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This week saw 32 hockey teams from First Nations across the Sioux Lookout Zone coming into Sioux Lookout to play their neighbouring communities. The web site (http://firstnationshockey.ca) hosted by Shibogama Technical Services is proving to be a popular place for fans to leave their congratulations for teams and players. Today the A and B side semi-finals and finals will determine who comes away as this year's champions.

CONGRATULATIONS to KINGFISHER LAKE for winning the A-side championship!!

Everyone who plays in this tournament comes away as champions because of the work and determination it takes to participate. Every year the caliber of hockey is improving with more young people having more access to the recreational facilities they need to properly prepare for this tournament. Hopefully in the next few years more First Nations across the region will be able to construct their own arenas and host their own tournaments (several are already doing this).

Join Global Vigil on March 16 - CENTENNIAL PARK, Sioux Lookout

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), MoveOn.org, and the Win Without War Coalition urge the people of the world to support Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s call for "A Global Candlelight Vigil for Peace" on Sunday (March 16).

On the verge of a US-led war against Iraq, we ask people around the world to share in a time of witness and prayer for peace—to show that there are two superpowers in the world:  the US Government and WORLD PUBLIC OPINION.

In the last months, we have petitioned local leaders and the UN; we have rallied by the millions; we have marched.  Now it is time for a solemn witness and display of our profound hope and our prayers for peace.

At  www.afsc.org and  www.globalvigil.org, you will find information on how to participate in or to organize a candlelight vigil in your area.

In the most countries, vigils are being scheduled for 7:00 p.m. local time.  In areas where it is not yet dark at 7:00 p.m., organizers are asked to hold their vigils at dusk.

Our goal is to create a moving curtain of light that rolls from the Pacific around the world.

Please share this message as widely as possible.

It is particularly important for there to be vigils in the member countries of the UN Security Council:  Angola, Bulgaria, Cameroon, China, Chile, France, Germany, Guinea, Mexico, Pakistan, The Russian Federation, Spain, The Syrian Arab Republic, The United Kingdom, and The United States.

We recognize that other people around the world are affected by violent conflicts—current, past, and imminent.  Signs calling generally for prayers or hopes for peace are fine.

To find a vigil in your area or to register a vigil that you are planning, go to  www.globalvigil.org .

For more information about planning a faith-based vigil, visit www.afsc.org, where you will also find extensive resources on the conflict with Iraq and global work for peace.

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization, which includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service.  Its work is based on the worth of every person, and faith in the power of Love to overcome violence and injustice.

Press Release

BREAK-THROUGH BEFORE NAFTA AND WTO – ARGUMENTS BY ENVIRONMENTAL AND INDIGENOUS GROUPS ACCEPTED

(Vancouver, British Columbia/ Thunder Bay, Ontario, March 13, 2003): In a precedent setting move the NAFTA tribunal accepted arguments by Canadian Aboriginal peoples and environmental groups in the ongoing dispute over Softwood Lumber countervailing duties. In January 2003, the WTO panel on Softwood Lumber also accepted indigenous and environmental submissions.

Grand Chief Leon Jordain, Grand Council of Treaty 3, a member of the Indigenous Network on Economies and Trade (INET), stated: "Our peoples are very proud of the acceptance of our submissions, which shows that Aboriginal proprietary interests and environmental concerns are taken seriously by international trade tribunals, where national governments often fail to take them into account or implement them." Similarly, Deputy Grand Chief Raymond Ferris of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, expressed his pleasure in the efforts of First Nations coming this far and expressed the intention of Nishnawbe Aski Nation to continue its efforts.

Aboriginal peoples and environmental groups intervened in the present Softwood Lumber Dispute because of the government’s continued failure to recognize Aboriginal Title or enforce environmental protections such as streamside buffers. The Canadian government has consistently opposed public interest organization participation in trade disputes, while making joint submissions with industry associations.

In NAFTA and WTO proceedings Canadian governments and industry misrepresented Canadian law arguing that stumpage paid by large companies holding tenure rights was not the price paid for Crown timber, but " akin to a tax," implying that the companies own the trees as they stand in the forest.

Arthur Manuel, Spokesperson of the Indigenous Network on Economies and Trade: "Aboriginal peoples are the stewards of the land and we also own the trees in our forests. What would British Columbians say if their government told them that all trees now belong to the companies? Yet this is the very argument Canada is secretly bringing before international trade tribunals both against the interests of Aboriginal peoples and the Canadian public as a whole."

Will Horter of the Dogwood Initiative, working with different public interest groups and Aboriginal peoples stated: "It is important our voices are heard, because Canada is trying to pass their administrative stumpage system that exploits the forest resource off as a competitive market system to the detriment of conservation and the overall economy."

Aboriginal peoples and environmental groups will continue to make substantive submissions to international trade tribunals in the Softwood Lumber Dispute, educating both the panel members and involved parties. They are confident that increasing international awareness of Aboriginal and environmental issues will also ensure that their interests are taken into account in political negotiations regarding Softwood Lumber.

