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Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the appointment of James K. Bartleman as the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. A distinguished career diplomat, Mr. Bartleman is also a member of the Minjikanig First Nation of Ontario and the first Aboriginal to be named Lieutenant-Governor of the province. James Bartleman is one of Canada's most accomplished diplomats, with a record of serving in some of the most highly sensitive foreign affairs positions in the Canadian government. A member of the Minjikanig First Nation of Ontario, he has achieved the highest rank in the Foreign Service of any Canadian Aboriginal and is the first Aboriginal to be named Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. At the time of this appointment, Mr. Bartleman was Head of the Canadian Mission to the European Union. From 1994-98, he was Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister and Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Foreign and Defence Policy. Mr. Bartleman has also served as Director General, Bureau of Intelligence and Director General, Economic Intelligence Bureau at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. From 1998-99, Mr. Bartleman was High Commissioner to South Africa. From 1999-2000 he was High Commissioner to Australia. In 1990, he served in Brussels as Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the Canadian Joint Delegation to the North Atlantic Council. From 1981-83, he was Ambassador to Cuba. From 1986-90, he was Ambassador to Israel. In 1999, Mr. Bartleman received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award in the category of Public Service. Mr. Bartleman was born in Orillia, Ontario, and received his elementary and secondary education in Port Carling, Muskoka. He earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in History from the University of Western Ontario in 1963. He is married to Marie-Jeanne Bartleman and they have three children. PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555

Residents of Weagamow Lake, were quite happy with this year's activities. Which kicked off on December 1st till January 2nd. Everyone in the reserve participated in such events such as, radio games (also televised), sliding, and the skidoo train which drew half of the community. Kids watched along the streets of Weagamow as the Santa Claus parade began... Every year when Santa comes to Weagamow, he get's slimmer and slimmer .... (I wonder what he does?) For more about this years games and events be sure to check out the Wawatay news in the coming weeks.

The Creator has blessed our family with the most beautiful little Oji-Cree baby Girl. Lynaya Blue Jewell Mason dropped from Heaven, December 12, 2001 at exactly 9:59 p. m. She was 9 pounds and 7 ounces with a head full of hair. After being carefully looked over by mom and dad, they declared she looked just like her Kokum! Please don't call her "mini kokum" like proud cousin James does. Lynaya Blue will live in Keewaywin with her parents and extended family. She will spend her first Christmas in Deer Lake where her other grandmother lives. I am so jealous but it's my turn next Christmasl. She will not be sent to residential school at the age of six. Her father Blue Mason will probably teach her computer lingo before teaching her Oji-Cree. I have the strongest suspicion Grandpa Allan Kakepetum will teach her "Oji-Cree". (the good version, not the bad version) Grandma Nancy Kakepetum will teach her how to book her Bearskin flights out of Keewaywin. Grandpa Rennie Kakepetum will teach her how to operate the 8-tract digital recorder so, when she is older, she can record all his original music in his own home. Grandpa Lawrence Mason will always be on hand for her mental health and teach her how to dress appropriately. Uncle Kevin will teach her to play the guitar and give her lots of love. Most of all, her mother Kim and father Blue are very happy to have their little girl home for Christmas. I am not worried about her because Lynaya Blue has a lot of love from extended family in Keewaywin. That is what family is all about. I am a very proud Kokum. I want to extend a very Merry Christmas to everyone and have a Happy New Year. MiiQuetch!! ps. sorry I don't have any pictures yet.

The Aboriginal Harvest Church , which is located at the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School came on the last day to have Lunch with the Students. Many students and staff came and showed up for this last day of school. Everyone around had their face shining with a Big Smile, on their face. Pizza, Little Oranges, drinks to go along with that, Pop. Students await for the holidays as each one tell each other, What they have plans for this Christmas. The next Exams start in just awhile and after that the Students are asked to go to the Gym for a Meeting. All flights en route to our Northern Communities will be on Sunday, starting at 7:00 Am, And throughout the day. (Correction) The Miskegokamang Students will be leaving this Afternoon, And will not be on Sunday. Sorry for the Error that I wrote.

