Media.Knet.Ca

Today, Nishnawbe Aski Nation lost a friend and warrior with the passing of Les Meekis.

Les Meekis was a friend to everyone he met. He was a good man who loved to joke and laugh with everyone, strangers and friends alike. He could tell a good story, sharing his experience and knowledge with others in such a way that captured everyone's attention. He would always stop whatever he was doing to listen to what others were saying.

He was the kind of man a friend or stranger could count on in a pinch. He had character and a sense of humour even when it was difficult to exhibit either.

He was a community member who never forgot his roots and never forgot who he was serving. He believed in all the people across the north, never doubting the strength and wisdom of the elders and their relationship to the land. He choose to work for his people and to be the kind of leader and worker that others respected. He knew how to get things done and why they needed to get done.

Brian Beaton put it best when he described him, “as a good friend to all.” Les passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer.

Les achieved much during his time with Keewaytinook Okimakanak. He began working with KO as the Outreach Worker when he was offered that challenge and the opportunity to work for the people he loved. When the Smart First Nations demonstration project began he willingly accepted the challenge to take on the Community Manager position to serve the KO communities in this new venture. As the Community Manager, Les was responsible for planning, establishing, coordinating and evaluating support services for the local community programs and services being developed and delivered as part of the Kuh-ke-nah project. Under this project he worked with community leaders and administration to recruit and support local community K-Net employees. Les also worked with other K-Net staff coordinating the planning and overseeing of identified training programs for First Nation e-Centre Managers, Computer Technicians and the Multi-media Producers. He provided training and support and most importantly positive encouragement for all.

As KO's Outreach Worker, Les worked with Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nations to identify local employment and training opportunities. This position provided Les with an in-depth knowledge and strong working relationship with community members and the First Nation leadership. From 1994 to 1999, Les worked as Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Far North Fire Management Training Co-ordinator, in partnership with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Les graduated in 1992 as a Forestry Technician from The Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Les will be missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered as a role model for fighting to protect Nishnawbe Aski, the land and the resources. He was a true and honourable warrior who fought the good fight all his life!

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Click here for a short video about some of Les' finer moments of sharing, teaching and laughing - thanks to George Ferreira for putting this together.

Community  Based Conflict Resolution training will be taking place in Sioux Lookout. We are hoping that workers from different First Nation organizations will take this opportunity to take part. Please pass on this information to any other organizations that you think may benefit. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us here at the Sioux Lookout Anti Racism Office at 737-1501 or by e-mail to wfox@bellnet.ca

Click here for a PDF copy of the registration form.

Click here to see the ad that will is appearing in 2 issues of the Sioux Bulletin and one issue of Wawatay.  Please forward this email on to your colleagues and friends. Please note that the course is free.

Click here for a copy of the poster.

Please stay tuned for materials related to the Youth Restorative Justice Program Mediation Skills Development Course and the Workshop on Dealing with Conflict in the Workplace.

Have a great day!.

Don DeGenova
REsolve Project Manager
Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee
Sioux Lookout  807-737-7492
Ottawa 819-595-8572
Cell 613-298-0551

Government of Canada Invests $9.45 Million for New School in Sachigo Lake First Nation

SACHIGO LAKE FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (October 12, 2005) - Kenora MP Roger Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today the official opening of the new Martin McKay Memorial School in Sachigo Lake First Nation. The announcement was made at a ceremony at the school today.

"Aboriginal youth are poised to make a significant contribution to Canada's society and economic growth, but must have the education and skills needed to succeed." said Mr. Valley. "This school is an excellent example of the working partnership that the federal government and First Nations are building in order to improve lifelong learning opportunities for Aboriginal Canadians."

The new 2,381-square-metre community school, offering Kindergarten through Grade 12 programming, is expected to accommodate approximately 210 students. The new school contains a total of eight classrooms, a computer room, a library, a gymnasium and shower facilities, as well as play areas for kindergarten and elementary students. INAC provided $9.45 million to Sachigo Lake First Nation, which managed design and construction of the school.

Chief Alvin Beardy said he's pleased with the new facility. "Bringing all our students together under one roof, and allowing them to finish high school in the community, will help our youth become better prepared to contribute to the growth and strength of the First Nation, of Ontario and of Canada."