For more information, please contact:
Arthur Manuel (INET): 250-319 0688
Will Horter (Dogwood Initiative): 250-370 9930
Grand Chief Leon Jordain (Treaty 3): 807-548 4214
Deputy Grand Chief Raymond Ferris (NAN): 807-623-8228

Nishnawbe Equay-Wug Broomball Tournament

  A - Side Champions       $12,000.00    with Trophy & Gold Medals

  A - Side Finalists            $6,000.00     with Trophy & Silver Medals

  B - Side Champions       $5,000.00      with Trophy & Bronze Medals

  B - Side Finalist              $3,000.00      with Trophy

"C - Side will be added if more then 20 teams enter"

New Deadline for late entries:  Monday March 24 2003 @ 10:00pm

For more information call: Marcel Mckay Head Coordinator

Work   (807) 537 - 2259     Home (807) 537 9955     Fax (807) 537 - 2547

or E-mail marcellmckay@knet.ca

CONFIRM TEAMS AS OF MARCH 13 2003

Webequie Queens, Pikangikum 2Extreme, Pikangikum Angels

      Eabametoong Northern Lights, Eabametoong Charlie's Angels, Neskataga

        Nibinamik Native Stars,  Nibinamik Wolverines,  Michikan Lake Stars

          Muskrat Dam Saints,  Rat Portage, Sachigo Lake, Sioux Lookout

                            Cat Lake  and    Kitchenuhmaykoosib Blazers

"We are talking to other teams but haven't confirmed as of yet"

Howard Hampton, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River and Leader of the NDP, presented Garnet and Peggy with the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for their outstanding contribution to our community, the region and the country. Check out the pictures of the gathering where everyone celebrated this special occasion.

Bearskin Lake 2nd Annual Youth Hockey Tournament

March 18, 19 & 20, 2003

Atoms Division (Ages 7-10)

Bantams Division (Ages11-14)

Note: 2 imports allowed

FOR FURTHER INFO, CONTACT:

• CHARLES BROWN (WORK) 2518/2598
• PERCY MEKENAK
• ROBERT MOSKOTAYWENE
• BARB FIDDLER(WORK)9804

This week's issue of Wawatay saw the first in a series of articles about First Nation's innovative use of ICTs being published. Check out these articles on-line.

Wild Country will now be offering email service to our valued customers.. you can reach us at wcountry@nwconx.net .... we also have available during the hours of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm instant messaging for those not able to get through the phone lines.. we are wildcountryair@msn.com .. hope to hear from you soon... thank you

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 19, 2003

Mushkegowuk Chiefs Offer Support to Grassy Narrows First Nation

(MOOSE FACTORY, ON) In response to a call for action, the Mushkegowuk Chiefs are eager to show support to Grassy Narrows First Nation on issues related to forestry. The Chiefs vow to continue supporting the blockades by the First Nations in Aroland, Ginoogaming and Hornepayne along with members of Constance Lake.

Grand Chief Ernest Beck said, "We must show the Ontario government that we are serious about Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and the government’s unwillingness to discuss these issues is intolerable."

This is another example of the Ontario government’s lack of consideration and support for First Nations initiatives. A private member’s bill, supported by the Mushkegowuk Council, was presented to parliament in December on revenue sharing and was defeated by the Conservative government. The Mushkegowuk Chiefs urge all First Nations to support the Grassy Narrows First Nation. Deputy Grand Chief Mike Carpenter said, "It is obvious that the Ontario government is not willing to work with us. We have no choice but to band together as First Nation people and support one another’s causes."

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For further inquiries, please call Grand Chief Ernest Beck at 705-658-4222.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2003

Third Blockade Erected in Ontario, New One in Hornepayne First Nation

(HORNEPAYNE, ON) In response to the stand First Nations are taking over failed relationships with the Ontario government on issues related to forestry (and other natural resources issues), Hornepayne First Nation, along with members of the Constance Lake First Nation have erected a blockade of their own and are at this time considering how long it will stand. Forestry operations have been blocked on Newman’s Road off Highway 631, 20 kilometers north of Hornepayne.

They do so to show their support and to raise awareness of the common issues shared by all First Nations impacted by forestry activities. Grassy Narrows First Nation, have been blocking a forest access road north of Kenora since December 3, 2002 and Aroland First Nation near Nakina who have been blocking highway 643 since February 12, 2003. At that time, Chief Sonny Gagnon of the Aroland First Nation called for "an unequivocal response from the Minister of Natural Resources and the Premier of Ontario on how they plan to address Grassy Narrows First Nation, and to deal with the subsequent blockade Aroland First Nation has erected." Hornepayne First Nation has now added their name to this list.

Again the First Nation regrets that the loggers and truckers have to bear the financial brunt of the Ontario government’s unwillingness to discuss the matter with First Nations, in a statement to the press Chief Laura Medeiros states, "Why do we have to fight for our lands and resources when our people once used to once roam this land freely? We are not opposed to resource development but stand fast in the position that it must be balanced by its impact to our rights."

Conflicts surrounding the content of Aboriginal and Treaty rights, as well as judicial determinations with respect to Treaties, have been greatly intensified since Aboriginal and Treaty rights were deemed Constitutionally protected in 1982. It seems that this controversy stems from the reality that control of natural resources inevitably engages the broader issue of Aboriginal rights to self-determination, which Chief Laura Medeiros states is "a topic Ontario is not ready to discuss, and the Canadian public may not be ready for." One clear example of this was the work undertaken by the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council and the New Democratic Party to present a motion in the House of Commons to discuss a process for revenue sharing with First Nations. This motion was quashed overwhelmingly by the Conservative government in a December 2002 sitting of parliament.

First Nations and other groups have undertaken other activities to show support for Grassy Narrows. On Monday February 24, 2003, 2^nd year Aboriginal Law and Advocacy Students from Negahneewin College of Indigenous Studies of Confederation College are planning a Day of Action at the Ryan Hall Cafeteria from 11:00 – 2:00 pm, and all are welcome to attend.

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Media Enquiries: Chief Laura Medeiros, Hornepayne First Nation (807) 868-2040