On Sunday December 16th students attending the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School will be heading back to their home communities. Communities such as Miskekogamang, Sandy Lake, Weagamow, Muskrat Dam, Bearskin Lake and all the surrounding communities are looking forward to seeing their young people again. On Monday December the 10th, the ISP (In School Program) held a feast for everyone including students, teachers and boarding home parents. Everyone had a very good time and each student recieved a gift from Santa even though he didn't make it there himself.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Business Award Winners Honoured The 11th annual Nishnawbe Aski Nation Business Awards event was held at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay on Thursday, November 29th, 2001. Hosted by Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF), the event honours the year's outstanding Aboriginal entrepreneurs, businesses, partnerships and organizations across northern Ontario. This year's winners are: Youth Entrepreneur of the Year (Award sponsored by FedNor) Alanna Toset, Anishinabek Computer Services, Muskrat Dam First Nation Business Man of the Year (Award sponsored by Wasaya Airways) George Whitehead, Owner, Chipia Lynx Head Camp, Webequie First Nation Business Woman of the Year (Award sponsored by Hydro One) Laureen Wassaykeesic, Laureen's Grocery and Gas Store, Mishkeegogamang First Nation Building Communities Award (Award sponsored by CMHC) David Winters, Mishkeegogamang First Nation Executive of the Year (Award sponsored by Bearskin Airlines) Albalina Metatawabin, Wakenagan CFDC Development Corporation of the Year (Award sponsored by Bell Canada) Moose Cree First Nation Development Corporation, Moose Factory First Nation Partnership of the Year (Award sponsored by Indian & Northern Affairs Canada) Kathy and Ryan Brady, Northern Outposts, Landsdowne House First Nation Over 400 people attended the awards dinner and ceremony to honour the winners. The event is also a fundraising effort for the Dennis Franklin Cromarty Memorial Fund. The fund was established in memory of a past Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation and President of NADF following his untimely death in 1993. The fund awards bursaries to young Native people to encourage them to strive for high academic standards in order to achieve their true potential. Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund is an Aboriginally owned and controlled organization delivering business and financial services and programs to the member First Nations in the Nishnawbe Aski region and northern Ontario. For more information concerning the awards event and the winners, please contact: Mr. Harvey Yesno, President, NADF at (807) 623-5397 or toll free at 1-800-465-6821. Email: hyesno@nadf.org or check NADF's website for more information www.nadf.org

The fourth annual Pikangikum Youth Hockey challenge is all ready to go on December 18, 19 and 20. Featured in this year's tournament is the all new ladies broomball challenge. Both events are still accepting entries. To date we have 7 confirmed teams. We are still hoping to have a couple more teams. Along with the tournament we have a couple of concerts, featuring "Metallica" and "Freebird" and a local band opening for the both of these headlinders. To top things off a "much music" dance for the community, and a couple of monster bingo sessions will be held. There will be other events going on around the community throughout the tournament. For more information or if you would like to make a financial contribution to this worthwhile cause, feel free to email me or call me (calling is better) @ 807-773-5578 (band office) or @ 807-773-5491 (home) after 4 pm. thank you Samson Keeper

On November 30, DFC ThunderHawks Hockey team were scheduled to play at the Pelican Falls First Nation's High School. But a traffic accident happened along highway 11/17 closing the highway and prevented the team from DFC to reach Sioux Lookout. Another date for this hockey game will be set up later.

Thunder Voice News - an aboriginal newspaper is in your area! Our goal in delivering to Northwestern Ontario First Nation Communities is to share positive news about First Nation & Metis peoples. Thunder Voice is published monthly in Winnipeg, Manitoba and delivered to Northwestern Ontario through Bearskin Airlines. Do you have an interesting story? The Editor, Phillip Paul-Martin is interested in hearing about positive community events and stories from your areas. To contact the Editor, call 1 (204) 774-5630 Interested in setting up an ad to send our readership? Our Sales Representatives, For business ads, can be reached by phoning; Alex Reid: 1 (204) 774-6665 Lucien Spence: 1 (204) 774-5628 Crystal Kakekagumick: 1(204) 774-5547 E-MAIL: thundervoice@mb.sympatico.ca

Thunder Bay - "When you graduate from school it will lead you to finding good jobs, and having a good life", said John George Kakekamic, A board Elder for N. N. E. C. During a visit at the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School on Wednesday, November 21. Elder John George Kakekamic, who has been working for N. N. E. C. for about 10 years, encouraged the students to stay in school. He also spoke about alcohol. He said, "I don't want you guys (students) to use alcohol. Alcohol builds lots of problems and it can ruin your education." "I want you to be happy; happy to be in school. A lot of times students don't graduate, that is one of the greatest thing you can get when you graduate. It will lead you to finding many good jobs, and having a good life. That is my hope, that you would graduate." said Kakegamic. Mr. Kakegamic who has the knowledge, travels to N. N. E. C. locations like Winnipeg, Ear falls, and Pelican Falls First Nation's High School in Sioux Lookout. He talks to students about how life was in his days and that now a days it has changed. Kakekamic said, "Sometimes I weep, because the students don't make it because of the problems they face. Whenever you go through trouble talk to someone, someone you trust. Don't keep it to your self. In the past students that were in trouble just got sent home. Today, it is different. Your parents and your grandparents expect you to stay in school and to finish your school." Kakekamic ended his speech with, "Now a days students everywhere use computers to learn, to get more Information." The school elder Johnny Tait, from Sachigo Lake, also talked to the students about staying in school, He said, "We're here because we care about the students, We want them to know that we're here to help." Tait, Who has been working with the N. N. E. C. since the school opened last year also said, "I don't want students to drink, because drinking ruins your education." Elder Stephen Kakepetum, of Sandy Lake came to check out the students, to see how they were doing. He spoke a few words then closed off with a prayer and blessed the food that the students had after the gathering.