The Sachigo Lake First Nation is located approximately 420 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout, Ontario. The First Nation has a total of 720 members, with approximately 460 residents living on the reserve. It is accessible by air year-round, and by ice road during the coldest months of the winter.

- 30 -

This release is also available at: http://www.inac.gc.ca

For further information, please contact:

Tony Prudori
Acting Senior Information Officer
INAC Communications
(807) 624-1531

Chief Alvin Beardy
Sachigo Lake First Nation
(807) 595-2527

NEWS RELEASE

Tuesday October 4, 2005 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

NAN SUPPORTS KAKEGAMIC WALK FOR JUSTICE

KENORA, ON:  Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic, together with Margaret and Isaac Kakegamic, Grand Council Treaty 3 Chief Ken Skead, and community members of North Spirit Lake First Nation gathered in Kenora, Ontario today to raise awareness of the prolonged criminal investigation of the death of Max Kakegamic and launch a legal fund and coroner’s inquest focused on moving the case forward. 

“We’re raising awareness not only for ourselves and our own quest for justice, but for all the others across the lands of the First Nations,” said Margaret Kakegamic - the mother of Max Kakegamic who was killed in Kenora October 4, 2000. “I cannot explain how saddening and frustrating it is that five years after our son’s death no one is currently being tried for his murder.  It is now time for us to take further action for justice.”

About forty people participated in a commemorative walk from Kenora Police Services to the corner of Matheson and 3rd Streets South where Kakegamic was killed five years ago today.

During a news conference at Matheson and 3rd Streets parents Margaret and Isaac Kakegamic launched the Max Kakegamic Justice Fund that will assist the family in securing a lawyer to further the investigation. 

“This Justice Fund will allow myself and my husband to seek legal consultation and develop a strategy to further our case,” said Margaret Kakegamic.  “In addition to our own local fundraising, assistance from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal individuals and organizations across the region, will put us in a position to carry our case forward and get the answers we deserve, not only as a grieving family, but as a People.” 

The Anishnaabe Peace and Justice Coalition in Kenora is accepting contributions to the Max Kakegamic Justice Fund. 

The family also announced their request for a coroner’s inquest that they hope will eventually lead to a public inquiry into the case. 

The hearing for one of two Kenora Police Services officers charged with misconduct in relation to the death investigation and charging of Justin Carambetsos – the original murder suspect - was recently rescheduled to January 2006. 

* * *

For more information please contact:

Jenna Young                                                   
Communications Officer
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
(807) 625 4952 (807) 628 3953 (cellular)

from http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com./story.php?id=188517

Call for coroner’s inquest
There were tears of pain and tears from the cold wind at Tuesday’s Kakegamic Walk for Justice, but everyone present shared a unity of purpose that kept every heart warm.

By Ryan Crocker
Miner and News
Wednesday October 05, 2005

There were tears of pain and tears from the cold wind at Tuesday’s Kakegamic Walk for Justice, but everyone present shared a unity of purpose that kept every heart warm.

About 40 people participated in the event, which paid tribute to Max Kakegamic, who was murdered five years ago, his body dumped on a street corner. It opened with speeches and a ceremony outside the Kenora police station, followed by a commemorative walk to the intersection of Matheson and 3rd streets, where Kakegamic was found.

“We’re raising awareness not only for ourselves and our own quest for justice, but for all of the others across the lands of the First Nations,” said Margaret Kakegamic, Max’s mother.

“I cannot explain how saddening and frustrating it is that five years after our son’s death no one is currently being tried for his murder. It is now time for us to take further action for justice.”

The family has requested a coroner’s inquest they hope will eventually lead to a public inquiry, something that usually takes a lot of hard lobbying over a long period of time to secure.

Margaret Kakegamic, with her husband at her side, also announced the launch of the Max Kakegamic Justice Fund, which will pay for a lawyer to represent the family and further the investigation.

The Anishnaabe Peace and Justice Coalition is accepting contributions for the fund.

“The justice fund will allow myself and my husband to seek legal consultation and develop a strategy to further our case,” she said.

