduced Geordi Kakepetum, the Executive Director of KO to Chief David General, Grand Chief of the Six Nations Council who offered to move the library motion on behalf of KO.

While he was Director of Education with the Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education, Peter used IP videoconferencing supported by First Nations Schoolnet to connect his students with other First Nations students in Ontario.  He wants to work with Keewaytinook Okimakanak, the Regional Management Organization for Industry Canada in Ontario to create IP videoconferencing links with the AFN.  He says its an ideal alternative for effective meetings and cost and time reduction in travel.  “I saw what videoconferencing could do when I was in Akwesasne.”  While he was education director, Akwesasne participated in a number of meetings with other First Nations communities and universities including the founding meeting of Researching ICTs with Aboriginal Communities.

He is a strong support of ICTs in the classroom.  “If computers and access to the Internet means students coming to school on time and energized, I am all for it,” he said.

To see the AFN education action plan, click here.

Geordi Kakepetum, Executive Director of Keewaytinook Okimakanak, announced that Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations will attend the Christmas KO Chiefs meeting in Winnipeg next week. Additional details to follow.