“In addition to our own local fundraising, assistance from aboriginal and non-aboriginal individuals and organizations across the region will put us in a position to carry our case forward and get the answers we deserve, not only as a grieving family, but as a people.”

The ceremony ended with a solemn row of participants placing cedar and flowers on a concrete block, building a makeshift memorial. The cedar is tremendously important to aboriginals because it represents, above all else, strength.

Strength certainly didn’t seem to be in short supply as Isaac and Margaret Kakegamic thanked everyone for taking the time to show their support and helping in the healing process. They ask the residents of Kenora to keep the pressure on, and help them find a sense of closure.

For more information and links about past marches and articles about the Max Kakegamic case CLICK HERE

http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com./story.php?id=188770

Regional chief optimistic about First Minister’s meeting
Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse is hoping to see federal funds soon for First Nations health and housing, as well as education and economic development.

By Mike Aiken
Miner and News
Thursday October 06, 2005

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse is hoping to see federal funds soon for First Nations health and housing, as well as education and economic development.

He’s also optimistic about the release of compensation for residential school survivors by March 31, 2006.

And all this money should go directly to band councils, he said Wednesday, during his visit to Big Grassy.

“Get it to the communities. That’s where it’s going to make the most impact,” he said.

Toulouse was selected in June to replace Charles Fox, who resigned early. He visited Treaty 3’s fall session of the National Assembly as part of consultations before the First Ministers’ Meeting on aboriginal affairs Nov. 25 in Kelowna, B.C.

The $700 million in aboriginal health money has been in the pipeline since the 2004 federal budget, and is supposed to flow to communities before the end of the year, according to Health Canada.

Similarly, $1 billion for aboriginal housing is in the works, Toulouse said.

“There’s still some hurdles that need to be overcome,” he acknowledged, noting one of the sticking points is the distribution of financing to bands in third party administration.

The regional chief is also taking up the torch on revenue sharing, and he spoke of renewing efforts to bring back Bill 97, which was quietly killed by the government earlier this year after it stalled in committee at second reading.

“In all our treaties, it speaks to revenue sharing agreements. We must have these treaties honoured,” he said.

A new $5-billion daycare agreement between the federal and provincial government also leaves room for optimism, as groups like the Sioux Lookout Area Management Board spell out how this new money could be used in Treaty 9 to alleviate some of their urgent needs.

Despite a population explosion in the North, 90 per cent of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is without facilities, he said, criticizing the obvious discrepancies between northern and southern Ontario.

Toulouse also supported efforts to use provincial employees to help with the assessment of special needs on First Nations in Treaty 3, as long as it was clear who had the authority and jurisdiction, he cautioned.

With regards to youth, Toulouse noted the need for action on issues of importance to the new generation.

“It’s not all a lost cause,” he said, noting young people are part of the present, not just the future.

Toulouse will also hold consultations with chiefs at the end of the month in Toronto, before heading west in November. The First Ministers’ Meeting is described as the culmination of the prime minister’s aboriginal roundtable process, which started in April 2004.

Assembly of First Nations Bulletin

AFN Residential School Survivors Update - September 23, 2005

More information can be found on the AFN’s website at www.afn.ca  

As you know, on May 30 2005, the Assembly of First Nations signed a Political Agreement with the Federal Government regarding the speedy resolution of all residential school issues. Over the past two months we have been actively involved in negotiations with the Federal Government’s appointed representative, former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci. As part of those negotiations, the AFN called for an immediate payment for the sick and elderly, a lump sum payment for all individuals who attended residential schools, and a better method of obtaining further compensation for those who are survivors of sexual or physical abuse. Those negotiations have not been concluded. It is not clear what the final agreement will look like.

We remain optimistic that a fair and just resolution of all issues will be reached. We are encouraging all parties at the negotiation table to be fair and to work hard toward reaching an agreement before March 31, 2006. This is the date set by the Political Agreement by which Frank Iacobucci must report to Cabinet with a settlement proposal.

One of the questions we are frequently asked is whether survivors, who have not yet hired a lawyer, should do so in order to be included in the settlement. The answer is no. The negotiated settlement, if successful, will apply to all former students (whether they have a lawyer or not), and will entitle all former students to receive a lump-sum compensation.

You do not need to hire a lawyer in order to ‘qualify’ for the lump-sum payment, if such a payment will be awarded. The AFN strongly recommends that individuals who have not yet hired a lawyer, wait to do so until the issues relating to the settlement are finalized.

If and when a settlement is reached, the AFN will provide all communities and survivor groups with information about whether a lawyer should be hired, and about legal fees. The AFN is working hard to ensure that if a settlement is reached, it would result in fair fees and equal treatment to all former students.

Many of you have already hired a lawyer. It is important to understand that as a client, you are the boss, and you have the final say on all matters that relate to your case. Your lawyer must act in your best interest, and must inform you, on an ongoing basis what your options are, so you can make the correct decisions.

We thank you for your support and patience as we proceed through negotiations for a fair and just resolution of the Indian Residential School legacy.

___________________________________________________________________ Assembly of First Nations - 473 Albert Street, 8th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 5B4 | www.afn.ca

ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY Resolution no.  14/2005

July 5, 6 & 7, 2005, Yellowknife, NWT  

SUBJECT: ANNUAL FIRST NATIONS WOMEN’S DAY

MOVED BY: Chief Patricia Sparvier, Cowessess First Nation, SK

SECONDED BY: Chief Maureen Chapman, Skawahlook First Nation, BC

DECISION: Carried By Consensus

WHEREAS First Nations women have contributed to the success, livelihood and survival of our communities; and

WHEREAS it is important for people in our communities to support and recognize the need to acknowledge and honor First Nations women; and

WHEREAS AFN Resolution 111/2004 was passed at the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly held on December 7-9, 2004 in Ottawa, Ontario which declared 2005 to be the Year of First Nations Women; and

WHEREAS the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chiefs-in-Assembly passed a resolution, on June 8, 2005, to recognize 2005 as the Year of the First Nations’ Woman; and

WHEREAS the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission and their Advisory Circle has recommended that as part of the legacy of the Year of the First Nations’ Woman, October 5, 2005 be declared as the first annual First Nations Women’s Day.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AFN Chiefs-in-Assembly support October 5, 2005 to be declared the first annual First Nations Women’s Day.

Langreen hands over keys to Chief Raymond Mason

SIOUX LOOKOUT FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY

The Sioux Lookout Anishinabe District Health Plan: What we have done and need to do?

What is the District Health Plan?

The District Health Plan is a planning project funded by the Province of Ontario and Health Canada through March 31, 2006. The goal is to provide better access to coordinated health services.

What we have done?

• Working groups have been established to ensure your voice is heard.
• 385 individuals in 26 communities have participated in a survey about health needs in community. You have told us that –
• The major health priorities are: diabetes and its complications; asthma and respiratory conditions; addictions; heart disease; and mental health.
• The causes of poor health include: lifestyle factors such as change in or poor diet, lack of exercise; and loss of traditional lifestyle; environmental issues such as pollutants, mold and dust; self-destructive behaviors such as excessive alcohol intake and drug abuse.
• This information is being used to plan services for the communities.
• 168 health workers responded to a survey about the available health services.
• Health Canada, the Province of Ontario and the physicians are committed to and working with us to make this plan a success.
• We have looked at the work of other Aboriginal communities who have come together to provide better health services to their communities.
• We have reached consensus on our vision, mission, and principles for the primary health care system.

What needs to be done?

A tight timeline lies ahead to complete the design and implementation plan. The work includes:

• Planning what services are provided and where.
• Identifying the team of health care providers, what they do, where they work and how they work together.
• Negotiating the physician agreements to ensure access and stable funding.
• Determining how we will govern this health system.
• Determining the financial and human resource requirements to make the system work.
• Developing a district health plan for the reinvestment of federal savings.
• Designing the implementation plan.

For more information or to provide feedback contact the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority at 1-800-842-0681 and ask for the Communication Coordinators. Anna Mckay or Joe Beardy or email anna.mckay@nodin.on.ca and joe.beardy@nodin.on.ca    Any input is welcomed, please share anything that you think is important in regards to health.